Not Only For a Chosen Few -Hallelujah!

This post, though rather solemn,

because of its sacred subject,

 includes a hallelujah chorus

that is bound to bring a smile to your day! 

1 Tim.2:1-4

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, 

intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

  2for kings and all those in authority—

so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives 

in all godliness and dignity.

  3This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

  4who wants everyone to be saved 

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

... though bodies die and are returned to dust

The ransomed soul, secure will fly

To He who holds faith's trust 

(higher than the vees of honking geese that tug at heartstrings

as we view their flight from earth's holy ground)

Not only for a chosen few

Did God our Savior, give

His Son to break sin's curse, so through

His death we all may live

...forevermore, though bodies die

And are returned to dust

The ransomed soul, secure will fly

To He who holds faith's trust 

So then, do not lose heart, my friend

Where evil forces wage

For what we see is not the end

But simply sets the stage

For what no mortal can conceive

Of things God has prepared

For all who love Him, and believe

The promises He shared 

Hope Thou in God, and praise His name

Trust His word and obey

No matter what the world may claim

In contrast to God's way

He is faithful and true; His Word

Comforts the part we see

Till that which none have seen or heard

Becomes reality 

Not only for a chosen few

But for all human race

God sent His Son to save us through

His blood-bought gift of grace

And all who believe and confess

That  'He alone is Lord'

Are heirs of all the promises

He tells us in His Word

Janet Martin

God's Word is not simply for a chosen few

but for all of fumbling, stumbling humanity!

It brings light to darkness,

joy to grief

hope to heartache

faith to fear

Hallelujah!! 

Yes, no matter how fumbling and stumbling,

let's keep the hallelujahs rolling!

Mr Bean singing like an angel

1 Cor.2:6-10

Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—

but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

7No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God,

a which He destined for our glory before time began.

8None of the rulers of this age understood it.

For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  9Rather, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no heart has imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love Him.”b

10But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.

A Monday Morning Rest/Reset Prayer

Sometimes a new week can feel a bit daunting,

when we try to shoulder it's to-do dues all at once!

The beginning of today's devotion offered a restful reset-reminder!

Whatever our role is today, as we owe no one anything but love,

may we find the rest that comes from relinquishing anxiety 

as we cast our care on God, who cares for us! 1 Pet.5:7

Ps.51:10

Create in me a clean heart, 

O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Rom.13:8

Owe no one anything except to love one another, 

for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Create in me a clean heart, Lord

And let my spirit prove

Thy dwelling place; through deed and word

To owe nothing but love

Then, may love’s divine debt compel

More humble praise unfurled

That Thou shouldst kindle in my shell

The Light that lights the world

So that my fellowman may see

You in me, and be blessed

To bring all glory unto Thee

And there find perfect rest

Create in me a clean heart, Lord

My flawed spirit, renew

Then, by Thy righteousness restored

Lord, let me shine for You

Janet Martin

Here's My Heart by David Crowder with lyrics

Of Faith's Fortune...

The world wails/groans for a saviour,

for real hope and assurance,

seeking something/someone trustworthy to put their faith in...

while rejecting the Saviour of the world,

Whose hope and assurance

can only be received through faith!

'Ah, but I cannot have such faith!' do we say?

and yet, is Faith not displayed each time

we plant a seed, believing it will grow?!!

God did His part.

He gave us a Saviour,

but before we have access to

 the riches of His grace

we must do our part;

to repent and believe!

To repent is

to turn from our ways to His way!

To believe is...what a mystery belief is

only possible through faith!

and faith is only possible when we cease to doubt!!

Then, oh what true hope, joy and peace,

come by faith;

what knowledge and understanding

come to all who fear Him and love His name! 

Ps.111:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:

a good understanding have all they that do his commandments:

his praise endureth forever

Ps.112:1

Praise ye the Lord.

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord,

that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Ps.115:1&11,13,17&18

Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, 

but unto Thy name give glory,

for Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake...

Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord:

 he is their help and their shield.

He will bless them that fear the Lord,

both small and great.

The dead praise not the Lord,

nor any that go down into silence.

but we will bless the Lord

from this time forth and forevermore.

 Praise the Lord.

Beyond the tent that tames the sun

And hosts heavens of stars

Beneath the depths of the ocean,

The breath that breaks night's bars...

Beyond earth and its fullness of

Flower, forest and mead...

