Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Sweet Recompense



Eph.2:14
For He Himself is our peace...

(Today's poem was inspired by the first line 
in today's Daily Bread Devotion scripture reading)

...and then, the outer fringes of His glory
filled the heavens where 'evidence of things unseen'
grants glimpses of Him!




Against the Cornerstone that keeps faith anchored in the gale

No longer owned by sin’s uncouth, lawless captivity


The delight of the Lord, no mortal can impart
From the wealth of His Word, He gives desires of the heart

His promises endure, nothing can take the place

Peace; what sweet recompense when faith has made us whole 
Hell's gates cannot prevail against the Savior of the soul

© Janet Martin

Why, oh, why is it so easy to slip into the snare
of wanting what we see rather than what we know
(if the truth has set us free)
Oh!! Pray it has!
And if it has
oh, pray for all who still do not know the truth!

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”







Song by Matthew Smith

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and often failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He has granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Friday, December 23, 2022

Here-Hope, Joy and Peace


This morning I received a card and letter from my cousin's family,
(Wayne and Sherri) who have been going through a deep and ongoing 
valley of trial for many years. (Wayne has MS, diagnosed after an accident
leading to the loss of his leg in 2012)
He is a dad of four children.
 He is now 49 years old.
The letter is a profound picture of refined faith and constant surrender
as they adapt to life with their dearly beloved
husband and dad in a long-term care facility,
and the heart-wrenching hurdles of love!!
Sherri closes the letter with words that bravely allow us
 a glimpse into a world of broken dreams
held fast by resolution for continued trust...

Below's excerpt shared with permission from Sherri💝🙏


As I pondered the words we use so freely, especially at Christmas;
words like hope, joy and peace I was impacted by how, without the weathered landscape of 
hardship those words would hold no special meaning.
How life's disappointments, sorrows and storms make sacred and dear
these precious words possible by the grace of God; Hope, joy and peace!

Wayne and Sherri's family has taken up permanent residence in my prayers for 
strength for their days and a sense of Immanuel in their lives!
...as this poem was penned  I couldn't help but cry as she shared 
a peek into their world with these words...
'I tell you these things not to gain attention or pity for myself,
but to give you a glimpse into our everyday life'.
She also shared utter gratefulness for God's faithful provision
through His followers and so many people who help!!

How hopeless our 'everyday life' would often be
without the comfort and counsel of God's word
and the company and friendships of his family here on earth!

***

Here oft joy bears bitter splendor ‘neath the weight of sorrow’s cross
Here oft hope groans with surrender on the testing grounds of loss
Here oft perfect peace is baffled by the brokenness we see
In the valley of the shadow of death’s sacred certainty

Here the devil would defeat us as we press toward The Prize
But for God’s Word; here He meets us to attend to longing’s cries
Here He reaches through the darkness with an Everlasting Light
Softens the heart’s would-be hardness with fresh courage for the fight

Here the fainting soul is strengthened as we feast on Living Bread
Here His outstretched arm is lengthened as His precious child is fed
Here His awesome power surges, chides man’s motives, prone to pride
Promise after promise purges pleas where need and want confide

Here He shows us how to follow when the way we cannot see
How to nestle in the hollow of hands scarred at Calvary
Here He lifts us from the mire of fear, dread, doubt and despair
Here He purifies desires that would hinder our prayer

Here the hope of nations rallies soldiers of the cross of Christ 
Here He guides us through the valleys where idols are sacrificed 
Here, while the world frowns and borrows trouble with unceasing noise
Here His whisper crowns our sorrows with hope's everlasting joys    

Here faith’s flick’ring candle steadies, here spent spirits are renewed
Here life’s gracious Giver readies us with awe-struck gratitude
Where joy, hope and peace must weather what yet waits, Trust humbly hails
God’s goodness; His mercy tethers us to love that never fails

© Janet Martin

...with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; 
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:12

As we are drawn to the wonder of manger 
may we simultaneously be drawn to the triumph at the cross!






Monday, December 5, 2022

Unto Us

Pondering Peace on this second week of Advent


Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, 
And on earth peace, 
goodwill toward men!”

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.

