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!

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.

Things Which Seem Distressing

Michael E. Wood

August 20, 2013

 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, Philippians 1:12

How often do many of us as followers of Christ in America lose our focus in the midst of what seemed at the time to be very distressing circumstances only to be rebuked in our spirit when we consider what others are called to endure?

When the apostle Paul was carried along by the Spirit to write to the church at Philippi, he was in prison awaiting trial. In the midst of not knowing with absolute certainty whether the ensuing days would bring about his demise, he used every opportunity for the advancement of the gospel.                             

 How are you doing out there?

He takes those things which seem distressing

To bring forth a richer blessing,

Turning all out for our good

Though far from us yet understood.

For though we may seem now deterred

By circumstance: His voice is heard,

Proclaiming freedom through our bonds

To hearts He opens and responds

Unto the faithful gospel call

That Jesus Christ is Lord of all!

Forgive me when my love does not

Excel and intercede

With prayers for other saints

Who suffer far and greater needs

Than I can now imagine with

My comforts and my pride

Which yet distract in moments

When I hear not what they cried.

Show mercy and love loyalty

To all you have in view.

For You alone are Judge of all

The hearts You have made new.

And give to them that measure

Of Your grace that You know best

Fits for each occasion

Of Your children seeking rest.

In Christ alone give comfort

And the strength to burdens bear

Exactly as You portioned

To display Your glory there

In the midst of trials

As You make Your presence known

To show them that You love them

And You own them as Your own.

Gifts to His Eternal Praise

Michael E. Wood

November 3, 2014

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

While some may judge the contemplation of the incarnation of Christ to be observed only at certain seasons, methinks that those who think that way may not truly contemplate the incarnation at all but rather have a view likened unto, “What’s in it for me?” As we search the scriptures we find that our salvation is NOT primarily about us. Yes, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Likewise, all that the Father gave to the Son shall come to Him, and He shall in nowise cast us out. Therefore, as believers and followers of Christ, we are gifts from the Father, to the Son, by the Spirit, to the praise of His glory.

This lowly babe though born a King

Did live His life; an offering.

The spotless Son of God and man

Was given by the Father’s plan

To show such love amidst the tide

Of human sin and fallen pride

And none could fathom on their own

But God the Spirit, He has shone

Into the hearts of those prepared

By grace to see the glory shared

Through death with Him; the crucified

And live with Him as justified

As sons and daughters He did raise,

As gifts to His eternal praise.

You Own Them as Your Own!

Michael E. Wood

August 20, 2013

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1: 12-14

As the apostle Paul has finished with his introductory remarks and his prayer of rejoicing with the encouragement to grow in love to the glory and praise of God, there are a number of things which stand out as he begins the body of his letter to the saints at Philippi.

May we learn the appropriate applications by the Spirit to live out the truths which apply to the circumstance we find ourselves in.

1- Personal circumstance is no hindrance to the advancement of the gospel.

a) The apostle Paul was not focused on what he could not do, but focused on what he could do.

b) Though he was not in front of large crowds or churches, he focused on witnessing to those who were immediately around him (i.e., the Roman guards he was chained to for two years).

2- Jesus reigns over all circumstances of life and is seen by faith by those who are His.

3- Never underestimate the testimony of the power of Christ working through you as you patiently endure suffering.

4- The courage of one believer begets courage in other believers. It is the fruit of the saints suffering.

a) The witness of the apostle was an encouragement for others to witness.

5-Rejoicing in the power of Christ  is an evidence and manifestation of the work He accomplished on the cross.

Forgive me when my love

Does not excel and intercede

With prayer for other saints

Who suffer far and greater needs

Than I can now imagine with

My comforts and my pride

Which yet distract in moments

When I hear not what they cried.

Show mercy and love loyalty

To all You have in view,

For You alone are Judge of all

The hearts You have made new.

And give to them the measure of

Your grace that You know best,

Fits for each occasion of

Your children seeking rest.

In Christ alone give comfort

And the strength to burdens bear

Exactly as You measured

To display Your glory there,

In the midst of trials as

You make Your presence known

To show them that You love them

And You own them as Your own!

Proclaiming Freedom

Michael E. Wood

August 20-21, 2013

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, Philippians 1:12

Though we in America for the most part know very little about being literally in bonds or chains for the sake of the gospel, we can learn from the experience of the apostle Paul that God continues to be Sovereign over our own opportunities and experience.

My normal Wednesday morning schedule includes a Bible study-worship time at a small assisted living facility called Abiding Care which houses six residents. What had begun with visiting with one resident, a former resident of Atria-El Camino Gardens whose name is Anne, developed into a regular time with as many as four of them meeting with me on a somewhat regular basis.

