No Other Place

Michael E. Wood

August 20, 2017

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 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. 2 Peter 1:2-7


“… the transcendent excellency of this life of communion with God: it is the life of our life, the joy of our hearts; a heaven upon earth,”


“It is the instrument of mortification, and the most excellent and successful instrument for that purpose in all the world.”


“A temptation overcome this way is more effectually subdued than by all the vows, resolutions, and external means in the world.” John Flavel, The Works of John Flavel, Volume 4, pages 250, 253, 254

Lay hold of Him through promises made

Which do not change nor do they fade.

And more secure we cannot be

Than when we first by grace believe.

Oh, venture then in every place

To please Him who has shown His face

Of glory in the Christ, the Lord,

Jesus, who thus wields the sword

Of truth which renders such effect

To slay remaining sin subject

To death and must be laid to rest

As we draw near our Savior’s breast.

Commune with Him as He with you

Will show transforming power to,

And demonstrate to those around

No other place can grace be found.

With Me

Michael E. Wood
August 18, 2017

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1

As children of the living God all His promises are Yeah and Amen through the finished work of Christ. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is with us always and yet we may find ourselves struggling with the conscience awareness of His presence at times. While sitting in Sunday school at Beacon Baptist Church these words began to roll and then came to an abrupt stop and thus I sit this little poem to the side for nearly two weeks. Knowing I had a little extra time after some time in the Word and prayer I decided to pick it back up and here is the result.

You are with me in my studies as my mind I must submit

To the wisdom You alone can give to know that which is fit

To transform me as a vessel through which You alone may speak

By the power of Your Spirit to bring forth some who will seek-

To know You as the Father as the One who qualified

Every member of the body through the Son who for us died.

And You sent the Holy Spirit both to birth and then to teach

Every part for Your own glory, till the day we all shall reach

The apex of maturity which only shall be seen

In its, fullness as the ages show the fruit that You did glean

Through the Vine of Your own planting, that great Truth through which You shine

Forth the Light that’s everlasting in the midst of all of Thine.

Through Him Alone!

Michael E. Wood

May 19, 2017    

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  Psalm 25:1-5

 

Pleasing the Father is perhaps the greatest reward for obedience to His commands; made possible through the merit of Christ alone for the glory of God alone.

Oh, let my satisfaction be

To know that You are pleased.

To walk within Your faithful paths

As one who once was seized

From depths of sins dominion

By Your Righteous Holy Arm

Transported by Your Spirit

Where no devil can now harm.

The truth that though I may not be

All You before designed,

I am and shall forever have

A heart in which You shined

The light of glory in the face

Of Jesus Christ, my Lord

Who paid the price of which

No other ever could afford.

Through Him alone we’re qualified

As sons who once bore shame,

Forever to proclaim the praises

Of Your Holy Name!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

May 18, 2017

Over the last seven years it has been my tradition to write a poem for our anniversary.  Though there were some lines that came to mind last night, they never completely gelled.  My good intentions have been disrupted you might say with the business of getting some things done around our new place of abode in preparation for my wifey's arrival here in North Carolina next week.

So, to my surprise and delight she wrote one and we rejoice together in the goodness of God.

Here it is ....

"Sweet Kisses" on my husband's face
Although he's far away
He calls me every morning
before I start my day.

At 5 am, it's 8 am

My phone begins to ring

Three messages delight my heart

A Song he picks to sing

A morning prayer, A Bible verse

The sweetest sounds I've heard

I hold the phone close to my ear

And hang on every word.

I love this man with all my heart

We're very strange, it's true

But seven years ago today

God knew just what to do.

No one really understood

The weirdness that is me

Until I met my Michael

And he let me, be me!

God took two wacky people

Three thousands miles apart

And joined us both together

But, that was just the start!

Sweet Kisses on his handsome face

We're very strange it's true

But strange is good, and weird is fine

When there are two of you!

After seven years of marriage

It gets clearly every day

How blessed I am that this sweet man

Loves me anyway!

