"The memory of the just is blessed ..." Proverbs 10:7a
Jack Hedgecock was 80 years old. Pastor Barkman read from 1 Corinthians 4, versus 1 and 2: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
The entire message was on the faithfulness of this man and yet the faithfulness of Christ and the grace of God working in this man and through this man throughout his life; and he spoke of different areas in which he was faithful—and one thing that really touched my heart was when he turned to Jack’s wife and said, “He loved you”.
He spoke of having found a note in the back pew where they sit (that had been left there) where Jack had written a note to his wife talking about how much he had enjoyed a particular outing that they had shared and Pastor Barkman spoke of how Jack had continued to romance her throughout his life.
One statement that he made was that Jack was a warrior for the Lord Jesus Christ and then there was a letter to be read that one of Jack’s daughters wrote:
For my Dad
(The precious words of his Daughter, Bonnie Price),
“The only thing we know for certain; is that life is uncertain and death is inevitable. It is said that we preach our funerals with the lives we live—my father’s life can be summed up in one word “faithful”.
He was Faithful to his God; his wife; his family; and, his friends. To know Jack Hedgecock was to respect him. He was small in stature; but, he was a great man. He wasn’t always right; he wasn’t perfect; but, he was genuine; he was modest; he had no pretense and he made an impact on all who met him.
My father’s life verse was 2 Timothy 2:15 and anyone who ever received a card, letter, or any form of correspondence; always saw this reference. It reads: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
To my knowledge, unless he was too sick to do so, there was not a day that went by that my father was not reading and studying the Bible. He was a prayer warrior. I cannot count the times that I saw him kneeling to pray.
Daddy did not let opportunities to witness pass him by. While in the hospital, he could hardly breathe with an oxygen mask on his face, he motioned for his doctor to come closer—with ragged breath he asked, “Are you my doctor?” The doctor replied, “Yes”, and Daddy asked, “Are you a Christian?” His doctor answered, “No, I am not.” Daddy smiled at him and said, “Well, you should be—it’s the greatest thing on earth.”
My Daddy’s gone from this earth; but, not from our hearts. His testimony will live on forever in those whose lives he touched. He was my cheerleader; my encourager; my mentor; helper and friend. He was my Daddy; and, I love him with all my heart.
Daddy would not want us to stand by his grave and weep. He is not there. He knew that the secret to death is found in the heart of life—the life of Christ. For the Christian there is no end in death. Death is but a gateway to eternity before which we stand with trembling apprehension of leaving our loved ones and anticipation of meeting our Savior; our God. Like a river that flows to the sea and empties into something more powerful, more vast and wonderful than itself; so is death for the Christian. We cease to breath here; but, come into the presence of God unencumbered with the toils, struggles and trials of this flesh. A soul has gone to Heaven. Is Heaven sad? Shout the good news, “He has gone home!” Wave the banners and the checkered flag, “Jack Hedgecock has run his course. He has finished the race—Well Done Dad!”
Jack Hedgecock went to be with the LORD May 8, 2009; but, to this day, you can call the house in which he lived and hear his voice saying, "Isn't Christ a Wonderful Saviour." He being dead yet speaketh.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Building Up by Breaking Down
“He delivereth the poor in his affliction , and openeth their ears in oppression” Job 36:15
How oft we seek to glory in
The things that we would do,
When God, in mercy, doth afflict
To give a heart that's true
In moments when we fail to see
In things He sends our way
The face of Him Who lovingly sends
Fire to save the day.
CHORUS
He buildeth up by breaking down,
Both pride and sin within.
Our faith refined to make Him known,
It's Christ we are to win.
And worship Him in holiness;
Give glory to His Name--
His voice will speak majestically,
In Christ we are to win .
(Ps. 29:1,2,4)
Sore troubled minds, Oh look to Him
Whose faithfulness is sure
And glory in the cross you bare,
His gift to make you pure.
Rejoice with Him Oh, righteous one,
Declared before the throne,
By blood and Spirit come to Him,
Who took you for His own.
(Chorus)
In grateful praise and thankfulness
Exalt His Name on high,
Restore to Him His rightful place,
In humbleness draw nigh.
Within, without, His chastening hand
Doth bring us to our knees,
And give to us the grace we need,
That pleasing we shall be.
(Chorus)
How beautiful His precious smile,
To us He doth bestow;
To fix our hope in Him alone,
As homeward we will go
That we may apprehend from Him,
Who apprehended us;
The Prize of Jesus Christ Himself,
All else we count but dust.
Conform us to Thy image,
For Thy own Name sake alone;
That all may come to know
That you are God, and God alone.
