Faithful is God or We Are Not Helpless. Hallelujah!

A guttural *helpless, heart-cry best describes my prayers this morning

for a world groaning in tribulation...

For Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia,

(just a sad few of the many countries in dire distress)

Earthquakes, floods and wildfires rage.

Terrorists torture and terrorize.

Sickness and sorrow burdens.

America and Canada grow ever colder to the

Faith these countries were founded on

boldly proud and blind to the reaping of godless sowing!

God is not mocked

*But we are not helpless!

Hallelujah.

Deuteronomy 4:7

For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them

as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?

Psalm 46:1-3 –

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way 

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 

though its waters roar and foam 

and the mountains quake with their surging."

Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past

The battleground that keeps us bound toward Reward’s indemnity

Is fraught with what we ought to do and snares set by the enemy

Soon evidence through recompense from seed of word and deed is shown

What was concealed will be revealed for by the fruit the tree is known

Oh Lord, increase Your peace in us as we trust, whether old or youth

Broad is the way where demons prey on those who stray from Steadfast Truth

Your Word is sure; all will endure who feast upon Thy Bread of Life

The pure in heart will not depart from You though evil’s ruse runs rife

Desire’s vice and sacrifice no one beholds in full but He

Who authors birth and instills worth to we, prone to depravity

Where we all prove who we most love by the testimony of choice

Oh God, forbid Your light is hid by its indisputable voice

This battleground of sight and sound confounds the intellectual

*But corruption cannot corrupt that which is Incorruptible

Faithful is God, no matter what the godless, blood-thirsty reply

Be of good cheer, He bends his ear to hear faith’s guttural heart-cry

© Janet Martin

*Line from a sermon recently

Another hope-filled Hymn

Behold Our God

Psalm 18:6-19 –

 "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.

From His temple he heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears. 

Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, 

because He was angry. 

Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; 

glowing coals flamed forth from Him. He bowed the heavens and came down; 

thick darkness was under His feet. He rode on a cherub and flew;

 He came swiftly on the wings of the wind. 

He made darkness His covering, 

His canopy around Him, thick clouds dark with water.

 Out of the brightness before Him hailstones and coals of fire broke through His clouds.

 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, 

and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire.

 And He sent out his arrows and scattered them; 

he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. 

Then the channels of the sea were seen,

 and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke,

 O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 

He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.

 He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me,

 for they were too mighty for me. 

They confronted me in the day of my calamity, 

but the Lord was my support. 

He brought me out into a broad place;

 He rescued me, because He delighted in me."

Eternal Wonder

 

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, 

a worker who does not need to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Tim.2:15

Thy Word-Amy Grant

Keep God’s Word in your heart 

It is His hand held out 

To hold the shield that thwarts the darts 

Of fear and hate and doubt 

In God’s Word fix your trust 

While dark doom’s billows roll 

Faith keeps steadfast the bark of dust 

That harbours deathless soul 

Cling to the Word of God 

When storms of life assail 

It is the only staff and rod 

Of hope that will not fail 

God's word wakens within

The wonder of His love

And how to guard the heart from sin

That plagues this mortal glove

God’s Word is sure and true 

Heaven to earth’s embrace 

His grace the arms that draw us to 

Behold him face to face 

© Janet Martin

Heaven and earth will pass away, 

but My words will by no means pass away.

Matt.24:35

To the pure, all things are pure, 

but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, 

nothing is pure. 

In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 

16They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. 

They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Titus 1:15-16

What Wonder Fulfilled

Inspired in part by this morning's Ann Voskamp's FB daily devotionals,

after a night of finding MUCH to worry pray about!

1 Pet.5:7

...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Psalm 23:4

'Thou art with me'

Sometimes these verses above slip our mind

as we flounder in the gutter of

Worry/concern!

