God Chose to Love

Michael E. Wood

August 21, 2012

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

While listening to a message entitled “Put on Love”; an exposition by Gregory N. Barkman on the above passage, the following words came to mind.

God saw us in our filthiness

And yet He chose to love

Without condition on our part

In heavens courts above.

He said now live! And washed us

With The might of His right arm

And saved us from the wrath that

Would have brought eternal harm.

And though we know this well

We often stray as though adrift

Forgetting that our anchor holds

Which jolts us back to lift

Our praise and thanks to Him

Who ever keeps us and reminds

Though frail we are and weak,

It is Himself, He to us binds.

What more then could I render

But by actions that I show

That others would be captivated

By His love and know

That He alone has wrought the change

Which brings me to embrace

Them as they are that they might see

The glory of His face!

Home Going of Beryl Barkman

Michael E. Wood

August 30, 2012

While words seem to be such a small thing to give expression to the desire to encourage and comfort, the following words came to mind concerning the Home Going of Beryl Barkman; the father of my friend and former Pastor, Gregory N. Barkman.

Our loss is felt for certain.

A jewel from the crown,

Of Christ our King is home with Him,

With weapons now laid down,

Of warfare well accomplished

Through many a faithful year,

Whose works shall follow in the train

Of Him we hold so dear.

And though we sorrow briefly,

Tis not without this hope,

That God Himself will manifest

The glory of the scope

Of Christ whose perfect presence

Is the glory and reward

Of all who look to Him by faith

Through Calvary, adored!

What joy so inexpressible

Must fill now Beryl’s gaze,

With sinless satisfaction of

The One to whom all praise

Fills the perfect splendor of

That Glorious Promise Land,

While awaiting coronation of

Our King, by Whom we stand.

Holy Spirit fill with comfort

While we too await the time

That the glory of our Savior’s

Resurrection so sublime

Will be seen in all its fullness

As all sorrow, sin, and pain

Shall give way to our Almighty God

Whose cross has brought our gain!

Article below published in TheTimesNews.com from September 1 to September 2, 2012

Beryl V. Barkman, age 95, of 2045 Shirley Dr., Burlington, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at UNC Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill.

A native of LaMoille, Illinois, he was the son of the late Lester and Celia Mae Splain Barkman and husband for 69 and a half years of Mary Frances Norris Barkman who survives.

Beryl, born on an Illinois farm in 1917, has found his way from a one room schoolhouse to heavenly mansions. On his path home, his trail lead to a degree from Monmouth College, Illinois, through heroic and decorated service during WW II in the US Navy as the gunnery officer on a destroyer, to an MBA from the University of Chicago, on to two graduate degrees from Bob Jones University and then a PhD from the University of South Carolina. Along the way, both in the United States and abroad, he taught college, university, Bible Institute and Sunday School classes too numerous to list.

He finally retired at the age of 85 as Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Finding the pace of life a little dull upon such retirement, he filled his remaining days as a member, deacon, usher and Sunday School teacher at Beacon Baptist Church, delivering Meals on Wheels in Burlington and tending to his home and yard.

Words cannot express the deep sorrow of his wife and family in losing him from this life. Nevertheless, they rejoice in the certain knowledge that to be with Christ is far better while remembering him as he was here, echoing the words of the English poet, William Wordsworth: "That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

Survivors include his wife, Mary Frances Norris Barkman of the home; sons, Gregory Norris Barkman and wife Marti of Hawfields, NC and Jonathan David Barkman of Easley, SC; daughter, Nancy Sue Rights and husband Michael of Brewster, NY; grandchildren, Jordana B. Duncan and husband Gabriel, Cherith B. Newton and husband Eric, Bethany B. Allgrove and husband Warren, Jessica B. Yelverton and husband Joel, David Barkman, Andrew Barkman and Elizabeth Rights; and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at Beacon Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Barkman and Rev. Gerald Counts officiating. Interment will follow in Alamance

Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Alamance Rescue Mission; 1519 N. Mebane St., Burlington, NC 27217.

When Did You Last Shed a Tear?

Michael E. Wood

May 15, 2012

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8: 18-25 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Psalm 126:6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

God as a Father, through the Son, by the power of His Spirit, initiates and sustains our thoughts toward Himself: the Father, by that which He has decreed; the Son, by what He has done through the finished work of the cross and His present intercession; and, the Holy Spirit by working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, and will do to the praise of His glorious grace.

