Haloed Ground

 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, 

that in Me you may have peace.

 In the world you will have tribulation;

 but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world.”

Oh, the joy of those moments when, like an epiphany

 the message in the treasured age-old 'Christmas Story'

 opens our eyes anew, to wonders as we ponder the

mysteries of God's love...

As we follow the example of Joseph and trust God's word

though we don't understand the beginning from the end!

The Birth of Jesus Matt.1:18-21 BSB

(Isaiah 7:10–16; Luke 2:1–7)

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: 

His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, 

she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

  19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man 

and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

20But after he had pondered these things, 

an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

 “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, 

for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

21She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus,d 

because He will save His people from their sins.”

In this world we will have trouble

But we are not doomed to loss

In the dark and hurting rubble

Of life’s trouble, stands the cross

In this world we will have sorrow

But we are not doomed to tears

Faith today is hope tomorrow

In life’s sorrow, Mercy cheers/hears

In this world we will have trials

Dreamlands turned to battlegrounds

But in spite of dream-denials

In life’s trials, grace abounds

In this world we will have testing

High-fives tumbled/humbled by low blows

This is not God’s cruel jesting

In life’s testing, wisdom grows

In this world we will have dark vales

As we walk by faith, not sight

 Love holds a Lamp that never fails

In life’s dark vales, shines His Light

In this world we will have sadness

But, behold hope's haloed ground

God's peace cheers the soul with gladness

In life's sadness, joy is found

 

Janet Martin

Carrie Underwood - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Official Audio Video)

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee By Henry van Dyke and Beethoven Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee God of glory Lord of love Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee Opening to the sun above Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day All Thy works with joy surround Thee Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays Stars and angels sing around Thee Center of unbroken praise Field and forest, vale and mountain Flowery meadow, flashing sea Singing bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee Thou art giving and forgiving Ever blessing, ever blessed Wellspring of the joy of living Ocean depth of happy rest Thou our Father Christ our Brother All who live in love are Thine Teach us how to love each other Lift us to the joy divine Mortals, join the happy chorus Which the morning stars began Father love is reigning o'er us Brother love binds man to man Ever singing, march we onward Victors in the midst of strife Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life Melt the clouds of sin and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away Giver of immortal gladness Fill us with the light of day

While Waiting....(for fulfillment of prophecy to unfold)

 

Spiritual darkness is a lack of delight in God.

Clinton Manley~

Advent is an in-between time,

when we wait with desire for the second coming

while we remember with delight the first.

Clinton Manley~

Source HERE

Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; 

on those living in the land of the shadow of death,

 a light has dawned.”

The sunrise teaches us about the Sonrise that we confess at Advent:

Christ has come. Christ will come again.

Clinton Manley~

Source HERE

While generations rose and fell like waves upon a sea

While centuries tolled like a bell hinged upon prophecy

While with devout commitment the truth was told and retold

While waiting for fulfillment of prophecy to unfold

While evil oppression increased beneath death's shadow chained 

Still, God's upright Hand never ceased where a great silence reigned 

 While blood of bulls and rams ran rife on altars made of stone

While waiting for the Light of Life to pardon and atone

While scoffers and emperors, boldly waved axes with pride 

And lined coffers with despot's gold, the king of kings defied/denied

Some glimpsed hope gleaming from afar, where a great darkness lay

In waiting for the Morning Star to drive its gloom away 

While foretold devastation unfurled like a beast of doom 

The bud of expectation sprouted in a Virgin's womb

The Flower of the Spirit, the Trinity's Diadem 

'Behold the root of David, and the Rod from Jesse's stem'

The Almighty has spoken; Salvation's Day is unfurled

The darkness has been broken by the True light of the world

Wounded for our transgression, redemption's plan to fulfill 

Though we esteemed Him stricken, the Lord's pleasure prospers still (Isa.53)

While generations rise and fall like waves upon a sea

While centuries roll like a ball into eternity

Still, with devout commitment the truth is told and retold

While waiting for fulfillment of prophecy to unfold

Janet Martin

We The Kingdom - Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) [Lyric Video]

The Journey of Grief...a Reflection

The Journey of Grief 

As we face the journey of grief, no one hands us a map, 

clearly marked with when we must navigate what, or how, 

and no one hands those around us a map either,

with a distinctly highlighted path from starting point to finish line of grief’s journey.