Beyond the tent that tames the sun

And hosts heavens of stars

Beneath the depths of the ocean,

The breadth/breath that breaks night's bars

Beyond earth and its fullness of

Flower, forest and mead

And seasons that unfold above

The silence of the dead

Is God, the faithful God of all

The God who damns and saves

The God whose name both great and small

Are called to fear and praise 

The God who is Lion and Lamb

Whose divine Word is chief

The God who is the great I AM

And helps our unbelief

 

...whose greatest commandment is love

The love that He imparts

Without exception, in spite of

The dregs of human hearts

He forgives us, if we confess

He saves, if we believe

Faithful in all He promises

And only faith receives

Then, when faith begins to take root

Our hymns to God increase

The life, once dead, is rich with fruit

Of hope and joy and peace

In all who believe in is Name

Life's rivers are unfurled

Through He whose glory we proclaim

'The Saviour of the world' 

Janet Martin

John 7:38
Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said:

 ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”

David Crowder Band - Because He Lives (Lyrics)

 

Many reject Him because they cannot understand Him.

We cannot possibly begin to comprehend

the depths of his love, but He gave us a glimpse

of its extension on the cross of Calvary!

Rom.11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches 

both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

 How unsearchable are His judgments 

and His ways past finding out!

Everyone who comes to Him, 

comes, not by understanding,

but by faith.

Are you afraid!

Are you discouraged?

Have you done your part

so God can do His?

Have you prayed 'Lord, I believe

help thou mine unbelief?'

There is no fairyland waiting after death!

God through his Son, made a way that all may come to Him

and all who truly believe will pass from death to life-

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word 

and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life 

and will not come under judgment. 

Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

John 3:18
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, 

but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, 

because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

The Makings of a Masterpiece

Today- a very momentous occasion!

God uses the ordinary

to fulfill the extra-ordinary!

Things like moments, willing hands and feet,

Things like little prayers that wing from our hearts to God!

Each moment we use to the glory of God

turns a diamond in the rough 

to a gem of eternal value!

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

My moments have me seeing red these day!

 Apple and tomato red, that is! 😅

Thank-you Lord!

The top layer of this heap was turned into salsa,

 bbq sauce and tomato soup yesterday!

Today applesauce

while the remaining tomatoes redden up a bit more!

Today is Time’s freshest release

(The makings of a masterpiece

If we with honour weigh the sum

Of what each moment will become)

Like little diamonds in the rough

God tips His treasure trove of love

As moments mete the means whereby

Duty and privilege reply

This is no common enterprise

Melting night’s shadows from yon skies

Let’s meet each charge of God’s command

With thankful heart and willing hand

For the secret to success lies

In what we seek to recognize

Of moments, as they glint and spill

Like diamonds gleaming with God’s will

How precious is the sum of them!

Then let’s not waste one precious gem

But, pursue with each moment-lease

The making of a masterpiece

Janet Martin

Sometimes I'm Tempted To Suppose

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose life lovelier without the rain...

A year ago today was also rainy, 

the day we huddled solemnly beneath umbrellas,

 around a freshly dug grave; the grave of Dear Lucy

while our tears and nature's tears mingled...

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose the rose sweeter without its thorn...

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose the rose sweeter without its thorn

Love better without loss or pricks, life kinder without ups and downs

Or battles between wrong and right, or tug-of-wars that leave us torn

Twixt Now and scenes perfected by what we forget of faded frowns

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose life lovelier without the rain

Happiness fuller without pain of broken bodies, dreams and hearts

Or weariness from tolls of toil and pangs of till-we-meet-again

But then how would we recognize the prize of highs, life's low imparts

Without the hill how would we thrill at views while filled with speechless thanks

Would triumph be as sweet without the test of spirit, strength and limb?

Without the thorn would roses rise to calls reserved for rarer ranks

Without loss, push and shove, could love compose a truly noble hymn?

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose Plan without interruption best

Hope choicer, without waiting for the timing/answer only God bestows

Easy Street more appealing than the twists and turns of bitter test

But then, without the thorns of life how would we recognize its rose?

Janet Martin

 

Alan Jackson - Sissy's Song lyrics

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, 

when you encounter trials of many kinds,

 3because you know that the testing of your faith

 develops perseverance.

 4Allow perseverance to finish its work,

 so that you may be mature and complete, 

not lacking anything.

Where? Now and Here

Ps.107:8-9

Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness

and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

For He satisfies the longing soul

and fills the hungry soul with goodness!