So husband, as I close these lines

Although we're far away

Sweet Kisses on your handsome face

I love you more each day!

Happy 7th Anniversary Husband!

Dianna Lynne Wood

To Your Praise

Michael E. Wood

April 21, 2017

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 
  Is. 55: 6-11

For those of us whom God has given the capacity to both read and comprehend His Word to some degree, we can easily find ourselves reading passages repeatedly with a disciplinary mindset.  This is not bad but if we are not careful we can very well find that in the habit of reading we are doing just that, reading out of habit rather than seeking to know Him and desiring to see His face in the reading.  While our heavenly Father is pleased to see, us reading His infinite Word, and has promised it will not return void but will accomplish that for which He has sent it, the benefits which we receive through reading are greatly increased as we are empowered by His Spirit to hear His voice through the scriptures and enabled to do what He says to the praise of His glory.

Words of glory, words of grace

Help me through them seek Your face.

Not mere duty but with glee

Brighten more my eyes to see

The wonders now of who You are

My Jesus, My bright Morning Star.

In seeing more, Oh, make me then

Renewed in mind so that within

The change will wholly demonstrate

You save for Your own glory’s sake.

So now in time and end of days

Oh, may my life be to Your praise.

Taste of Heaven

Michael E. Wood
April 8, 2017

And they ate and drank before the LORD on that day with great gladness.
I Chronicles 29:22

While simply reading several portions of scripture as my normal portion for the day, the thoughts of this poem came to mind. I am fairly certain lingering thoughts from the preaching of Pastor Mark Webb at Beacon Baptist Church for the annual Spring Bible Conference had an impact on the resultant lines and they have a special place in being written as the first poem in our new place of abode in Burlington, N.C.  The preceding text of scripture is aptly appropriate and was read after the poem was written. How Great is our God, to confirm us as we go. To Whom is all the praise.

Oh taste of heaven in my heart
Which You by grace through Christ impart,
And all the glory goes to Thee,
Oh, Father through that matchless tree.
Though simple now these lines profess
The gift of Thine own holiness
Which by Your Spirit, You conform
Each child of Thine to be the norm,
To be like Christ in every thought,
Transformed to live as we are brought
Into Thy kingdom of the light
To show Thy glorious beauty bright.

While reading through Thy Holy Word
These thoughts of joy did thus occur.
Oh, take from us the frothiness
And fill with solid comforts bliss,
That we may honor as we stand
For truth, protected by Thy hand.
And help us see the open doors
By which Your Spirit thus out-pours
The Gospel to a dying land
Till all of Yours before You stand!

His Grace is Sufficient for me (Chorus)

Michael E. Wood
March 14, 2017

Sometimes simplicity is the best translator of eternal truth and this little chorus which came to mid is proof .

His grace is sufficient for me today.
His grace is sufficient for me.
Christ hath redeemed me from sin and shame.
His grace is sufficient for me.

The Providential Hand of God

Michael E. Wood

March 13, 2017

While God has shown Himself faithful to do abundantly above all Dianna and I could ask or think, He has likewise revealed wisdom in withholding things in the past to provide for things both in the present and for the future in relation to the temporal things that we have need of.  How much more are we enabled by His Spirit to trust Him for those things we need to be consistent in proclaiming His greatness both in the present and to future generations.

The providential hand of God by all who see is seen,

The glory of His majesty, and on Him wholly lean.

Tis seen by those who do not know and do not understand

His glory is the reason He controls with His own hand

The movements of His people for the gospel to be known

Both in and through and to all those whom Christ has made His own.

Oh, that we might with humble hearts and firm affections go

Where e’er He leads from day to day as soldiers made to grow

In strength to strengthen others for the battles yet to fight

That Christ be magnified to show the power of His might.

For of Him, through Him, to Him may the glory ever be

Expressed through songs of praise to God for all eternity.

To Jesus (a Christmas Poem)

Michael E. Wood

December 19, 2016

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Philippians 2:5-8

Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:13-14

What do you think of when you think of Christmas? Going into debt, to buy things that may not be appreciated by those who receive them? Are you focused on the giving and receiving of gifts? Are you in angst about dinner parties or family gatherings? Do you think it’s all about the children? Or do you really think of Him, who emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men?

