Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts

Friday, December 10, 2021

Because Love Came Down



And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
Luke 9:43

This post inspired in part by Luke 9
and this message by Charles Spurgeon

(a few excerpts from this message)
"Faith is an act, partly of the intellect, and partly of the affections.
And we must therefore have both head and heart renewed by the spirit of God
Or we shall not have true faith.
…it is no mere child’s play. No matter to be settled off hand without thought or consideration.
Search yourself and see whether the spirit of God has produced in you
the true knowledge, 
the true faith 
and the true love 
or otherwise whatever you may think you possess 
of these things is not of God.

We love Him because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19

Oh, if you really believe that Jesus loves you 
sit down and turn this over in your mind...
Jesus loves me.
Jesus chose me.
Jesus redeemed me.
Jesus called me.
Jesus has pardoned me.
Jesus has taken me into union with Himself.
Jesus has made me to be a part of The Bride, the Lamb’s wife. 
I shall be one with Him forever!"

When love came down, yon starry height
Was rent with angel host
The darkened world was bathed in Light
And hymns of Heaven’s Boast

When love came down from God to man
In form of helpless babe
The offspring of Love’s Master Plan
Was in a manger laid

When love came down from glory’s Best
To suffer evil’s worst
No one could confound love by test
Because He loved us first

When love came down no man could claim
Worth justifiable
To deserve Jesus Christ who came
One sacrifice for all

When love came down mankind beheld
Love’s/God’s Holy Mystery
The seed that in Virgin’s womb swelled
Infant, Infinity

When love came down, man could not know
How Satan’s scheme was wrecked
Hate tried but could not overthrow
The Cause that births effect

When love came down to you and me
Ah, who with logic whole
Could reject He who came to be
The Savior of the soul

When love came down to sinners vile
Their affection to woo
It made the hosts of Heaven smile
May it make us smile too

...and let the heart of worship brim
And sing, ‘Jesus, Jesus’
And shout for joy this; 'we love Him
Because He first loved us'

From well-springs inexhaustible 
Love's living waters laud
To fulfill the impossible
The love of man for God

With joy unspeakable and sure
God's sorrow forged a crown
The prize of faith and hope secure
Because His love came down

© Janet Martin

another small excerpt from the above message...
Our love is a simplicity founded upon a Mystery…
We love. That is simple enough.
Because He first loved us.
Ah, there is the great mystery which none of us can fully understand.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Oh, That We All Would...

Inspired in part by Luke 7
It was so neat; Luke 7 was yesterday's Dec. 7th reading
and this portion of that chapter was also part of last night's small group study!
Oh, that we all would identify with the woman
 in this beautiful account of Jesus' love for sinners...
Luke 7:36-50
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[c] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”




‘Your faith has saved you, go in peace’
Oh, that we all would hear
Love’s blessed verdict of release
As joy fills sorrow’s tear
As we receive forgiveness from
The One who knew no sin
But calls to everybody ‘come’
A new life to begin

Oh, that we all would hear Him say
‘Your sins have been forgiv’n’
To feel guilt’s shackles fall away
Replaced by hope of heav’n
No longer who we once had been
As we confess sin’s score
God washes our rap sheet clean
Rememb’ring it no more

Oh, that we all would be transformed
By the gift faith receives
Through Jesus Christ, of death unarmed
The hour one believes
The gift of God, eternal life
Where once sin’s wage condemned
His peace prevails amidst the strife
By His promises hemmed

Oh, that we all will hear some day
‘Well done!’ and this because
We all would find The Only Way
The Truth, The Life; Jesus
Oh, that we all would be a part
Of hope and joy’s increase
As God transforms the human heart
With righteousness and peace

Oh, that we all would wash His feet
With tears of gratitude
Not trembling at the Judgement Seat
Save with wonder renewed
Oh, that we all would cling to this;
 Redemption's gift, so good
'Your faith has saved you, go in peace'
Oh, but that we all would 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Joy-Athletes

Inspired in part by Luke 6
(such a rich chapter! so hard to choose just a few thoughts)

There's no getting around it; God knows our hearts!
Whether what we do is to glorify Him first through loving our neighbour as our self
or whether we live to look after personal interests first!
Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the 'Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.'
He taught us that it is always lawful to do good on any day of the week.
While, not voiding the command in Exodus 20:8-11  
to take a day of rest unto the Lord;
' Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 
Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; 
but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord God;
in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, 
your manservant, or your maidservant, or your cattle,
 or the sojourner who is within your gates;
 for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,
 the sea, and all that is in them, 
and rested the seventh day; 
therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.'