The God of our salvation grants,

Where daybreak kindles wicks of grace

The gladness of fresh choice and chance

Where past and future interlace

To make the most of Now and Here

Where holy hope and heartache meld

To help us to be of good cheer

Where God's goodness is not withheld

But bids us see His majesty

Where earth and sky thunder His name

To waken mortal mightily

Where/for we are called to do the same 

Arise, arouse the slumb'ring hymn

Where once more mercy is renewed

Dawn's beckoning attractions brim

Where we are called to gratitude

To He whose help is above all

Where trouble's trying tempests roll 

He hears us when we humbly call

 He satisfies the longing the soul 

He is worthy of all our praise

He makes us valiant in faith's fight

He leads us righteously always

He pierces sin's darkness with light

Oh God, forbid I fail to bring

Where mercy and morn meet again 

Love's humble worship offering

Where all I have is Thine. Amen 

Oh God, hold not Thy peace from me

Where wicked boast while faith counts loss  

Renew the prayer that praises Thee

Where hope is anchored in the cross 

Oh God, before we face the bar 

Where righteous judgment is revealed

May all recognize who You are

And call upon You and be healed 

Janet Martin

Isa.53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

 He was bruised for our iniquities; 

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 

And by His stripes we are healed.

From a recent devotion from Streams in the Desert Vol. 2

Crowder - Come As You Are (Lyric Video)

Sweet Summer is Over...

“Summer afternoon—

summer afternoon;

 to me those have always been the two

 most beautiful words in the English language.”

― Henry James

Autumn Afternoon,

Autumn Afternoon

To me those have always been the second two

most beautiful words in the English language!

-Janet Martin 😂

Hello, pumpkin lanterns... 

and fronds orange and gold

Sweet summer is over, 

Farewell, fields of clover

Where butterflies hover and honey bees buzz 

Farewell, blue lake splashes 

Popsicle mustaches,

 Farewell, barefoot dashes through Summer That Was

Farewell, sweaty noses

And roses on roses

And dusk's gate that closes Today, late and slow

Farewell, flower-bower

And warm, welcome shower 

And treetops that tower o'er shade-pools below 

...where blithe breezes dally

where leaf-whispers rally

In rivers that sally through meadows of air 

To cheer all who listen

With lyrics that glisten 

With glimpses of Heaven on earth, full of care  

Farewell, garden growing

With seeds overflowing

With mercy bestowing the fruit in its hold  

Farewell, front porch planters

And dew-drop decanters

Hello, pumpkin lanterns and fronds orange and gold 

Hello, season dappled

With reason, red-appled

And gratitude grappled from goodness, profound 

Where summer is over

But hails to the lover

Of autumn, where favours of wonder abound  

Hello, nature's banjo

Hailing the crescendo

Of scarlet and yellow, of harvest's full swing 

As wind-tumbled pleasure

And hope-humbled treasure

 Kindles the fine measure of awed thanksgiving  

 

Janet Martin

....of harvest's full swing

As wind-tumbled pleasure...

...and hope-humbled treasure

 

  

Hope In Spite of Hardship And A Hug for the Hurting...

All the comforts of this world

cannot replace the comforts of the Soul,

wherewith Faith is cheered!

All the wonders of the world

cannot eclipse the wonder of His Word,

whereby Faith is taught!

All the wealth of this world

cannot compare to the riches of His grace;

Faith's inheritance!

***

1 Cor.13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:

now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

There is SO much more to this life than what/who meets the eye!

(like potato-diggers or flowers)

Heb.11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God,

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

***

Sometimes, when hardships come some doubt God

and his existence.

In the verses below David reflects, first on Joseph

who was sold as a slave, thrown into prison,

through false allegations,

before eventually being released

and given a place of highest honour!

Until the time that his word came to pass,

The word of the Lord tested him

Ps.105:19

...and then, also on the Israelites 

and God's faithful provision for them

in spite of their complaining and ungratefulness !

But (the Israelites) lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,

And tested God in the desert.

And He gave them their request,

But sent leanness into their soul.

Ps.106:14-15

Yesterday I visited a friend who recently moved into hospice.

She knows her time on this earth is almost over,

Yet,

Her room seemed filled with Hope's Palpable Presence; Peace! 

Through Christ's shed blood and her confession of faith,

when she repented and believed,

'in the valley of the shadow of death she fears no evil

for the Shepherd is with her; His rod and staff comfort her...'

(Still, please pray for her and her family!!)

In spite of this, these are hard days 😭🙏

Dear 'S' 💓

Johnny Cash - If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven

Oh God, help us desire You and trust in You

with all our heart 

and not lean on our own understanding,

lest you satisfy our hands with things we see

and send a leanness of soul! 