When we think of Jesus in any fashion, whether it be His preexistence as God the Son or His incarnation as the son of man; fully God and fully man, we should be humbled by the very thought of Him who gave himself for our sins. In our contemplation's of Him we should be changed from glory to glory. Obviously, this can only happen if we have been born again. Through our union with Him by the power the Holy Spirit and the instruction of His revealed will through the Word of God we are given the understanding of this unspeakable gift we have been given. For from Him and through Him, and for Him are all things, to Whom be all the glory both now and forevermore.

All creation points to Jesus; Son of God and son of man.

Even Adam in his forming was a type to show God’s plan.

Now the angel’s proclamation clearly seen by all who see

Glory in the incarnation of the Christ who set us free.

For His Name’s sake, God did send us such a Savior, humbly born,

Living life that we have failed to, cursed, rejected, bearing scorn.

Yet He stumbled not by seeing joy beyond that rugged cross,

Offering Himself completely to redeem us from our loss.

Now in heaven, how amazing and in hearts of all of those

Who are joined as one abiding in the knowledge, He arose!

Oh, to grace, how great a debtor, mercies fruit both you and I

If we’ve humbly bowed before Him, Jesus Christ, who reigns on high.

For the glory of the Father is more worth than all of men

And the hearts of all who love Him shout His praise who has no end!

Invasion of the Morning Glories

Michael E. Wood

August 16, 2016

When we look at God’s creation do we enjoy it for its own beauty’s sake without considering the God who created it, or what elements of His truth He may convey through His Word to understand it?  Morning Glories blossom and fade in a day. God declares to us by His Spirit through His word, “for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:24-25  Put all mankind together in the light of eternity and we are but like the grass of the field that withers and whatever natural beauty we may have is like the flower that falls. The good news for all who look to Christ and live is that He clothes us with the beauty of His righteous robes which fade not away, but rather display His infinite glory forever!

The invasion of the morning glories

Now in full array

Show forth some facets of the beauty

Of our God’s display,

To cause us to delight in Him through

Whom all things were made

And wonder at the privilege

He gives to them He bade.

Oh, Come and worship Him for Whom

Your hearts were made to know

And longingly look in His face

By which we’re made to grow

Into the likeness He knew best

Would bring such joy and peace;

For Jesus only, through the cross

Makes sin and death to cease.

So as we, like the morning glories

Peak and fade so quick,

Oh, Help us Great Physician

Look to You who heals the sick!

The Rest

Michael E. Wood

July 31, 2016

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!   

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, Psalm 95:1-2, 7

 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1:2

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, Hebrews 3:7

 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Hebrews 4:4-5

Psalm 95 can be divided into two distinct parts. We are given an invitation to worship the LORD in verses 1-7 and then a warning against unbelief in verses 7-11. Whether we come before Him individually or especially as in the context of this Psalm assembling together with the people of God, we are to come joyfully, thankfully, humbly; believing the good news that Christ alone enables us by the power of the Holy Spirit to enter the presence of God to worship Him.

While researching and contemplating the authorship of this Psalm, the following came to mind.

The voice of the Father, the voice of the Son,

The voice of the Spirit, the great three in One;

His Word now declares as He speaks from on high

To humble our hearts and rejoice to draw nigh

To give Him the praise and with thankfulness lift

Our voices as one though we tend now to drift

With our doubts and our fears, but exhorted to seek

His presence, our Savior, who Shepherd’s His sheep.

For we are His people and graze in His land,

The pastures of promise till with Him we stand.

So help us, Oh Father, endure every test

With joy now with Jesus who gives us the rest

To see You Are my Prize!

Michael E. Wood

July 10, 2016

Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers?  If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:16-19

It is absolutely amazing how many ways we can be distracted from seeing clearly by faith things that are above. The psalmist, while longing and crying out to the LORD God to bring an end to the wicked, is enabled to see how God uses the wicked to bring correction to His people resulting in our ultimate blessedness. He understood that the LORD would never forsake or abandon His people. Martin Luther closed out his song “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” with these words, “The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.”