He buildeth up by breaking down,
Both pride and sin within.
Our faith refined to make Him known,
It's Christ we are to win.
And worship Him in holiness;
Give glory to His Name--
His voice will speak majestically,
In Christ we are to win .
(1st Pet. 1:3-9; Phil. 3:7-14)
Michael E. Wood
(6-10-09 8:43a.m.)
How oft we seek to glory in
The things that we would do,
When God, in mercy, doth afflict
To give a heart that's true
In moments when we fail to see
In things He sends our way
The face of Him Who lovingly sends
Fire to save the day.
CHORUS
He buildeth up by breaking down,
Both pride and sin within.
Our faith refined to make Him known,
It's Christ we are to win.
And worship Him in holiness;
Give glory to His Name--
His voice will speak majestically,
In Christ we are to win .
(Ps. 29:1,2,4)
Sore troubled minds, Oh look to Him
Whose faithfulness is sure
And glory in the cross you bare,
His gift to make you pure.
Rejoice with Him Oh, righteous one,
Declared before the throne,
By blood and Spirit come to Him,
Who took you for His own.
(Chorus)
In grateful praise and thankfulness
Exalt His Name on high,
Restore to Him His rightful place,
In humbleness draw nigh.
Within, without, His chastening hand
Doth bring us to our knees,
And give to us the grace we need,
That pleasing we shall be.
(Chorus)
How beautiful His precious smile,
To us He doth bestow;
To fix our hope in Him alone,
As homeward we will go
That we may apprehend from Him,
Who apprehended us;
The Prize of Jesus Christ Himself,
All else we count but dust.
Conform us to Thy image,
For Thy own Name sake alone;
That all may come to know
That you are God, and God alone.
He buildeth up by breaking down,
Both pride and sin within.
Our faith refined to make Him known,
It's Christ we are to win.
And worship Him in holiness;
Give glory to His Name--
His voice will speak majestically,
In Christ we are to win .
(1st Pet. 1:3-9; Phil. 3:7-14)
Michael E. Wood
(6-10-09 8:43a.m.)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What Wonderous Affection
(Sung to the tune of "To God Be the Glory")
No longer intrigued by this dark passing world,
His banner of love, over me, He unfurled.
Protecting my soul by His sovereign divide
Through the blood of His cross, spilled forth from His side.
(Chorus 1,2)
Give Him praise, give Him Praise!
Ye redeemed of the land.
Give Him praise, give Him praise!
Show forth His right hand.
The pure revelation of His soveriegn grace,
That brought us to Calv'ry,
When He died in our place.
Crucified in my Jesus; all glory to Him
Who ransomed my soul from destruction and sin.
The world cannot have me—I belong to my King,
Therefore I will praise Him; therefore I will sing.
(Chorus)
No glory I find in one thing I can do;
With wondrous affection, His mercies are new.
And look to the day that my faith will be sight—
My perfection is sure, to my Father's delight.
(Chorus 3,4)
Give Him praise, give Him Praise!
Ye redeemed of the land.
Give Him praise, give Him praise!
Show forth His right hand.
The pure revelation of His soveriegn grace,
That gives Him the glory,
As we seek His face.
He sees me in Jesus, in glory so bright;
And hidden in Him, I’m concealed in His light.
Chosen to be with my Lover and Friend;
And give Him the glory—to this be my end.
Michael E. Wood
05/12/2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Every Single Breath
Enraptured by His Precious love;
I feel my love so small.
And yet He bids me grace and peace,
His Patience doth enthrall.
Oh, for a heart to give to Him
With every single breath,
The glory due His Precious Name,
The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
I dare not trust one single thought
Of all that I might give,
For nothing LORD compares to You,
In love with You, we live.
What great affections You doth stir,
In this poor faltering mind,
Through blessed servants of Your grace,
In love with You we find;
All hail the Pow'r of Jesus Name,
We at Your feet doth fall,
And humbled by Your matchless love
With strength from You we call.
Oh, give to us more love For Thee,
In every word and deed,
To walk in every grace You give,
To meet our every need.
With joy we press more upward still,
In light and love we stand;
Provoke to all Your Immanence,
To dwell in Canaan's land.
(Jer.23:23,24 ; Col. 1:17)
Michael E. Wood April 21, 2009
I feel my love so small.
And yet He bids me grace and peace,
His Patience doth enthrall.
Oh, for a heart to give to Him
With every single breath,
The glory due His Precious Name,
The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
I dare not trust one single thought
Of all that I might give,
For nothing LORD compares to You,
In love with You, we live.