Today's prayer;

Dear Lord, Help us to cling to You

With faith's tenacity 

But if faith's grip should slip, to see

It is You holding we

Amen~

You Never Let Go

What joy to know, no matter what 

We are not all alone 

The One who made us never does 

Forsake His very own 

What comfort sweet to cast our care 

On Him, who sees and knows 

Then find the faith to leave it where 

No foe can interpose 

What peace to release to His keep 

The way that we must go 

Where, though the valley seems so deep 

What confidence to know 

That with us IS a Counselor, 

A Comforter and Friend 

One who equips His follower 

His edicts to defend 

What love, that He does not cast out 

We, prone to doubt and fear 

But hears us; we don’t need to shout 

He understands a tear 

What love that He should pay the price 

And that His law would be 

Mercy, rather than sacrifice 

To honour His decree 

© Janet Martin

Adagio Composers

Mondays, especially gray ones, especially during lockdowns

 can feel a bit heavy some weeks, 

but it takes the ebb and flow of high and low 

to compose Masterpiece Adagios.

We are still in the middle of what could will be

a Masterpiece, if we put our faith in the 

Forever Faultless, Faithful Keeper of fumbling 'composers'!

Where highs and lows compete 

With shores that disappear

Where Today spreads a music sheet 

Replete with Now and Here

Where love and longing spark 

A strange adagio 

Like waves that roll across the heart 

In soulful ebb and flow 

Where darksome, daily grind 

And laughter, silver-teal 

Will fill the bars soon left behind

With symphonies, surreal 

Where what we have and hold 

Is soon the wafting fray 

Of melodies that fill the old 

-en world of yesterday 

Where swift, soft moments splay 

Gilt lilt of high and low 

To compose with notes of today 

Morrow’s adagio 

© Janet Martin 

Adagios

This morning's Daily Bread Devotion Bible Reading-

Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to [a]be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your [b]keeper;

The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall [c]preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve[d] your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.

This Life Is Not Carefree

 

It's Not An Easy Road

This life is not carefree 

Its give-and-taking schemes 

Are not always budget-friendly 

Or mindful of our dreams 

The flying colours of 

Accomplishment’s success 

Are cradled in a fragile glove 

Of heartache and distress 

The ‘something very nice’ 

We seized with 'hip-hooray' 

Was but the laud of sacrifice 

On altars of Today 

Reminding us again 

How fundamental, trust 

Without it who could bear the pain 

Of time’s determined dust 

Emphasizing anew

We hold a gifted Strand

And life is but the avenue

Back to the Giver's Hand

Midst high-fives and low-blows 

We traipse time's strafing sod 

While weathering life’s wows and woes 

But by the grace of God 

But by the grace of God 

Easy-street, none can claim 

For if we could who would applaud 

Or call upon His name 

© Janet Martin 

All they asked was that we should 

continue to remember the poor...

Gal.2:10

What God Hath Promised (God Hath Not Promised Skies Always Blue)

You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) by Josh Groban lyrics

HE GIVETH MORE GRACE| THE LIVING STONES QUARTET

This Exposé of Day-to-Day...

This was part of a text from my sister last night as I poured out my latest 'woe'

in what feels like a long line of little disappointments/frustrations...

Nothing major (like the crosses so many are called to suffer)

But wow. How her kind words helped me refocus 

and reminded me of a Much Bigger Picture.

Thank-you, Lucy💗

This exposé of day-to-day is so much more, my dears 

Than hip-hooray or plan’s ‘nay, nay’, more than laughter and tears 

This life we live that gives us much to celebrate and grieve 

Is far more than time’s gifted span before we take our leave 

This no return where Live-and-Learn’s law never disappears 

Where rise and fall of sky-high shawl numbers our days and years 

Where dawn to dusk is but the husk of morrow’s brittle vine 

Where Mystery and Poetry and Holy intertwine 

Where what we hold is but the mold to farewell’s swinging door 

Where what we do is but the flue to Something far, far More 

Where we are all far more than small dots on four-seasoned sod 

This exposé of day-to-day is our way back to God 

So, friend, take heart, this sting and smart of love’s longing and loss 

This grin and groan as skin and bone takes up its daily cross 

This wrenching pain of ‘try again’, this utter need for grace 

Is but the span twixt God and man before we see His face 

© Janet Martin 

2 Cor.4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, 

but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.

I know I've shared this version before but I love it

Keep your eyes on Jesus-The Louvin Brothers

Turn your Eyes upon Jesus-Alan Jackson

Glorious Matters of Fact (for Monday morning's mind-reset)

A Monday-morning poem of encouragement

because sometimes the week can look bleak if we don't seek

Faith's Focus first

May the sunrise of the heavens mirror 

The Son-rise of our hearts!