Today was different. As I entered the dining area where we meet, they had just finished breakfast, which was normal. One of the ladies moved to a nearby couch which is more comfortable for her and listens from there; still normal. But everyone else left. So there I am with the one at the table with which this study began with an employee within ear shot doing some cleaning in the kitchen. Not totally disheartened, we began by singing Amazing Grace, read from Philippians 1: 1-12, had a time of prayer and then entered the study focusing on verse 12. After about fifty minutes I noticed my one faithful lady, Anne, had dropped her head and fallen asleep. Upon looking back at the lady on the couch, she too had fallen asleep.

Though there have been times when we have continued for an hour and a half, I realized it was time to come to a close for the day. Upon touching Anne on the arm, she was very apologetic of which I assured her that she was fine. I closed by reading a couple of quotes  I found written by commentator B. C. Caffin concerning the text, the poem recited below, and prayer.

“Example is better than precept. The sight of a suffering saint, patient, contented, happy, does more to win souls than hundreds of sermons. It is the visible proof of the power of Christ.”

“The gift of preaching is far inferior to the grace of charity. The eloquent preacher may be ambitious, worldly, actuated by party spirit, not by love of Christ.”

Nothing quite like this had ever happened in the year and a half that I have been going to this facility and it resulted in me leaving earlier than normal. While being a little baffled at what had taken place I continued to my next stop.

The Eskaton in Carmichael houses another former resident of Atria named Lucy of which we have had the pleasure of meeting with for nearly two years. She was one of the first people we met and the Lord has used her to open a number of gospel opportunities over the years and today was just one example. As I walked down the hall toward her room she was sitting outside in her wheel chair. Another lady named Doris was near by and asked who I was. Upon introducing myself and telling her about our relationship with Lucy and that I would be sharing some scripture and singing she accepted the invitation to join us. As I began to sing Amazing Grace, Doris joined in. Another lady named Lou who was sitting in her wheel chair not too far away joined in as well and rolled herself closer to us. While opening the scriptures and singing another song we found ourselves being joined by two men. So there we were in the hallway with an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with five of the residents which may not have happened in the way that it did had I not been there at that exact time. Yes, God is still Sovereign over our opportunities and experiences when we trust and obey.

While driving back to our apartment I came to a stop at a light behind a truck with a decal on the back window which said “Going Fishing”. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

He takes those things which seem distressing

To bring forth a richer blessing,

Turning all out for our good

Though far from us yet understood.

For though we may seem now deterred

By circumstance; His voice is heard

Proclaiming freedom through our bonds

To hearts He opens and responds

Unto the faithful gospel call

That Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

How to Love You

Michael E. Wood

July 8-13, 2013

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

For those who are more logical than feeling oriented, this particular poem may come as a bit of a personal confession. Please pray for me that the realities spoken of in the preceding verses taken from the apostle’s letter to the Philippians will grow to be more and more prevalent over the course of the years that I am given while here on earth.

For those who tend to be more feeling oriented, I would encourage you to join me not only in prayer, but in the pursuit of the knowledge of God. For God is love!

Having demonstrated the greatness of His love toward us through the sacrifice of His Son, He has also given to us great and precious promises. He opens our understanding to what the practical application of love looks like through the scriptures and then enables us by His Spirit to live out these truths as members of the body of Christ, both in the knowledge of His presence and for the benefit of men.

Remove from me temptation

To interpret by my feelings

Your grace which flows so freely

Through the gospel, of Your dealings;

With my soul which stands in need,

Yeah, constant all the time,

To know that You are with me

And that I am wholly Thine.

Through the channel of Your word

By Your Spirit in my heart,

Write afresh those things in secret

You implanted from the start,

That I may grow to love You

More and more each passing day;

With true knowledge and discernment,

Giving light along the way.

Oh show us how to love You

As we've never known before,

And grow in likeness to You

So that others may adore

Our Father who first loved us

Long before He gave the keys

To unlock the hearts of all;

        Who come, 

And humbly bow their knees.

The Treasure Others See

Michael E. Wood

August 5, 2013

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Are there passages of scripture that seem to captivate you, filled with depths which cannot be plumbed? Well, this has been one for me.

Commentators tell me within these three verses lie every aspect of insight of which the Apostle Paul will unfold through the course of the rest of the letter to the Philippians. While I believe that to be true, without going into too much detail, there are a number of things which have become obvious already.

This model of prayer is for all saints, regardless of what their position or giftedness may be in the church. Our love should be excessive in quantity, quality, or both; ever increasing without end, both for God and man. Through knowledge and discernment by the scriptures we learn to approve what is excellent. As we learn to test and appropriate what is excellent we become more Christ like in character, working out with fear and trembling what He has worked in by His Spirit with the assurance that our Father will bring His work to completion at the day of Christ.