What great affections You doth stir,
In this poor faltering mind,
Through blessed servants of Your grace,
In love with You we find;
All hail the Pow'r of Jesus Name,
We at Your feet doth fall,
And humbled by Your matchless love
With strength from You we call.
Oh, give to us more love For Thee,
In every word and deed,
To walk in every grace You give,
To meet our every need.
With joy we press more upward still,
In light and love we stand;
Provoke to all Your Immanence,
To dwell in Canaan's land.
(Jer.23:23,24 ; Col. 1:17)
Michael E. Wood April 21, 2009
Psalm 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8
How oft we feel the weight of all
The frailties of our flesh;
The need for God to come and take
The burden from our breast.
We feel the smallness of our own
Puny, paltry, quest;
Those things that once did satisfy—
No longer tops our list.
We're drawn to things that are above;
The quiet, peace, and rest.
We struggle through our own hearts lust
By grace, we're given this.
Secured by sovereign mercy still;
With bands of love He calls;
Our Father's everlasting love,
Recalls us to the Cross.
Humbled by the death He died—
Our strength for flight renewed;
Encouraged by our Saviors blood,
His face we seek anew.
Remove from us all selfish thought,
Your Glory only seek;
Your vision, through your Word, we ask—
Your Holy Spirit keep,
Our gaze upon the Risen One—
Who intercedes for all;
Redeemed from all the nations still
The ransom from the Fall.
Return we plead, “Oh, Righteous ONE
Oh make us one with You—
That we may praise your Holy Name,
As You make all things new.
Michael E. Wood - April 7, 2009
How oft we feel the weight of all
The frailties of our flesh;
The need for God to come and take
The burden from our breast.
We feel the smallness of our own
Puny, paltry, quest;
Those things that once did satisfy—
No longer tops our list.
We're drawn to things that are above;
The quiet, peace, and rest.
We struggle through our own hearts lust
By grace, we're given this.
Secured by sovereign mercy still;
With bands of love He calls;
Our Father's everlasting love,
Recalls us to the Cross.
Humbled by the death He died—
Our strength for flight renewed;
Encouraged by our Saviors blood,
His face we seek anew.
Remove from us all selfish thought,
Your Glory only seek;
Your vision, through your Word, we ask—
Your Holy Spirit keep,
Our gaze upon the Risen One—
Who intercedes for all;
Redeemed from all the nations still
The ransom from the Fall.
Return we plead, “Oh, Righteous ONE
Oh make us one with You—
That we may praise your Holy Name,
As You make all things new.
Michael E. Wood - April 7, 2009
The Passing of a Brother
As I stood outside this morning and my eyes beheld the two large oak trees next to Grandma’s--standing in their winter nakedness before the sunrise—I thought of the acorns that lay on the ground below (which had fallen below) providing food for the creatures of God and quite possibly the deer which come near the house from time-to-time.
My mind went to a question asked of me by Pastor Grant, months ago; when he was still in good health. As he is physically blind, and we had not much opportunity to speak—I approached him while he sat in one of the chairs at the welcome center at Beacon. Laying my right hand on his right hand, I introduced myself as Michael Wood. Being a little witty, and making reference to my last name, he asked me, “What kind of tree are you?”
My mind went to Psalm 1 (and especially versus 2 and 3) and the immediate answer that came out of my mouth was, “I am an evergreen”. Psalm 1:2, 3 “…His delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
As I glory in the thought of the blessing of God upon my life, and upon all of His chosen, intricately designed by Him to bring glory to Himself, I grow also in my appreciation of His design of all His "trees" (Isaiah 55:12); which bring forth fruit in their season—providing food for all, and especially for the household of faith. And most especially, for those who are like the deer, which panteth by the waters; whose souls longeth after Him. He alone is our hearts desire and we long to worship Him.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
You're my friend and You're my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.
Father, we would ask you today to strengthen us and to cause us to desire you alone above every earthly desire that we may have. We commit our hearts, our souls, our minds—our very being; and every aspect of our lives to You. We lay our all before You, and trust that You will do good; that You are who You are; and You will give grace for Your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
William Grant , at the age of 93 ; having kept the faith , having finished his course ; was received into the joy of the LORD AT 2:30 A.M. / 2-11-09. Unknown to billions in this world, but well know to our Father which is in heaven. A countless multitude will stand before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because of the work of His grace through the life of this humble servant who was a faithful husband, father, missionary and pastor.
