In This World We Will Have Trouble...

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have trouble. 

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The reality of Trump's tariffs fill us with dark foreboding 

as we ponder the repercussions this will have on our (Canada's) economy.

Tariffs. A word that has seized our attention and kindled an outcry 

far greater than words like sin, pride, greed, etc. 

We never welcome trouble and testing

 that crashes into comfort zones and tumbles self-secure 'palaces/solaces'. 

 This generation has been spared the kind of suffering

 our forefathers, founders and builders of this nation endured, 

but we were never given a guarantee that we would always be spared.  

Proverbs 14:34 ESV

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Jeremiah 2:5 ESV

Thus says the Lord: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me,

 and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?

Jeremiah 18:9-10 ESV

And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,

and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice,

then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.

Psalm 91:1-16 ESV

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;

 his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 

You will not fear the tariff terror of the night, 

nor the arrow that flies by day, 

Ps.32:11 (read the whole glorious Psalm HERE)

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

A beautiful reminder of God's unfailing Presence and power

in today's devotion from Streams in the Desert Vol.2 

Dear Lord, Your Word is eternal

What You promise, You will do

In this world we will have trouble

Blessed are all who trust in You

Dear Lord, there is no one greater

Than You, who can thwart Your hand

For You are mankind's Creator

None exempt from Your command

Help us be anxious for nothing

Thank-you Lord, Your Word imparts

Peace that passes understanding

To guard our minds and hearts

This world groans with circumstances

Generations rise and fall

Breath by breath each soul advances

Toward You, Lord, God of all

Then, with earnest expectation

As Your mighty Name we laud

Fill us with fervent elation

For you Lord, are the true God

Dear Lord, Your Word is eternal

No one can its power claim

In this world we will have trouble

A world that You overcame

Dear Lord, Your Word is eternal

Fill faith with fresh zeal again

In this world we will have trouble

But You are Sov'reign. Amen 

© Janet Martin

 

Jer.10:6-7

 (read the whole awesome chapter HERE)

There is none like You, O LORD.

You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.

7Who would not fear You, O King of nations?

This is Your due.

For among all the wise men of the nations,

and in all their kingdoms,

there is none like You...

Only a Holy God

Lyrics

Songwriters: Michael Farren / Rich Thompson / Dustin Smith / Jonny Robinson

Who else commands all the hosts of heaven?

Who else could make every king bow down?

Who else can whisper and darkness trembles?

Only a Holy God

What other beauty demands such praises?

What other splendor outshines the sun?

What other majesty rules with justice?

Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out, sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

What other glory consumes like fire?

What other power can raise the dead?

What other name remains undefeated?

Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out, sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out, sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

Who else could rescue me from my failing?

Who else would offer His only Son?

Who else invites me to call Him Father?

Only a Holy God

Only my Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out, sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

Come and behold Him

The One and the Only

Cry out, sing holy

Forever a Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

Come and worship the Holy God

Were There No God (or, Glad Forevermore)

Today's poem was inspired in part by a birthday card for my dad who turns 83 today!

Also in part by a passage of Scripture I read this morning entitled Heirs of Grace

Titus 3: 1-7

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,

 to obey, to be ready for every good work, 

2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, 

serving various lusts and pleasures, 

living in malice and envy, 

hateful and hating one another. 

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, 

but according to His mercy He saved us, 

through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 

6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

 7 that having been justified by His grace 

we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

I am so thankful to God that thankfulness is more than

 delight's noise disappearing into deaf air!!

My heart overflows with joy, for without God 

there would be no goodness and mercy to follow us 

all the days of our life till we dwell in his house forever!!

I am so thankful to the Giver of every good and perfect gift

which includes days like yesterday's

very precious moments with two little girls

who used to be in my childcare...

"this is me and you holding hands" explained artist

Were there no God our gladness would depend on fleeting thrills

Our brokenness would be a hopeless state of disrepair/deep despair

Were there no God, what Great Physician would heal hurts and ills

Of both body and soul or who would heed our earnest prayer?

Who else could perform wonders that thunder with majesty

Whose hands would mark the heavens or measure the mighty sea?

Were there no God, no grace would kindle purpose, kind and true

Death and hell never overthrown, would crush all joy with woe

No author of salvation, no ‘greater is He in you’

No hope would anchor; we would be like ships tossed to and fro

No love of God, our Saviour who suffered death’s cross, so grim

To justify all who repent and put their faith in Him

Were there no God our would-be thanks/praise would have nowhere to go

Worship would be idolatry; darkness devoid of Light

Ah, who with renewed mercy would help us to face the foe

The armour of the world inept to fit us for the fight

Where faith and hope without their Cornerstone, are not enough

Were there no God to breathe in us, the greatest of these; Love

Were there no God, no ‘ought’ would be able to guide and keep

The law would dictate; hate would rule with agonizing fears

There would be no Good Shepherd for a world of wand’ring sheep

No Fold, no Path of righteousness, no Comforter for tears

No peace in the valley, no one to set sin’s captives free

From the dread of impending hell for all eternity

Were there no God no good would/could be, no beauty to behold

Want would gape in futility, nothing would satisfy

Were there no God to shower wondrous blessings, manifold

To we who cannot comprehend love’s unfailing supply

As joy transcends death’s cold façade, as like eagles we soar

For all who put their hope in God are glad forevermore

© Janet Martin

Ps.126:3

The LORD hath done great things for us, Whereof we are glad.