On the journey of grief, each landscape varies; 

its hilltops and valleys uniquely individual,

uncharted, and ever so personal.

Sometimes, on its journey, grief grants pitstops where, 

for a glorious minute or hour

We forget that we are sad, 

forget bitter loss as we taste and treasure,

 if only for a little

a hint of sweeter days to come…

Then the weight of sadness rushes back in, 

its ebb and flow without cut and dry rhythms.

Some days sorrow almost overwhelms us with longing 

for what will never be again;

Longing to hear their voice, 

to see their smiles and tears and, feel their hugs.

Longing for new stories about him or her. 

But there are no new stories

So, we recall the old ones again 

and laugh or cry,

in a tender effort to keep 

precious memories alive!

In the journey of grief, we hurt for ourselves 

but we also hurt for fellow-travelers/mourners.

And in our human sorrow-tender nature 

we want to help them;

To ease suffering by easing their weight of sadness;

The very weight that God allows for us

 to discover firsthand the glorious power of Him;

His Very present Help, 

His comfort, 

His strength!

The very weight we want to eradicate 

is the weight that draws us to our knees!

To our personal Gethsemanes, 

to learn utter surrender 

and echo the prayer of Jesus

Not spared from pain and sorrow as He prayed

 ‘not my will but Thine’

And because of Jesus, the believer’s journey of grief

 is not traveled alone or without hope.

For the believer the promise in Rom.8:28, 

that God works all things for good to those who love Him,

 and are called according to His purpose, 

is truth,

 is hope, 

is reality 

on a timeline beyond our control or comprehension.

On the topic of Life’s burdens J.R. Miller wrote,

In every burden that God lays upon us

 there is a blessing for us if only we will take it.

Our pain and sorrow, 

endured with sweet trust and submission

leave us with life purified and enriched, 

with more of Christ in us.

Is there any greater good that God could work 

than ‘more of Christ in us’?

I treasure now, more than ever, 

the words of Jesus when He comforted Martha 

after the death of her brother Lazarus; in John 11:25-26

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

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. 

Do you believe this?”

What glorious comfort and hope 

transcends deepest grief, 

when we believe this!

Though grief is great, 

hope is greater.

Do you Believe This?

When Death, the Scythe that ceases Time, gathers a loved one beyond reach

Do you believe? Does Heaven’s clime become longing's lamenting roar

Though sorrow staggers 'neath the weight of lessons love must ever teach

Do you turn eyes toward a Gate that gleams far fairer than before

When Death delivers Farewell's rift and stuns the grasp of mortal ken

Do you believe? does God’s grace-gift fill sorrow with hope over-joyed

Because you know, though tears may flow, God keeps His promises. Amen

Though Death is a grim reaper, oh, how dear the hope that spans grief’s void

When Death reminds we who remain how small-swift-sacred is life's lease

When earthly loss is Heaven's gain does Heaven suddenly draw near?

Do we believe? with hurting hearts do we turn to the Prince of Peace

Trusting His will till sight imparts the face of God and loved ones dear

When Death, with one fell swoop subdues the Soul’s dust-to-dust vestibule

Then it will be to late to choose who we will trust or serve; oh pray

Do you believe in He who made the hope/home of Heaven possible

Are you prepared should Death’s swift blade cut your life to the quick today?

Do you believe and do you love He who does not leave or forsake

Is salvation’s solace enough to console sorrow’s weeping wail

For God so dearly loves and hears us; He draws nearer when hearts break

Through His Word He gently cheers us with goodness that will not fail

Janet Martin

Who Knows What Waits

 

2025 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 14

For the 2025 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, 

poets write a poem a day in the month of November. 

Day 14 is to write a who blank poem.