Michael E. Wood - February 12, 2009
My mind went to a question asked of me by Pastor Grant, months ago; when he was still in good health. As he is physically blind, and we had not much opportunity to speak—I approached him while he sat in one of the chairs at the welcome center at Beacon. Laying my right hand on his right hand, I introduced myself as Michael Wood. Being a little witty, and making reference to my last name, he asked me, “What kind of tree are you?”
My mind went to Psalm 1 (and especially versus 2 and 3) and the immediate answer that came out of my mouth was, “I am an evergreen”. Psalm 1:2, 3 “…His delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
As I glory in the thought of the blessing of God upon my life, and upon all of His chosen, intricately designed by Him to bring glory to Himself, I grow also in my appreciation of His design of all His "trees" (Isaiah 55:12); which bring forth fruit in their season—providing food for all, and especially for the household of faith. And most especially, for those who are like the deer, which panteth by the waters; whose souls longeth after Him. He alone is our hearts desire and we long to worship Him.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
You're my friend and You're my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.
Father, we would ask you today to strengthen us and to cause us to desire you alone above every earthly desire that we may have. We commit our hearts, our souls, our minds—our very being; and every aspect of our lives to You. We lay our all before You, and trust that You will do good; that You are who You are; and You will give grace for Your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
William Grant , at the age of 93 ; having kept the faith , having finished his course ; was received into the joy of the LORD AT 2:30 A.M. / 2-11-09. Unknown to billions in this world, but well know to our Father which is in heaven. A countless multitude will stand before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because of the work of His grace through the life of this humble servant who was a faithful husband, father, missionary and pastor.
Michael E. Wood - February 12, 2009
A Psalm of David
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:1-5
As I pondered the realm of this portion of this Psalm, the question came to mind: Are we not given a reminder of our need to remember, on a regular basis, all of that which has been provided us through and in the Name of the LORD our GOD?
One of the multitude of blessings we have received, as a gift from our Lord and our God, is a heart which has been enabled and activated to respond to Him in the midst of the frailty of the flesh and the body in which we live. One of the impairments of the finite minds that we possess, and as a result of the fall of which we are all partakers, is the inability to recall instantly ALL OF THE BENEFITS of which we have been blessed with. Therefore we are called to bring to remembrance, TO FORGET NOT.
O, how easily we forget. Even the very disciples and followers of Christ Himself, as He lived and walked in all perfection before them, struggled with this plague of forgetfulness, and had need to be reminded of the power of God; as demonstrated through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank God that we are not left to ourselves to remember; but, are gently reminded to remember, as He knows our frame, that we, in our flesh, are but as dust before Him, in which dwelleth no good thing and would not of ourselves desire anything to do with Him. He knows that our thoughts end in a day, and of our need for Him, far better than we can comprehend. It is He Who has and does remember the covenant of which He has made with us, and has given Himself to keep with us.Tis not that I did choose thee, for Lord that could not be. This heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me. (Josiah Conder 1789-1855)
Father, we thank You that you have chosen us and called us to Yourself. Through Your Sovereign mercy, You have delighted in us and caused us to delight in You. Cause us to behold all that we possess in You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Michael E. Wood - February 5, 2009
As I pondered the realm of this portion of this Psalm, the question came to mind: Are we not given a reminder of our need to remember, on a regular basis, all of that which has been provided us through and in the Name of the LORD our GOD?
One of the multitude of blessings we have received, as a gift from our Lord and our God, is a heart which has been enabled and activated to respond to Him in the midst of the frailty of the flesh and the body in which we live. One of the impairments of the finite minds that we possess, and as a result of the fall of which we are all partakers, is the inability to recall instantly ALL OF THE BENEFITS of which we have been blessed with. Therefore we are called to bring to remembrance, TO FORGET NOT.
O, how easily we forget. Even the very disciples and followers of Christ Himself, as He lived and walked in all perfection before them, struggled with this plague of forgetfulness, and had need to be reminded of the power of God; as demonstrated through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank God that we are not left to ourselves to remember; but, are gently reminded to remember, as He knows our frame, that we, in our flesh, are but as dust before Him, in which dwelleth no good thing and would not of ourselves desire anything to do with Him. He knows that our thoughts end in a day, and of our need for Him, far better than we can comprehend. It is He Who has and does remember the covenant of which He has made with us, and has given Himself to keep with us.Tis not that I did choose thee, for Lord that could not be. This heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me. (Josiah Conder 1789-1855)
Father, we thank You that you have chosen us and called us to Yourself. Through Your Sovereign mercy, You have delighted in us and caused us to delight in You. Cause us to behold all that we possess in You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Michael E. Wood - February 5, 2009
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