Isa.40:31

but those who hope in the LORD 

will renew their strength.

 They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

Far More Than Some Yon Phantom Force...

Imagine if we could see as clearly the sacred date of Happy-halfway-through-life!

as we see dates like Happy-halfway-through-November!!

That's tomorrow, if we live to see it!

In the twinkling of an eye, time/mortality's skin-thin veneer will be rent and we will see God.

How we see Him here will greatly impact how we see Him there!

Do we see Him as precious Saviour of our Soul and glorious Lord of our life

or is He some far-off, antiquated Dictator of dos and don't that we decide not to bother with?!!

Is He our Friend and Heavenly Father or simply some yon force of fate??

Psalm 8:1 ESV

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

You have set your glory above the heavens.

November Dusk is one glorious example of Majesty's Showcases!

Friday Dusk...

Our God is He whose majesty fills land and sea and air...

Sunday Dusk...

a coral and lavender festooned sky

Monday Dusk...

(north-facing)

an eruption of grandeur that drew humanity to windows and out-of-doors

in exclamations of wonder aka worship!

(east-facing)

...and west-facing

Far more than some yon phantom Force that rules with iron hand

Or sets in motion each life’s course, to curb with cold command

Far more than One who sits enthroned above the galaxies

Far removed from agonies groaned and troubles that must be

Our God is He whose majesty fills land and sea and air

Yet is acquainted thoroughly with all grief that we bear

Who suffered every sorrow known, who endured brutal loss

Who was rejected by His own, and nailed upon a cross

Far more than a Religious Chief of dos and don’ts uncouth

He is the Bedrock of Belief, the Cornerstone of Truth

A faithful Shepherd where we all like sheep have gone astray

His Rod and Staff lift all who fall and call upon his Name

He is the ear that bends to hear the prayer we cannot speak

His voice whispers, ’be of good cheer’ and ‘blessed are the meek’

He, Holy Spirit dwells in us, our power is His Word

Salvation, through his Son Jesus is the hope of the world

Far more than imagination’s rebellious negligence

The God of all creation’s decree is obedience

He is not mocked; therefore, we ought to give more earnest heed

To what we hear and hunger more for what He has decreed

Rather than fleeting pleasure that is destined to decay

We ought to dearly treasure what will never fade away

For, far more than a Rider on a White Horse up above

He is the glorious, Source of living hope, joy, peace and love

In Him, faith’s foothold is secure; trust leans upon His breast

His promises are just and sure; His timing always best

God, who is rich in mercy, bends this tent of time and place

And ushers into existence, a new, lent day of grace

That draws us ever nearer to the answer of the Soul

When God unveils the mirror that now darkly hides the Whole

Where, how we see and love Him here is authoring reply

Transcending time’s skin-thin veneer in the wink of an eye

© Janet Martin

We are all without excuse when

it comes to the evidence of God!

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—

his eternal power and divine nature—

have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, 

so that people are without excuse.

Eternal Good News, Eternal God

 

O taste and see that the LORD is good: 

blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. 

Psalm 34:8

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

 and His truth endureth to all generations.

 Psalm 100:5

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; 

and He knoweth them that trust in Him. 

Nahum 1:7

The LORD is good to all;

 and his tender mercies are over all His works.

 Psalm 145:9

He is an awesome Creator...

Grackle cackle over snack-le😂

 Robin Redbreast, photographed below, looks about as impressed as the photographer

with the cold rain-snow splashes...

Creation is budding and singing in spite of the nose-dived temperatures!

One small glimpse of a great God's faithfulness! 

He is a Heavenly Father, Anchor, Author, Helper, Friend

He is love, without beginning, Everlasting, without end

He is Perfect in His purpose, Confidante and Counsellor

He is patient. His compassion like an ocean with no shore

He is a steadfast Companion, Savior, Shepherd undeterred

An Infallible Example, gentle, humble. He is Word

He is Changeless, Wondrous, Warrior, Merciful, Misunderstood

He is Mighty and Majestic, Powerful, and Always Good

He is an awesome Creator, Mediator, Righteous Judge

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, He is Truth that will not budge

He is Omnipotent, Sovereign, Supreme, Divine, Deity

The Same as when first He uttered earth and heaven’s Let There Be

He is joy and peace, His grace is a gift no law can undo

He is Life Eternal purchased as His death, death overthrew

He is the Healer of nations, He is the Hope of the soul

He is Alpha and Omega, Absolute, in Full Control

He is worthy of all power, wisdom, honor, glory, praise

Where were we when first he laid the foundation of numbered days?