I watched the sunrise then checked the prompt for today and the first lines flowed naturally...

Who knows what waits where welkin gates are flung ajar by He

Who fills the air with mercy's flare for all humanity...

I then paused to tend to a few chores and in that time

received news that a sick friend had pass from this life

into Heaven and all I could do was pray

as a tremendous wave of relief, joy and grief

washed over me...

As the sun rose glorious in the east she departed to

the land of endless day, endless health, endless joy and peace

Dear Penner family,

Rom.15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who knows what waits where welkin gates are drawn ajar by He

Who fills the air with mercy's flare for all humanity

Whose thoughts and ways none can appraise, beyond all mortal ken

Whose Name is Love; a Name above all other names. Amen

Who knows our cares and hears our prayers and saves us by His grace

Whose perfect will tries faith until we see Him face to face

Who does not leave our hearts to grieve without hope in the world

But comes to us and comforts us through promises unfurled

Who suffered too, and traveled through death's vale, but all alone

Who rose again; the curse of sin forever overthrown 

Who longs that all would heed His tender call 'come unto Me'

And trust His love to be enough for all eternity 

Whose glory spills in constant thrills and glimpses of Sublime 

These but the fringe; an earth-sky hinge on a hold we call Time  

Who gives and takes with no mistakes; each life a gift from He

Who knows our score of days before one of them comes to be 

God knows what waits where welkin gates are drawn ajar; rejoice

In gold and rose He overflows the heavens with His voice

Janet Martin

...and before I knew what was waiting in the wings of daybreak

this was the Scripture reading in my devotion from Our Daily Bread

Lam.3:22-33

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke

while he is young.

28 Let him sit alone in silence,

for the Lord has laid it on him.

29 Let him bury his face in the dust—

there may yet be hope.

30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,

and let him be filled with disgrace.

31 For no one is cast off

by the Lord forever.

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,

so great is his unfailing love.

33 For he does not willingly bring affliction

or grief to anyone.

Where we'll never grow old by Jim Reeves with Lyrics

This Life Is Not Carefree

1 Pet.5:6-9 NIV

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

that he may lift you up in due time. 

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. 

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion

 looking for someone to devour. 

9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, 

because you know that the family of believers

 throughout the world

 is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Any good we receive,

Any good we give

Is possible only

because of God's faithful goodness first!

Ps. 119:67-72

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.

You are good, and do good;

Teach me Your statutes.

The proud have forged[k] a lie against me,

But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

Their heart is [l]as fat as grease,

But I delight in Your law.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes.

The law of Your mouth is better to me

Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

Between what was, and waits

Today unfolds faith’s due

Where joys and sorrows rush dawn's gates

Where trial’s tests pursue...

This life is not carefree

Beneath Refinement’s rod

Happiness grants no guarantee

Unless/until we trust in/yield to God

Between what was, and waits

Today unfolds faith’s due

Where joys and sorrows rush dawn's gates

Where trial’s tests pursue

God, in each hour of need

Attends humility

He grants us power to proceed

Where life is not carefree

So then, press on, assured

For we are not alone

As we face cares not yet endured

And battles not yet won

If God is on our side

Defeat will not prevail

For He is near; his truths abide

His purpose will not fail

His loving kindness hears

Devotion’s agony

Beneath refinement’s rod appears

An angel of mercy

…and faith is overjoyed

What God deigns, we will do

As we, cast down but not destroyed

Faith and courage renew

For life is not carefree

Where sin’s consequence pains

God’s love, proven at Calvary

Still faithfully sustains

Author of earth and Heaven

Love oft must suffer loss

With every care, Thy grace is given

To help us bear its cross

We thank Thee, faithful Lord/God above

For Thou art good always

Though life is not carefree, Thy Word/Thy love

Anoints our souls/goals with praise

Janet Martin

Be Thou My Vision — Kings Return | A cappella Hymn

In Spite of Sorrow, Joy...

A bitty Thanksgiving Ditty...