Romans 5:5

And hope does not put us to shame, 

because God's love has been poured out into our hearts 

through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Because of human nature’s shortcomings, we make mistakes 

And often learn the most through what we wish we could erase 

I could not bear to rise and shine knowing the likelihood 

Of brand-new slips and stumbles but for this fact; God is good 

Because the darkness of this world is great, where evil lurks

Where we sometimes forget God's grace and pride ourselves in works

I could not bear the cross of consequence's bitter blight

But for redemption's Absolute, and this fact; God is Light

Because we are His workmanship, we bear a sacred charge 

To honour Him with what He gives, however small or large 

I could not bear to forge ahead without this peace of mind 

No matter how I fail or fall or fumble; God is kind 

Because we cannot know the thoughts and ways of The Most High 

We ought to give more earnest heed to what we want and why 

I could not bear to wear the ‘easy yoke’ of steadfast trust 

If I did not believe without a doubt that; God is just 

Because the spirit is willing but oh, the flesh so weak 

Too often we fall prey to ways we should not think or speak 

I could not bear to face the day knowing that sure enough 

I’ll prove once more my mercy-need but for this; God is love 

© Janet Martin 

God Is Love

Think on These Things

 

We all have ample 'opportunity' to get caught up in

unprofitable thoughts; envy, fear, doubt, shame, spite, judgment, anxiety...

On and on it goes!

Years ago, when Victoria was part of Gems 

she brought home this verse-card.

It took up permanent residence on the fridge.

Think on these things; Not that which fosters doubt and despair’s woe 

But dwell upon the love and grace of God Whereby we go 

And think upon praiseworthy things to fill the heart with joy 

On noble, true and lovely things that no foe can destroy 

Think on these things 

Do not let thought get mired in the bog of discontent 

Or tangled in deception’s web or regret’s vain judgement 

But rather think on things that build upon the word of He 

Who will not fail no matter what our failing may be 

Think on these things 

Think of the One who sent His Son, the Lord of Heaven and earth 

Who put on man and began life in lowliest of birth 

Laid in a manger for a bed so none can envy He 

Who loved mankind unto death on the cross at Calvary 

Think on these things 

Don’t give place to the devil; he delights in fear and shame 

And a whole host of evil that draws thoughts from Jesus’ Name 

The name above all names that became the scapegoat for man 

To pay the penalty for sin that mortal never can 

Think on these things 

Think of the tree that stands between Eden and Heaven’s Throne 

The Author of the universe rejected by his own 

Has made a way that all may call upon Him and be saved 

His robe of righteousness clads servants of we, once enslaved 

Think on these things 

Think on the things that foster peace and goodwill unto men 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come to break the curse of sin 

With Soul’s salvation as a gift, not works, lest any boast 

Death’s outer darkness pierced by love and mercy’s uttermost 

Think on these things 

© Janet Martin 

Thumbs Up (face to face or screen to screen)

We, the more mature students in the School of Life have learned or are learning 

not to base self-worth on how many likes or thumbs-up we get, 

but it doesn't mean a little 'thumbs up' isn't kind of like a big cyber

 (or face-to-face) smile/hug/ pat on the back.

Sometimes when I'm tempted to think that someone really couldn't care less

whether I 'like' it or not I think about the big boost of courage

some of those little thumbs-up have given me over the years💗

Our love/hate relationship with social-media, like it or not,

for better or worse, carries a weight of response-ability with it.

So whether to the people we meet on the street, in our homes,

or on social media, let's spread some high-five, smiley-face, thumbs-up love!