As the psalmist bore witness to the murder of widows, sojourners and the fatherless, by those who were foolish enough to think the LORD neither sees nor perceives, he faces the immanent prospect of meeting the same end. He is in this case delivered not only from death but from his own fears and cares by the providence and unchanging love of our Sovereign God. In the midst of a multitude of distractions the consolations of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit cheer his soul. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Does He not bring consolation to your soul?

Frustrations, doubts, and fears arise

And cause me to forget

Priorities You give to me

And by Your Word You set

Each thing in order as You please

Beyond what I can see

For when I think, “I slip”, Oh LORD,

Your promise then will be

The truth of steadfast love upholding

Me when I would fall.

As only You could answer as

You will before I call.

And when I am distracted by

The cares which blind my eyes,

Your consolations cheer my soul

To see You are my Prize!

Accepting Correction

Michael E. Wood

June 23, 2016

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.     Psalm 94:12-15

There is a brand of so called Christianity in our current culture which promotes everything as positive and encouraging rather than Biblical and balanced. The writer to the Hebrews tells us not to regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives. He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. While in the process of being disciplined it seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

The psalmist being carried along by the same Holy Spirit records for our learning, the blessedness of the one whom the LORD disciplines. Though He has various means by which He can bring about discipline in our lives the context of the passage seems to point to God’s use of the wicked to bring about this discipline, and thus displays His Sovereign power and providential use of all things for the good of His people and the praise of His glory.

Let us continually be learning and putting into practice the habit of giving Him thanks in all things while trusting Him with all our hearts, and not leaning on our own understanding.

Do we now build our lives on our comfort and ease

Imagining somehow that God is well pleased?

But then in a moment when things are all changed

Through circumstance, turmoil, and lives rearranged;

We question His goodness, and kindness, and love,

Not seeing that all things are sent from above

To mold us and make us like a Potter the clay.

Are we hardened or nimble for shaping that day?

For He in His mercy sees better than we,

Designing each detail to drive to the knee,

*Accepting correction to know and commune

With Him in His sweetness like finest perfume

Perfecting His praise in a life offered up

Through Jesus who drank of the bitterest cup.

Oh, none can imagine the extent of His pain

That He bore to remove our gross sin and our shame,

But not only that, to present without fault

The church as His bride, one with Him to exalt

The glory and praise God alone has, as due.

Oh, Help us, Dear Father, to magnify You!

*Footnote: In printing this out for a hard copy distribution, Dianna pointed out to me that I had originally used EXCEPTING ( a preposition - used in the sense of apart from or excluding, also used as a conjunction at times) instead of ACCEPTING ( a verb - used in the sense of agree to or receiving something without saying no). The two words sound similar and can be easily confused, but my, what a difference a single word can make. Thus, it seems appropriate to receive correction even in the writing of this poem.

Congratulations!

Michael E. Wood
June 3, 2016



It's that time of year here in the U.S.A., wherein many of us know someone or several that have arrived at a certain level of academic achievement. Some of us who have been down the path of formal education or not, like to encourage others (often family members) in their accomplishments by sending cards and or a small money gift to celebrate. Dianna had a niece who graduated from high school this year and was able to find a couple of cards appropriate for the occasion. I on the other hand, for various reasons didn't find one for a niece who graduated on my side of the family, but The LORD was very gracious in using Dianna to help put together a hand made card and the following came to mind:

 Hi Lauren,

My, how the years have flown
               and you have grown
in stature, and wisdom, and knowledge.

May your aim be true
                in all that you do
As you apply what you know now
                                      in college.

May the LORD be pleased
        to give grace for your needs,
His faithfulness shown from above,
     
His presence to know
      As forward you go
We pray that you walk in His love.