Phil.4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

 with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

  7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Be Still My Soul

In spite of sorrow, joy abides

In spite of heartbreak, hope prevails

In spite of turmoil, peace resides

Because God's purpose never fails

Though troubles come, though teardrops fall

We are not crushed or forsaken

This is the pow'r of Christ in all

Who believe in Nis name. Amen

Christ is the crux of every good

The source of joy, hope, peace and love

Until we love/trust Him like we should

Everything else is not enough

Janet Martin

Fernando Ortega - Give me Jesus

What Matters Most

I turn to Ps.119 over and over

as sorrows, like sea billows roll...

Ps.119:27-28

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: 

so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

My soul melteth for heaviness:

strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

This past weekend we received word of tragedy after tragedy on our highways!

Close to home three girls (ages 14, 6 & 4) have lost their parents

(my daughter's neighbour's/friends)

The school my brother teaches at lost a student in another accident.

A man from our church family lost his sister and her husband in yet another accident.

(and these tragedies mentioned are only the ones with personal ties. There were more!!)

Please lift the community up in prayer (esp. the orphaned children!)

And those on the other side of each of these accidents 

where another whole community of families and loved ones suffer

because life as they knew it has been shattered!! 

This is the second neighbour/friend my daughter has lost suddenly

a little over a month apart!

Please pray for Emily and her husband Rob,

 as they continue to support the other family as well!

 

Oh, how harsh seem the various trials we encounter

yet without them how would our faith mature/grow?!

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

when you encounter trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Allow perseverance to finish its work,

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

Oh Lord, we cannot know Thy thoughts

The way Thy mercies move

Are through the trials life allots

Thy faithfulness to prove

Oh Lord, we cannot comprehend

Thy plans Thy love empow'rs

As high as heavens o'er earth ascend

Are Thy ways above ours

Oh Lord, without faith and hope tried

We would grow proud and boast

And forget Thee in our pride

Then miss what matters most

Oh Lord, restore our hearts to Thee

To trust Thy perfect will

Through Thy Word let our comfort be

The power/precepts You instill

Janet 💔🙏

We sang the song It Is Well With My Soul at my sister's funeral a little over a year ago...

(When it is well with our souls, what matters most is well!

Hallelujah!)

It Is Well With My Soul

 

Till the Storm Passes By

I Set My Hope on Jesus

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.

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.

 

On Conditional Promises

We all desire a beautiful life,

as glorious as a chocolate-cherry hibiscus in full bloom!

But there are certain conditions necessary for flowers to

bloom profusely, such as adequate sun and rain!

So too,  there are conditions when it comes to a truly, beautiful life

 rich with spiritual blessings; 

the beauty of true hope, joy and peace

Each of the preciously comforting promises below, 

(a few of many)  are conditional;

God's part contingent on our response to Him,

reserved for all who fear God and keep His commandments. (Eccles.12:13)

Ps.145:18

The LORD is near to all who call on Him,

to all who call out to Him in truth.

Ps.103:17-18

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

18To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

Rom.8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,

who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Rom.8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Matt7:21

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,

but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

John 14:15-17

“If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. 

16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, 

that He may abide with you forever— 

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,

 because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; 

but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

In light of promises such as these, a prayer,

(because God sees my heart and who/what I most truly worship)

Without His help and righteousness, my faith is impossible to please Him! 

Lord, help me do my part to trust You and obey

Then You will satisfy my heart and hear me when I pray 

The comfort You instill grants joy and peace divine

Impossible to know, until I yield my will to Thine

You are the God of hope; there is none besides Thee

Without You, Want is doomed to grope in faithless misery

But with You, come what may, Your promises abide

To all who trust You and obey You faithfully provide

And satisfy our need beyond our wildest ken

You hear our prayers and intercede with perfect love. Amen  

Janet Martin

Rom15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My camera is on its last gasp!

I'm so thankful it worked well enough to capture

this beauty before it fades

Take Time Out For Jesus 

We All Have Much In Common (or, We All Need God)

Rom.8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

 Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,

 or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 36 As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Ps.44:22)

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors

 through Him who loved us.