What awful dread to live, not led

By He who satisfies the Soul

To think and be, by what we see

Rather than faith that makes us whole

What utter loss, to scorn the cross

And settle for this wicked world

To count for naught, salvation wrought

Through Jesus' blood-bought grace unfurled 

What sad effect if we reject

Glad, Living Hope, through faith in He

Who, in death's hour preempts its pow'r

With life, for all eternity

But oh, what peace and joy increase

As we release the part we brave

To Jesus Christ who sacrificed

Himself to overthrow the grave

Janet Martin 

Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, 

and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; 

for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.

Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, 

and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Matthew 26:28
This is My blood of the covenant, 

which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, 

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, 

we have fellowship with one another, 

and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

 

Shadow-Forge

I LOVE September mornings, where shadows sprawl, tall across the waking land...

This, along with the memories of Lucy that people share helped inspire today's poem

John 9:4

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day;

 the night is coming when no one can work.

It is Today; where rooms expand with gleaming opportunity

And grace extends a helping hand, because life is no Easy Street

All that has passed to yester-path is beyond reach; the part we see

(So potent in its aftermath) unfolds fresh favour 'neath our feet

It is today; a fleeting hold soon melded to Eternal Past

As moments, like nuggets of gold, mold all that we cannot undo

While forging with subtle finesse a sort of shadow we all cast

An indelible sacredness we ought to pay attention to

It is Today; nothing we say can un-happen Bygone unfurled

The best we all can do is pray and trust the One who knows/shows the Way

Because the shadow that we weave will follow us beyond this world

Of the Influence that we leave, through how we loved and lived Today

We cannot wish or wash away, or detach ourselves from it

By deeds we do and words we say, shadows of influence soft-fall

For better or for worse; life shapes that which transcends its transient flit 

A shadow sprawled across thought-scapes that those who yet remain, recall  

Janet Martin

It's Been a Year...

Today marks a year of trusting God's purpose

in taking Lucy from this earth...

Thank-you everyone, for your caring and support throughout this year!

God bless you all!

Deut.29:29

 (The verse that Lucy's funeral message was drawn from)

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God,

 but those things which are revealed belong to us 

and to our children forever, 

that we may do all the words of this law.

Dear Lucy...

(Beloved Daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law,

daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, aunt and Grammy 

and beloved friend, missed by many) 

It's been a year of succumbing to grips

With 'what is', again and again

Of trusting in God when His Sovereignty strips

Sure answers from every 'amen'

It's been a year of  meek joy, sorrow-awed

By loss that has left a huge hole

While finding firsthand, the faithfulness of God

Whose rod and staff comforts the soul

It's been a year of considering oft

This life and what fashions its worth

Before The Intangible is borne aloft

And body returns to the earth

...before the measure of Lifetime is weighed

In a Balance, sacred and just

Before Truth reveals where treasure is laid

Before Soul-to-God, dust-to-dust 

It's been a year of relinquishing 'why?'

To God's higher purpose and will

Until hymns come true, In the Sweet By and By

What a Day That Will be, Peace, Be Still

It's been a year where we felt the full force

Of Hope's/Faith's utter un-commonplace 

Of drinking in moments, more tuned to the Source

Like nectar from fountains of grace

...of four-word love-letters like 'thaw, heat and serve'

'How are you doing', 'I'm praying for you'

While weathering many-a-sharp learning curve

 While suffering love's decreed due  

...while we stuffed our faces into peonies

While we gathered to reminisce 

While we laughed and wept, and made new memories

Honored with , 'Lucy would have loved this!' 

It's been a year of hope's anchor reviewed 

Of love abounding more and more

Why does it take loss to renew gratitude 

For each other, like never before?

It's been a year of hug-warm tender care

Of heartaches no poem can spell 

Of kindness on kindness, of prayer upon prayer

Of tears for the flower that fell 

Of feeling a keen sense of urgency

For all still like sheep, wandering 

 Ignoring impending eternity

As if it were not a sure thing 

 

It's been a year of learning to let go

While holding the part left behind

Of frames filled with pictures and echoes that flow

Through sorrow and joy intertwined 

It's been a year of oft coming to terms

With what we can never undo 

While leaning on the everlasting arms

Of God, who is faithful and true

It's been a year of learning to revere

A law we should never dismiss

Of, 'If the Lord wills we shall live and go here

Or there, and do that or this'  

Janet Martin

James 4:13-15

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, 

spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”

 14You do not even know what will happen tomorrow!

 What is your life? 

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Instead you ought to say,

 “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Deut.33:27

The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Be Still, My Soul