Congratulations!   Michael & Dianna

Use of our Time Aright

Michael E. Wood

April 3, 2016

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Oh, the sweetness that is ours in knowing like Moses that the Lord has been our dwelling place in all generations. He who is from everlasting to everlasting God has pronounced a number of judgments since the fall of mankind in the garden including the return of man to the dust of the ground. Ps. 90:3 While being brought into the understanding of the eternality of God we are likewise brought into the understanding of the brevity of our temporal lives on earth, so that we are inclined by the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ alone to ask for our Father’s guidance in using every day He gives to the praise of His most majestic, infinite glory.

Oh, how may we use of our time aright

To show of your goodness and show of Your might?

But with words that You give by Your Spirit of light,

Petitions You hear through Christ Jesus the sight

Of which You behold, ever pleased with Your Son.

Oh, make us like Him as Your people of One,

Chosen to know and be known with the view

To Him be the glory, who makes all anew.

Though Storm Clouds Arise

Michael E. Wood

March 15, 2016

 A few years back I began to notice signs on our highways here in California which read, “Severe Drought, Conserve Water”. This actually opened Gospel opportunities as I would ask individuals, why the signs don’t say “Severe Drought, Pray for Rain”. With the recent El Nino effect in our region we have had a recent abundance of rain, which led to posting the following excerpt.

“Drenched by 'March Miracle,' Northern California reservoirs inch toward capacity

Los Angeles Times Joseph Serna Contact Reporter March 14, 2016 6:38 PM

A series of storms pushed California’s biggest reservoir past its historical average for mid-March this weekend and put the second largest one on track for doing the same by Monday afternoon, officials said.

Together the Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville reservoirs have the capacity to hold more than 8 million acre feet of water and after a wet weekend in Northern California, they were 79% and 70% full, respectively, by Monday morning, according to the state Department of Water Resources.

Some people have referred to the recent series of powerful storms that have dumped rain and snow on the Sierra as the “March Miracle.”

The storms filled Lake Shasta above its average for this time of year and by 4 p.m. Monday; Lake Oroville surpassed its historic average, said DWR spokesman Doug Carlson. Lake Shasta is the state's largest reservoir.

“It’s happened a little quicker than I personally thought,” Carlson said. “It would appear the [seasonal storms] have really achieved what they historically do, which is deliver a lot of rainfall to the mountains.”

Neither reservoir has reached its historical average in nearly three years, data show.

“I don’t know if people here will be dancing in their cubicles when [Oroville] hits the historic average, but it will be the first time it’s done that for the duration of the drought. That is reason to be joyous,” Carlson said.”

Though the outcome in general is an occasion for celebration, there have likewise been a number of ill effects upon some due to mudslides, downed trees, etc. The day in and day out downpours have also had an impact on schedules for some and simple necessities of others. Some also have difficulty in comprehending the fact that the sun is still shining above the clouds.

These are reminders for us as followers of Christ that when we undergo personal storms in our journey through this life, God is always working all things for our good and His infinite glory.

Though storm clouds arise

And veils from our eyes

The beauty that shines from Your face,

Your witness within

Though we feel a chagrin*,

Gives promise; the reign of Your grace,

With abundant supplies

As Your Spirit applies

Beyond all we think or expect.

For more than we hope

With Your glory the scope,

In holiness, work to perfect

Your image in all,

As prostrate we fall;

Your church, to the praise of Your Name.

You are our strength

Oh, show in the length

Your love for the spread of Your Fame!

*chagrin: a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation (or rejection)

Happy Birthday Mom

November 23, 2015

Michael E. Wood

Realizing I haven’t posted anything in awhile I thought I would begin the New Year with a recent personal memory poem.

More than a card is a memory shared

To lighten the load of the burdens you've bared

And trust that with joy you will see in the light

Of eternity things that will bring great delight.