1 Thess.5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.

Thumbs up can give someone a lift when they are feeling low 

A boost of confidence perhaps, a little ‘way-to-go’ 

A ‘you are not invisible but worth a smile, a prayer 

A kind nod of approval to fend off fiends of despair’ 

Thumbs up can say ‘hey, you’re okay and worth the while God grants’ 

Thumbs up can put a bounce in steps that somehow lost their ‘dance’ 

So, whether face to face or screen to screen, let’s do our part 

To spill some ‘thumbs-up-happiness’ into somebody’s heart 

Thumbs up is so much better than an emoji to vent 

To satisfy our anger in that spurt of resentment 

Better to walk away than say something we will regret 

Better to give a thumbs up and leave scowls and slurs unsaid 

Time is a tireless teacher; age does not deter him much 

We never outgrow needing someone’s time or tender touch 

A teeny, weeny thumbs up might be all somebody needs 

To fan the flame of courage to wherever Today leads 

© Janet Martin

Still Thankful Hearts

 

 

The above photo is from this morning's devotional from Ann.

and helped inspire this morning's poem

along with all the clashing notes of learning to get along!

Lord, when the chords of living clash and all the notes seem out of place

When harmonies are harsh because of human nature’s lack of grace 

Wake within us a hymn of praise for all the ways that you are good 

And teach us to number our days with holy, humble gratitude 

Lord, when the music-sheet is torn and we are weary-worn and weak 

Help us to recognize new morn as Mercy’s kiss upon our cheek 

And help us speak words true and kind, keeping in mind the Thing they make 

Where today is soon left behind save for the echoes in its wake 

Lord, we are all broken and bent in one way or another, oh 

Still let us be an instrument of love and grace whereby we go 

Where what we know (not what we feel) will help us through the harder parts 

As hope and heartache clash and peal and wound and heal still thankful hearts 

© Janet Martin 

in everything give thanks; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thess.5:18

Imagine That!

Inspired by this golden nugget...

This lovely gem came out of a box of Kleenex my sister gave to me;

She had opened up the end of the box carefully, pulled out the stack of Kleenexes

slid poems, quotes, humorous stories etc. in the folds between the Kleenex, 

then put it all back inside the box and re-glued the side shut.

Voila! a great, sweet, long-enjoyed gift

I only take a  Kleenex from that box

to 'treat' myself.

The above snippet was last night's treat after feeling a little down after

some recent headlines and much quick commentary;

some not so very kind.

Imagine if in place of slights and bites and prejudice 

We simply treated others like we would, they treated us 

Imagine if, (because we have not walked in their worn shoes) 

We didn’t form conclusions based on our own point of views 

Imagine if we weren’t so quick to pick up Judgement’s rod 

But simply loved and left the repercussions up to God 

Imagine if we chose to grant the benefit of doubt 

And sought only good thoughts and strove to sweep all others out 

Imagine if we would be courteous, with cheerful face 

And valued one another with encouragement and grace 

Imagine if we only reached out with a Servant’s touch 

Instead of criticism, or of back-stabbing and such 

Imagine what a wonderful world this would start to be 

If I began to treat you like I hope you would treat me 

Imagine if, for no other sake but our fellowman 

We shouldered our ‘rise ’n shine’ and pursued our ‘plan’ 

Imagine, if we reined in scornful words, sarcastic quips 

And everywhere we turned were helping hands and smiling lips 

Imagine what a sweeter, kinder old world this would be 

If by God’s grace I loved you like I hope you will love me 

© Janet Martin 

The Golden Rule

Matt.7:12

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Resounding Praise for Abounding Love

Psalm 103:1

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 

he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 130:3-4

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

May our outlook always be an up-look!

The scenery changes with the season...

but never the Reason of hope!

The valley of reflection can feel cold and dark and wet 

It steals the light of laughter if we linger there too long 

The weight of condemnation can crush us with sad regret 

If we forget that God forgives and helps us carry on 

This is the day that He has made to look ahead, not back 

To walk upon the stepping-stones we stumbled on before 

To be aware of what we have in spite of all we lack 

God’s grace always sufficient for whatever lies in store 

Futile to dwell where we can never alter what is done 

Better to focus on the mercy of this present morn 

For He forgives the sinner through the merit of his Son 

As far as east is from the west, man’s transgression is borne 

Then when the deceiver attempts to drag us to a pit 

Of doubt and dark despair remember He who loves us so 

His kindness and compassion do not recount our debt 

But only sees the perfect grace He grants whereby we go 

His love abounds and metes the grounds for peace and happiness 

If we ask he will give and if we seek him we will find 

He is faithful and just and forgives us if we confess 

Then pray we live to love him with heart, soul and strength and mind 

For HE IS, WAS and WILL BE faithful, changeless, GREAT I AM

Ah, what is man that God is mindful of mortal at all

And yet for man He gave His Son to be the slaughtered Lamb

And save all who believe from that which sin conceived; the fall

Therefore no valley of despair is deep or dark enough

To hide us from the One who sees exactly where we are

For nothing can separate us from His abounding love

Ah, look! the hand that holds us bears love's signature, a scar

© Janet Martin

Noteworthy Reminders...