Where were we when He, all-knowing groaned to see salvation’s price

When in the garden of Eden, He slayed sin’s first sacrifice

He is the Risen Redeemer, King of kings and Lord of lords

He, like a Lamb led to slaughter crushed the dominion of swords

He is holy, hallelujah, nothing and no one transcends

The glory of a love story that faith’s every breath defends

He never leaves or forsakes us, He keeps all his promises

He hears the prayers of the righteous; He forgives if we confess 

He is never late or lazy; from His fullness blessings pour 

Trust Him, for from, through and for him are all things forevermore  

He is mortal's lifelong Good News; no woe can His joy erase 

He is faithful, aren't you thankful for the gospel of His grace

He is the call all will answer; His summons none can evade

Have you bowed, believed and thanked Him for the sinner's debt He paid?

 

Some still doubt and dare to trample underfoot the Son of Him

Some still hate and do not tremble at the mention of His Name

Some reject, despise, refuse Him, choosing what demons applaud

Some believe, receive, and love Him for He is the One True God

© Janet Martin

Unbridled Hallelujah

A hymn of praise to our awesome Creator and Saviour!

Isn't being marveled speechless the best?!!

(as I was yesterday at Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto, Ont. Canada)

Gen.1:20

And God said, 

Let the waters bring forth abundantly 

the moving creature that hath life...

Whether we are poring over His Wonder-full Word or

witnessing wonders of His Hand,

whether we are weeping for joy as we behold

in our mind's eye, the cross of Calvary

or whether we are wonder-struck,

 beholding glimpses of God's majesty in creation...

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;

And His greatness is [b]unsearchable.

 Ps.145:3

To the God of creation

Oh, may our honor be

More than mouthed adoration

But heart-humility

To the God of salvation

May our lives confess

With faithful exaltation

Redemption’s righteousness

To God, of earth and Heaven

May worship never cease

Through Him we are forgiven

Christ’s death, our death’s release

To God be all the glory

The beauty of His grace

Will reveal faith’s full story

When death unveils His face

For the God everlasting

Who will make all things known

Hears the cares/prayers we are casting

Before His glorious throne

God is hope's restoration

The Savior of the soul

The healer of all nations

The faith that makes us whole

The joy of the believer

Sin's pardon all may claim

The dread of the deceiver

Who trembles at His name 

To Alpha and Omega

The Beginning and End

Universal ecclesia's

Father and faithful Friend

May unbridled devotion

Compose love's fervent lay

Majestic as an ocean

That no shoreline can stay 

His goodness and His mercy

Without reserve, run rife

Absolute Supremacy

The Way, The Truth, The Life

Boundless heights and depths thunder

With evidence of He

Who eclipses awed wonder

Who will bend every knee

To God, love’s divine Author

May our devotion brim

All glory, praise and honour

Belongs only to Him

Mortal boast is folly

All we have, He gives

Through God, just and holy

Redeemed Sinner lives

© Janet Martin

Psalm 145:5

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And [d]on Your wondrous works.

(read whole glorious chapter here)

Reminded me of this song video

I Will Praise Him Still

Thou God, Of Earth and Heaven

 

Whether at the funeral of a Prince,

an innocent child,

a pastor

whether almost a century old

or a baby,

or somewhere between,

the same words of comfort are offered,

drawn from ageless, timeless, changeless Word of God,

Father of all

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. 

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 11:25

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, 

concerning those who have fallen [b]asleep, 

lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 

14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, 

even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus.

1 Thess.4:13-14

Our Father Who Art In Heaven

Last Post

 

Thou God of earth and heaven

Thy Perfect Love, nail-scarred

Faith’s Dying-Breath confession

Thou dost not disregard

Thou Godhead Everlasting

Divine Supremacy

No Last-Post Bugle blasting

Thy final eulogy

Thou God, changeless and gracious

Author of life and light

Each one of us is precious

And equal in Thy sight

Where none can earn the merit

Of the gift of Your grace

Thou, Beholder of spirit

Rather than breed or face

Thou God of earth and heaven

Thou Saviour of the soul

Thou God, of sins forgiven

And faith that makes us whole

Thou, Father of the orphan

Thou, Comforter and Friend

Thou God of earth and Heaven

Thy Kingdom hath no end

© Janet Martin

Heavenly Declaration

A glimpse of I AM!

The heavens declare the glory of God 

We gaze, like David did, utterly awed 

Worship beholds as an artist unfolds 

Purple and fuchsia, coral, pinks and golds 

Filling the canvas of west unto east 

With a magnificent, free-for-all feast 

The heavens declare the glory of He 

Who wrought the universe with ‘let there be’ 

Love pours the pigment of sunrise and set 

Before we, who all too quickly forget 

Thus, over and over He fills up his tray 

And pours out His glory in gorgeous array 

The heavens declare to man's common ground

He who by nothing and no one is bound

He drapes the sky with but the Outer Fringe

Of Who suspends earth on time's sacred hinge

Pitiful soul who dares to affront He

Who fills the heavens with His majesty

The heavens declare, what none can deny 

The incomprehensible ways of His eye

Oh, what a showcase of His Evidence 

Only a fool denies God’s existence 

We gaze amazed, from our perches of sod 

As heavens declare the glory of God 

© Janet Martin 

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

3They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

4Yet their voice b goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

5It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is deprived of its warmth.