In Luke 6 He went on to remind them/us 
of the faithfulness of God to sacrificial and suffering believers.
He encourages believers/followers to
 'leap for joy, for great is the reward in Heaven'.
Luke 6:23

So let's all be athletes and 'leap for joy'!!






Oh, leap for joy
The baby boy
In Bethlehem became
Redemption’s Lamb
God’s gift to man;
Salvation through His name

Trust in the One
Who gave His Son
The war o’er death to win
Faithful and just
He forgives us
As we confess our sin

Rejoice in He
Who sets us free
From dread of death and hell
The wonders of
Redeeming love
Is more than tongue can tell

Then join the song
The angel throng
Began so long ago
Peace and goodwill
To sweetly fill
Hearts dark with Eden's woe

And let life be
A melody
Of love’s lovely increase
As we applaud
The gift of God
Of righteousness and peace

Joy to the world
Mercy unfurled
Hope’s banner, blood red, oh
Yet by God’s grace
Sin is erased

The doleful knell
Of would-be hell
Is quelled; let love applaud
And leap for joy
That baby Boy
Restored man’s way to God

Then let each heart
Become the part
That cradles Heaven’s boy
As we revere
God’s gift so dear
And sing with endless joy

© Janet Martin


Monday, December 6, 2021

Universal Invitation to Peace

Inspired in part by Luke 4&5
as well as week two of advent and the theme of Peace

Matt.5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, 
For they shall be called sons of God.



Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Cor.9:15



Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest.
Matt. 11:28

Come with gladness and receive Him
Come with faith and be made whole
Lest by rejection we grieve Him
Healer of body and soul

Come, ye weary worn, care-laden
Come elder and children all
Come, young fellow and fair maiden
Heed The Great Physician’s call

Lest sin remains unforgiven
(Deathly debt none can defend)
Lest we, worldly-wisdom driven
Forfeit Heaven in the end

Lest hell’s hopeless haunting breaks us
As we wander to and fro
Lest the tempter’s taunting takes us
Where no thought or feet should go

Come, lest Lofty Dream deceives us
Come, though scorning skeptics laugh
Follow He who never leaves us
But pleads on the Soul’s behalf

We are crippled, blind and broken
Without God’s peace to console
Until we hear these words spoken
Friend, your faith has made you whole

Let the Prince of Peace deliver
Hearts, bitter and cynical
Like an arrow in His quiver
Let love work faith’s miracle

Forsake debate and believe Him
Lest doubt’s dark demons increase
Trust His promise and receive Him
Author of hope, joy and peace

© Janet Martin

When Jesus saw their faith, he said,
 “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20





Saturday, December 4, 2021

Where Still The Call To All Remains...

 Inspired in part by Luke 3

Unto Us-Living Stones Quartet




In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matt.3:1

And all people will see God’s salvation.
Luke 3:6

Truth’s Voice cries in the wilderness ‘prepare’ for He who will return
The advent of His holiness trembles in hearts that wait and yearn
Where still the call to all remains, ‘repent, ‘be baptized’, ‘come, adore’
Before the Lord winnows the grains from chaff on Judgment’s threshing floor

Faith bows before Him in reply, whose feet we are not fit to kiss
Whose appearing will fill the sky; no foretold oracle amiss
Whose example still fills the Word, whose Truth will never shift or sway
Whose Spirit abides, undeterred to all who trust Him and obey

The advent of the Lord’s return burns in hearts fixed beyond time’s strife
While Mercy pleads where unfaith spurns the Only Way, the Truth, The Life
As believers become the voice that cries in holy urgency
Because belief becomes the choice that becomes soul’s eternity

Hark! Where the angels praised his birth, they will fill up the sky again
As the Lord of Heaven and earth returns forevermore to reign
Where the God of Deliverance tarries because so many doubt
And do not grasp the recompense of what God's gift is all about

Truth’s Voice cries in the wilderness ‘prepare’ for He who will return
The advent of His holiness trembles in hearts that wait and yearn
Where still the call to all remains, ‘repent, ‘be baptized’, ‘come, adore’
Before the Lord winnows the grains from chaff on Judgment’s threshing floor

© Janet Martin



Someone posted the suggestion on Facebook to read a chapter of Luke every day till Christmas Eve to read the whole book of Luke and his account of the whole life of Jesus!
So, before I go to bed I will try to read a chapter of Luke until Christmas.
I might not have a poem for every chapter but wow!
so much wonder in the Word to kindle inspiration, rejoicing and Hope!