“There are three faculties in our souls which are capable of receiving spiritual strength. They are the understanding, the desires and the will. So any spiritual ability we have must be because it has been imparted to these faculties.”

“We are utterly dependent on him for all our good actions and for that root and spring of holiness in us from which all spiritually good actions arise.”

“We are to behold Christ. We should be stirred by Christ's example to be like him. Since all he did was out of love for us.  All he did was for our good; imitating him will be the best thing we could do for our good.”  John Owen, "The Holy Spirit”, Puritan Paperbacks, The Banner of Truth Trust

Help me seek You as I serve You

In this course of study here,

So that I may live to please You

As I walk within Your fear,

And then prove that which is excellent

As now judged by Your light

Which gives weight to what You’re speaking

As we stand now in Your sight.

Oh permeate our hearts and minds

With Your unchanging Word,

Oh Father, to live out in truth

The things of which we've heard.

For nothing so compels us as

The love by which we’re bound,

Transforming every thought and deed

Till Christ alone is found,

To be the treasure others see

When come we face to face

And show the matchless wonder

Of Your own redeeming grace.

Till All Is New In The Morning (New Song)

Michael E. Wood
June 11, 2013


And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.   Philippians 1:9-11

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  
Matthew 5:4

Some times we may find ourselves somewhat perplexed at the things God may send into our lives for His glory, which is all the more reason to focus on the great love wherewith He has loved us. While we understand that He is working all things together for our good including our mourning over remaining sin in our lives, we likewise rejoice in knowing that we are accepted in the Beloved and thus the works of our hands are received through Christ alone. We are thus enabled by His Spirit with confidence in the promises of His Word to praise Him for Who He is in every circumstance of life, till all is new in the morning.

While contemplating the Apostle Paul’s example in prayer, the following words came to mind with an Irish tune.

Enthralled in wonder, love, and praise,

You are the joy of all our days.

Oh, keep us Father in Your ways

Till all is new in the morning.

While flaming darts fly through the air,

Oh, take our every anxious care

To show that You are reigning there,

Till all is new in the morning.

Oh, when the night is dark with gloom,

Oh, may we smell the sweet perfume

That rises from the empty tomb,

Till all is new in the morning.

Oh, fix our hearts upon the prize

Of Christ alone beyond the skies,

Whose glory shall fill all our eyes

When all is new in the morning.

And when we see Christ’s face of cheer,

Our God shall wipe away all tears

And then Your praise through endless years

We’ll sing with joy with no mourning.

As He Is Now Above!

Michael E. Wood

April 22, 2013

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1-2

The peace of God is not peace at any price, but peace secured by the blood of Christ. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and warned of the false prophets in his day who spoke, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.”

Apart from the grace of God no one can know the peace which passes understanding which comes as a free gift from God the Father through faith alone in God the Son and His finished work of atonement on the cross of Calvary. But thanks be to God who determined by Himself and for His glory to secure a remnant of mankind of which He would call to be saints, secure by grace, and grant objective peace for all eternity.

The world proclaims a kind of peace

That seems to them surreal

But in fact there is no peace

Apart from God’s own will

Of which He has determined

By Himself to thus impart

And give the understanding

By His Son in every heart

Of which He has now opened

And shall open in His time

To receive the truth and hear

His voice say, “You are mine!”

For Christ alone, who is our peace

Has borne the crushing rod

Of wrath that’s due for all our sin

From our Almighty God!

And though at times through storms of life

We may not His peace feel,

His loyalty and love for us

Is firm to bring us still

Much closer than we were before

When clear we did not see,

He ruleth over every surge

To make us more to be

As children of our Father

Who has set apart in love

All saints to be in holiness

As He is now above!

Worship God in Glory Too!

Michael E. Wood

March 5, 2013

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Philippians 1:1

That which is most often translated as the word servant in our English versions of the Bible is literally rendered ‘slave’ in the original Greek and Hebrew languages. Such is the case when we read the first verse of Philippians chapter one. Though this word engenders a negative connotation in the minds of most people, a thorough investigation of the background and the Source of our understanding which is God Himself teaches those of us who have been redeemed from the slave market of sin that our relationship with God through the person and work of Jesus Christ is based upon His unmerited love for us and brings delight in the fact that everything we are and everything we have belongs to Him. He has revealed Himself to us now in time that we may worship Him both now and forevermore.

Bound by love; by Christ I’m owned

For He has for my sin atoned.

Once so worthless; now His child,

Oh Praise His Name, on me He smiled-

So with my mind, my hands, my feet,

I’ll live for Him who made me meet

To offer up, as best I can,

And know by faith, in Him I stand

To know and do His Sovereign will

As He by scripture doth reveal

Unto my heart, while Spirit led

In thankfulness to Him who bled

To purchase all of the elect

And bring in time the full effect

Of praise and honor that is due

To worship God in glory too!