He has chosen to use men and women as vessels of mercy to each of us as members of His body to build one another up in the faith as the aroma of life unto life and to the lost as the aroma of death unto death. In the poem that follows, I am thankful first of all to God for this stewardship of which He has called me to in recording thoughts poetically.   Though imperfect, I trust Christ is magnified thereby.

Though it is never truly possible to give credit to all who have been an encouragement in writing any particular poem, there are often those who stand out in a moment of time for their godly influence. While listening to a message online by Pastor Michael Karns of Beacon Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina based on Romans 8:1.  To the best of my memory he made the statement, “When was the last time you wept simply because you were overwhelmed by the grace God has given to you?”

Next, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has left us some incredible insights through his commentary developed from his sermons on the book of Romans.

At the present Pastor Robert Briggs is preaching through the book of Revelation on Sunday mornings at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Sacramento, California.

And finally, I am so thankful for my precious wife, Dianna, who not only is a help in guarding this season of time which has been given to us; but , is also my sounding board for suggestions in difficult lines and for the maintenance of biblically sound, God glorifying thoughts.

Oh when did you last shed a tear as all of grace, not sinful fear

You were o’ercome by such love that only God Himself above

Could have drawn from your own heart through Christ who did to you impart

The sweetness of His sacrifice to raise us up not once but twice?

First within, as in His train, we follow, as He is our gain

And fills us with expectant hope with all creation as the scope

Of which He shall one day release and bondage from corruption cease

As manifest the sons will be, to shout His praise eternally!

Oh when did you last shed a tear for those of whom you now hold dear

Or those of whom you daily pass who have no hope of Christ; Alas,

Are you so now hardened by the things of earth you cannot cry

Out to Him and faithful sow the Seed of life in Christ to show

That He alone by God’s decree has shed His blood upon the tree

To vindicate the awful wrath due all who stay on sinful path.

Apart from His redeeming grace we too would not behold His face.

So measure now the gift He gave and weep that He may others save.

Oh when did you last shed a tear and mourn o’er sins remains so drear,

Yet knowing what our Savior said, you shall be blessed and Spirit led,

Transforming every single thought as captives of the One who brought

Us to Himself and thus display the power of His cross that day

In which the luster of His jewels shine bright in glory as He rules

With love perfecting every strain of songs of praise as we shall reign

Forever in our Father’s house, as Christ the bridegroom, we the spouse

Fulfill all that which was decreed; He is our all, and all we need!

Oh if you shed not godly tears, you have good reason then with fears

To dread the coming judgment day when wrath on you will then display

The glory of Almighty God, whose love you spurned, as He will trod

The winepress of His fury as, depart from me is what He says

To all who did not to him flee. Oh will you not NOW bow the knee?

And humbly from Him mercy seek, as grace He gives to sinners meek,

And blessed are they in all the earth as they inherit by the worth

Of Christ the Lamb for sinners slain! Come Lord Jesus, make it plain!

Displayed in Glories Land (4/2-3/11)

Michael E. Wood
April 2-3, 2011

While reading through Psalm 6, verse 9 caught my attention. “The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.”

A few days prior to reading this particular Psalm, I had been blessed with the opportunity to listen to a message by Pastor Gregory N. Barkman via Sermonaudio.com, entitled, “Giving Thanks”. This particular message was the sixth installment of an expositional series through the book of Colossians. On this occasion I was reminded that the priority of prayer is worship.

Prayer is a means of grace given by God through the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to display His glory and to procure the things He has promised. Prayer is also a matter and response of love, first to God and then for others which will not be fully comprehended or commended until with Him in eternity.

O prayer, sweet means of grace God gives
That with Him in communion,
We may rejoice in Who He Is
Through Christ by holy union.

As by faith He brings delight
In casting out all our fears.
His glory is transcendent
Far beyond all what appears.

For He delights in mercy;
All true worship He will accept,
And give beyond what any mind
Can think or e’er expect.

So as you go to Him to seek
All things you would procure,
Rejoice in knowing He alone
Knows best and what is sure

To bring him honor for the sake
Of His Own steadfast love,
Displayed both now in temp’ral life
And forevermore above.

Oh help us be more vibrant
By this gift of private prayer,
For all shall be revealed that day
With You in glory there,

When You show fully all that was
Entrusted by Your hand
As all true love is openly
Displayed in glories land.

Upon reading this poem once again, the thought came to mind of how that which may appear at first to be didactic also becomes personal as we direct our hearts toward God in prayer.

O prayer, sweet means of grace You give
That with You in communion,
We may rejoice in Who You Are
Through Christ by holy union.