 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, 

nor angels nor principalities nor powers,

 nor things present nor things to come, 

39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

 shall be able to separate us from the love of God 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Cor.4:7-9

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, 

to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; 

perplexed, but not driven to despair; 

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; 

struck down, but not destroyed;

Read full chapter

O God, Our Help in Ages Past

Selah - There Is A Redeemer

We all have discouragements, doubts and wants and wishes, still withheld

And worlds within, where those without cannot behold dream-castles felled

Where we are often soundly taught by age-old laws of live-and-learn

Because wisdom cannot be bought, but is something we all must earn

We all have reason to lament when love is buffeted and kicked

We all need God to heal and mend the wounds life is bound to inflict

Thus, we should all call upon Him; before the silence of the grave

Because there is no other Name under Heaven able to save

Nothing is greater than God’s love, though sometimes hate appears to be

Because it is the servant of pride and deceit’s barbarity

Evil is handicapped by Time; but because God is love, love IS

His truth endures: He IS Sublime; greater IS He than all of This

We all have holy hurts and hopes, and long for happiness made whole

Where, without God the spirit gropes but cannot find rest for the soul

Therefore, we all should purpose to be kinder to our fellowman

Because we are all part of who God knew would need salvation’s plan

We all need hope; invalid, save through the power of Christ’s shed blood

But what a wondrous hope we have in the redeeming love of God

(He IS the Way, the Truth, The Life) His everlasting love prevails

No matter what trial or strife may test our faith, Love never fails

We have treasure in jars of clay, no worldly avenger can seize

We know that come whatever may God’s pow’r transcends all enemies

His truth endures forevermore; His is judgement and mercy’s seat

Then lift your voice and praise Him for His love no rival can defeat

We all have much in common in this very broken human race

But most of all the love of One who saves us through His Son, by grace

We all need God; without Him every earthly gain is utter loss

But with Him every grief and pain reflects the glory of the cross

Janet Martin

Matt.5:3-12

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the [a]earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

When Former Things Have Passed Away

Sometimes, whether foolishly or wistfully

I use the phrase 'heaven on earth' as I did this morning,

while gazing awe-dazed, at a rain-mist dazzled flower garden/roses...

However, Bible readers know what Scripture tells us;

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Cor.2:9

When we without dark glass between

Will see Him, face to face...

When former things have passed away

What a day that will be

When God transforms The Potter's Clay

To Immortality

  

When hope becomes reality

When prophecies shall cease

When knowledge ends and love will be

Eternal joy and peace

When God will wipe away our tears

When He settles faith's score

When pain and sorrow disappears

When death will be no more

No jealousy, envy or greed

No sin to mar or taint

When former things of want and need

No longer test/try the saint 

When we without dark glass between

Will see Him, face to face

And the Unseen becomes the Seen;

God's fulfilled Gift of grace

When we behold His dwelling place

When He makes all things new

When we are drawn in the embrace

Of God, Faithful and True

Tears, fears, grief, pain yield to decay 

Death crowned with victory

When former things have passed away

For all eternity

~Janet Martin

A few versions of a hymn that is growing increasingly dearer with

every parting of loved ones who have believed and received the gift

of salvation; eternal life! 

What A Day That Will Be Lyrics

Drew Parker - What A Day That Will Be (Acoustic Cover) // The Church Sessions

And last but not least one of the most precious and sobering passages in Scripture!

Rev.21:1-8

All Things Made New

1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth,

the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

Also there was no more sea.

2Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,

coming down out of heaven from God,

 prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 

He will dwell with them, they shall be His people. 

God Himself will be with them and be their God.

4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; 

there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. 

There shall be no more pain, 

for the former things have passed away.”

5Then He who sat on the throne said,

 “Behold, I make all things new.” 

And He said [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

6And He said to me, “It[c] is done!

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.

7He who overcomes [d]shall inherit all things,

and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

8But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable,

murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,

idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake

which burns with fire and brimstone, 

which is the second death.”