Friday, December 3, 2021

Come, One and All and Gather Round

This post is inspired in part by Luke 2

 Light of the Stable-Selah



  



If covid has proven anything it's that we all need
the glad tidings of great joy/grace through Jesus!
We have been challenged and most of us likely disappointed
at times at responses and attitudes of our fellow-travelers
(in this journey of life) 
during the ongoing ripple-effects of this pandemic,
making the account of Jesus birth and childhood in Luke 2 
especially meaningful and vital this year!
Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said unto them, 
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
which shall be to all people
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David 
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

1 John 3:10
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 
that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Come, one and all and gather round
Love’s wonder to behold
Glad tidings of great joy abound
For people young and old
For Jesus, though the King of kings
Did not despise God’s call
Or flee Calvary's sufferings
To be Saviour of all

Come one and all and gather round
The manger where He lay
Jesus, not royal robed and crowned
But on a bed of hay
Come bow your head and shed a tear
Of both sorrow and joy
Behold Majesty’s meek veneer
In Mary’s Baby Boy

Come, one and all and gather near
Lest morrow is too late
The message of God’s love is clear
Destiny more than fate
For whoever believes in Him
Eternal life will gain
Death’s verdict without God is grim
And life, hopeless and vain

Come, one and all and gather round
To celebrate with joy
The hope for man, none can confound
And nothing can destroy
Come one and all, hail and adore
The Gift angels applaud
For this is more than ancient lore
This is the love/Son of God

© Janet Martin



This morning's Daily Bread Devotion
 includes this precious passage of scripture from
1 John 2:28-3:10

The Children of God
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, 
that [a]when He appears, we may have confidence 
and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 
29 If you know that He is righteous, 
you know that everyone who practices righteousness 
is born of Him.

The Command to Love
3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,
 that we should be called children of [b]God! 
Therefore the world does not know [c]us, 
because it did not know Him. 
2 Beloved, now we are children of God; 
and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, 
but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, 
for we shall see Him as He is. 
3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Sin and the Child of God
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, 
and sin is lawlessness. 
5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, 
and in Him there is no sin. 
6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. 
Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. 
He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. 
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 
that He might destroy the works of the devil. 
9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, 
for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, 
because he has been born of God.

The Imperative of Love
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: 
Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, 
nor is he who does not love his brother.


Thursday, December 2, 2021

Advent Aria (for modern-day 'Marys')

 Inspired in part by Luke 1 

John 1:6-9
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, 
that all through him might believe. 
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 
9 That[b] was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.





Love is the Light that pierces the darkness
Crowning our cares with courage, not despair
Love is God’s presence in us, lest harshness
Of this old world would be too hard to bear
Mercy extends Hope’s pure consolation
Not in some Thing that at death’s door will dim
Through generation unto generation
Love is the Light that draws people to Him

Joy to the world, magnify mercy’s author
Bethlehem cradled God’s humanity
For Jew and Gentile, love sent a Saviour
Let the world cry then ‘be it unto me’
Let us like Mary, with utter surrender
Trust in He who we know will never fail
Love is mankind’s death-defying Defender
Love is the Light that rent the temple’s veil

Love fills the womb of Time with God's kindness
Love conceives and gives birth to daily grace
Love is the healer of faith's would-be blindness
Love is the seeking soul's sweet resting place
Blessed is He, the Lord God of Israel
Love is the hand that sacrifice will scar
Love is the gift of good news to all people
Love is the Light of the Bright Morning Star

Love is the keeper of Hope’s expectation
Someday all people will look up and see
Glory’s appearing, the God of salvation
Ending the advent of all prophecy
Fulfillment finished at His second coming
As Heaven descends to earth’s broken world
Where Love still waits for lost people still roaming
Love is the Light of the gospel unfurled

© Janet Martin