As by faith You bring delight
In casting out all our fears.
Your glory is transcendent
Far beyond all what appears.

For You delight in mercy;
All true worship You will accept,
And give beyond what any mind
Can think or e’er expect.

So as we come to You to seek
All things we would procure,
Rejoice in knowing You alone
Know best and what is sure

To bring You honor for the sake
Of Your Own steadfast love,
Displayed both now in temp’ral life
And forevermore above.

Help us Father be more vibrant
By this gift of private prayer,
For all shall be revealed that day
With You in glory there,

When You show fully all that was
Entrusted by Your hand
As all true love is openly
Displayed in glories land.

The Gift of God Receive

Michael E. Wood

Original Writing was on 7/12/11

with Christmas in Mind

 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15, 16

While listening to a message being preached by Gregory N. Barkman entitled, “Why Jesus is the firstborn”, the quaint little saying that is used around the time of year that we celebrate His birth came to mind. “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

While I am thankful this phrase is used to draw attention to the fact of our Savior’s birth, it bothers me tremendously that in many ways I fear this phrase is actually used to reduce the significance of who Jesus Is! The Son of God in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily is the reason all created things have their existence including time itself.

Sam Storms in his Commentary on the book of Colossians put it this way, “He that is Jesus is the reason, the goal, the aim, the intent, the point, the purpose, the end, the terminus, the consummation, and culmination of every molecule that moves.”

The reason, more majestic

Spans beyond imaginations.

The Alpha and Omega, Yeah

The purpose of creations

Beginning and its end

Has only one just thing in view,

That all things will reflect

And give the glory that is due

To Him who was before all time

And spoke into existence

This season which is now called time

And proves His pre-existence

And in the end it will not matter

What we accumulate

But only that we’re known and know

The blessed Potentate,

Who as a babe in Bethlehem

And of a virgin born

Was also Him who all creation,

His glory did adorn.

And as He did not come as one

Of whom we would desire,

He yet in His humility

Took on the sin entire

Of all who by His grace through faith

Would trust Him and believe,

Borne of the Holy Spirit

And the gift of God receive.

Much more than just the reason

For the season; Jesus Is,

God incarnate glorified

And everything is His!

Displayed in Glory's Land

Michael E. WoodApril 2-3, 2011


While reading through Psalm 6, verse 9 caught my attention. “The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.”

A few days prior to reading this particular Psalm, I had been blessed with the opportunity to listen to a message by Pastor Gregory N. Barkman via Sermonaudio.com, entitled, “Giving Thanks”. This particular message was the sixth installment of an expositional series through the book of Colossians. On this occasion I was reminded that the priority of prayer is worship.

Prayer is a means of grace given by God through the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to display His glory and to procure the things He has promised. Prayer is also a matter and response of love, first to God and then for others, which will not be fully comprehended or commended until with Him in eternity.

O prayer, sweet means of grace God gives
That with Him in communion,
We may rejoice in Who He Is
Through Christ by holy union.
As by faith He brings delight
In casting out all our fears.
His glory is transcendent
Far beyond all what appears.
For He delights in mercy;
All true worship He will accept,
And give beyond what any mind
Can think or e’er expect.


So as you go to Him to seek
All things you would procure,
Rejoice in knowing He alone
Knows best and what is sure
To bring him honor for the sake
Of His Own steadfast love,
Displayed both now in temp’ral life
And forevermore above.


Oh help us be more vibrant
By this gift of private prayer,
For all shall be revealed that day
With You in glory there,
When You show fully all that was
Entrusted by Your hand
As all true love is openly
Displayed in glory's land.

Upon reading this poem once again, the thought came to mind of how that which may appear at first to be didactic also becomes personal as we direct our hearts toward God in prayer.

O prayer, sweet means of grace You give
That with You in communion,
We may rejoice in Who You Are
Through Christ by holy union.
As by faith You bring delight
In casting out all our fears.
Your glory is transcendent
Far beyond all what appears.
For You delight in mercy;
All true worship You will accept,
And give beyond what any mind
Can think or e’er expect.


So as we come to You to seek
All things we would procure,
Rejoice in knowing You alone
Know best and what is sure
To bring You honor for the sake
Of Your Own steadfast love,
Displayed both now in temp’ral life
And forevermore above.


Help us Father be more vibrant
By this gift of private prayer,
For all shall be revealed that day
With You in glory there,
When You show fully all that was
Entrusted by Your hand
As all true love is openly
Displayed in glory's land.