Investments of time in family and friends

Some thought forgotten but will with their ends

Show forth the love given over the years

The fruit of true faith as you've sown with your tears.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Thank you for your investment in me,

Michael

Fill Mine Eyes

Michael E. Wood

August 25, 2015

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.  O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!   Psalm 84:11-12

“Temporal mercies are chiefly to be desired for the sake of spiritual, but spiritual mercies for themselves, and not for temporal advantages….. Temporal mercies are chiefly to be desired for the sake of spiritual blessings, and not their own…. The Christian, when praying for temporal things, should desire them for helps in his way and passage to heaven.  I do not say it is unlawful to desire life, health, and other comforts of this life, for the suitableness that these have to our natural affections, and to supply our outward necessities; but to desire them only for this is low and base, it is the mere cry of the creature.”  William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, Volume 2, p.428

The preceding quote may seem out of place in relation to the following prayer, as the heart of this poetic prayer is toward God Himself.  Yet, from past experience as well being in the process of growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it seems that we by nature can easily fall into expecting temporal blessings as a result of our pursuit of knowing God. Yes, He promises to His children that no good thing will He withhold from those that walk uprightly, but we all have need to allow and accept from Him what He defines as good, as He is our chief Good.

Fill mine eyes with Thine own glory

Through Thy Word, O Help me see

More of You for Thine own pleasure;

Draw me by Thy Spirit’s plea.

Not for comfort or for temporal

Gains that profit not, or last:

In beholding more Thy beauty

Of Your image, darkly cast;

Help me run the race with patience,

Joyfully, till home with You,

With Your splendor thus transcending

All redeemed in every hue.

Drawn from Emmanuel's Springs.

Michael E. Wood

July 17, 2015

 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,    Colossians 1:3-6

 … whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”   John 4:14

One of the amazing things about the grace of God is that it never ceases to be amazing. Once we have been made anew by the Spirit through the sacrifice of Christ, our transcendent, triune God uses His written Word through the various means of grace which includes preaching, teaching and reading to refresh us with the living waters of the Holy Spirit dwelling within. We are stirred with love both for Him and the brethren, being made to know what that looks like on a practical level with the continued amazement of His grace to the praise of His glory.

We thank You for the power

Of Your Word to stir afresh

Our souls to see the grace

By which You do as one enmesh

Our lives together for the praise

Of Your own glory there

In heaven as on earth You work

Your will in all who share

The nature You have given when

You called us forth to birth.

The new creation joined by Christ

To magnify Your worth.

And as You by Your Spirit

More Your mysteries unfold,

Oh, help us to proclaim the truth

In love and yet as bold

Ambassadors of life and light

Which Your salvation brings

Oh, Father God, through songs of praise

Drawn from Emmanuel's springs.

To Make You Content

Michael E. Wood

May 12, 2015

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

It’s pretty amazing how we can think we are content until something as simple as the telephone lines going down for a couple of days not only impacts our use of the phone but also access to the internet and makes us realize how dependent we have become on technology in our current culture in the western world. For some this could apply to their use of cell phones. For others perhaps it is access to your favorite television programs. The degree of stress could likewise be intensified if you have a business contingent on these services.

In no way am I advocating that we should sit back and do nothing to reconcile our situation, but what I am asking is how does something of this nature make us feel?  Do we find ourselves in a sense of despair, because we don’t know what to do with ourselves? Are we driven to make unwise decisions to rectify the situation?  How do we react to those with whom we are reliant for help in our particular situation?  Do we have the peace which passes understanding, the self control to take responsibility not only for our actions but for the manner in which we address others, and the joyful patience to wait on the Lord and find contentment in the present circumstances?

When the phone doesn’t work and the lines are all down

Then trust in the One in Whom grace doth abound.

And do what you can as you wait for repair,

Rejoice in the truth, staying not in despair.

Refocus on things which you have as gift

As the mercies in Christ will alone you uplift

To restore such a joy by His Spirit to take

A hold of His promise to never forsake

Or leave you adrift in this short little trial

But cause you to look on His face with a smile.

For nothing that’s good will He ever withhold

To make you content as a sheep of His fold.

For no earthly loss can come close to compare

With the glory awaiting His children to share.

So thank Him and praise Him in all things below

And give Him the glory, Who has you in tow,

Unfolding the way as you cast every care

Upon Him who promised your burdens to bear.