 

Faithful One

He Will Hold Me Fast

The sorrows of this broken world will never disappear 

The trouble man is born to pours out heartache, pain and fear 

The battle against odds that seem stacked against sweet success 

Would cause us to despair and be robbed of all happiness 

Be of good cheer; we who believe know One that does not fail 

Take heart; if God is for us then none greater can prevail 

Cast all your cares upon the Lord because He cares for you 

Think on these things; whatever is pure, righteous, noble, true 

Greater is He within us than he who is in the world 

Nothing can separate us from God’s love freely unfurled 

Do not despair though tribulation multiplies it sum 

These are the things He told to us that He has overcome 

And He will keep in perfect peace those who will trust in God 

His thoughts and ways are higher than ways we tend to applaud 

For if the Son has set us free then we are free indeed 

According to God’s riches He will satisfy our need 

And when we start to see the signs that fill our hearts with fear 

Take courage; for the day of His return is drawing near 

Our God cannot lie; what he says He will do

So be content; for God will never forsake me or you

© Janet Martin 

1 Cor.1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, 

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Blessing In Disguise

'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. 

For the battle is not yours, but God's.

2 Chron.20:15

On Sunday at Ron's remembrance service

his daughter, powerfully and beautifully sang this song...

Yet Not I But Christ In Me

The battle is the blessing 

Not by trophy’s reward 

But by our hearts confessing 

All honour to the Lord 

How oft the battle pains us 

Yet it is not for naught 

For when life’s struggle drains us 

We find the strength we ought 

Not by our faulty merit 

Do we gain victory 

But by the Holy Spirit 

Christ works through you and me 

If we put on God’s armour 

Then we will be equipped 

To withstand Evil’s Charmer 

And wiles, 'luringly-dipped 

So do not fear the terror 

When foes of faith increase 

But rather fear the error 

If the battle should cease 

Dear Soldier, fight Faith’s rival 

For He who remains true 

The battle is the channel 

That Christ’s power flows through

  

© Janet Martin 

Phil Wickham-Battle Belongs

Balancing Burdens...

Go Light Your World

To bear the weight of the woes of this world
Would drain us of all hope of happiness
To dwell on the darkness where Light unfurled
Beckons, is to miss God’s kind faithfulness

To suffer we must; but to hurt alone
Would surely be hardship’s most bitter part
The Lord does not leave us Comfortless, no
Though this world’s sorrows can shatter the heart

Worry is not the same thing as concern
Worry frets anxiously; futile and hard
Concern will caution, encourage, discern
Stand like a strong, loyal soldier on guard

Lord, help us daily Thy grace to employ
To bear life’s burdens with courage and joy

© Janet Martin 

 

1 Pet.5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, 

so that in due time He may exalt you.  

7Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you

Oh Lord, Our God

Oh, Source of hope divine

That bids heart’s storm be still

What blessed joy and peace is mine

When yielded to Thy will

Oh, kind and faithful Friend

The well-spring of Thy love

Has no beginning and no end

Immortal and enough

Oh, Name above all names

The Way, the Truth, the Life

Thy Word assures where reason blames

And longing wields its knife

Oh, Lord of Heav'n and earth
Creation's architect
Originator of all birth
To whom all is subject

Oh, bulwark for Belief

Compassion’s offering

You long to gather us beneath

The Shelter of your wing

Oh, fountain filled with grace

Thanksgiving overflows

For what You bore in our place

To save us from hell’s throes

Oh, steadfast strength and Stay

Oh, mentor for the soul

Instill in us today, I pray

The faith that makes us whole

Amen

© Janet Martin

 Eph.3:14-19

 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, 

to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

 May be able to comprehend with all saints 

what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, 

that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.