Rom.15:33
The God of peace be with you all. Amen.




For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,

He Who Is Mighty

  

Unto us, so undeserving
Unto vile humanity 
God, with love and grace unswerving
Planned our peace, through Calvary

Unto us, like lost sheep wand'ring
Unto us, the angel's King
God did not withhold the offering
That would cost Him everything

Everything, for our redemption
For the sinner's sacrifice
God, for the sake of salvation
Gave His Son to pay the price 

Crushing Lucifer, so cunning
With love's plan for sin's defeat
Unto us, God's purpose, stunning
Evil's curse with mercy sweet 

Unto us, the awesome promise
Of his government's increase
Heaven came to earth through Jesus 
Unto us, the Prince of Peace

Then, from whence come wars and fighting?
Whence the lust that lures the eye?
Doth it not come from delighting
In what cannot satisfy?

Unto us a Son is given
Unto us a Child is born
Unto us, the hope of Heaven
Jesus, Star of endless Morn

Unto us, peace through God's pardon
Unto us peace to transcend
The battle of Armageddon 
Unto us, love without end

Purchased and secured, God's favor
Perfects faith and truth's amen 
Unto us, God's peace forever
As we fully trust in Him

Come, let us reason together
For shared mercies grace imparts
Let us dwell in peace, and ever
Worship God with thankful heart 

© Janet Martin







 
  
 

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Behold, He Walks on Gold and Purple Seas...


Jer. 33:25 NLB
But this is what the LORD says:
I would no more reject my people
than I would change my laws
that govern night and day, earth and sky.

Gen.8:22
“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night will never cease.”

Behold, He walks on gold and purple seas and bids the darkness dim...


Behold upon yon boundless deep dawn’s Author sweeps the stars away
The Architect of Ages keeps His ancient vow of Night and Day
To a world plagued with unbelief and disease of body and soul
His love still binds the wounds of grief and grants the faith that makes us whole

Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us
To be the sons and daughters of Who Is, Will Be and Always Was
Oh, Lord our God, how great Thou art for though you know us through and through
(For You behold the heart and see how wicked we are without You)

…You love us still and hoist the banner of Thy kind Mercy Renewed
As we behold the manner of Thy love, fill us with gratitude
Subdue the thought that does not trust but fixates on what it perceives
Create in us a clean heart and renew the spirit that believes

Behold, the old is new again; dawn brims with what has never been
Grace crowns Time with a diadem of hymns never yet heard or seen
The Architect of Ages keeps His ancient vow of night and day
No war that mortal wages will God’s faithful Hand of mercy sway

Let not our hearts be troubled (though this world with trouble’s curse abounds)
But let the Word that God imparts be that which succors and confounds
For He will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him
Behold, He walks on gold and purple seas and bids the darkness dim

© Janet Martin





Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice! 
Let your gentleness be evident to all. 
The Lord is near.
 Do not be anxious about anything, 
but in every situation, 
by prayer and petition, 
with thanksgiving, 
present your requests to God. 
And the peace of God, 
which transcends all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and your minds
 in Christ Jesus.
Phil.4:4-7

Friday, February 25, 2022

Divine Dynamics

Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. 

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and bless His name.





Wide, the world abounds with wonders
Generations rise and fall
Truth abides amidst pride’s blunders
The Lord God is over all

Broad, the aftermath of action
Where ripple-effect of deed
Affects future generations
With benevolence or greed

Deep, the roots of humble penance
Ground the soundness of the tree
As fruits worthy of repentance
Prove faith’s authenticity

Loud, the cries where evil rages
Desperation pleads for peace
Look, a Book of holy pages
Tells the Way to true release

Firm, faith’s rock-solid foundation
Anchors hope’s oft storm-tossed sails
God, the author of salvation
Never falters, never fails

Hallelujah, God is greater
His freedom no chain can bind
Nothing can thwart the Creator
Nor the plan that He designed

Vainly evil plots its vengeance
For nothing can overthrow
With battalion or belligerence
He from Whom all blessings flow

Hateful, the retaliations
Of those who despise His call
Faithful to all generations
The Lord God is over all

© 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





Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Joy Complete


So many potential titles for this poem;
So Much More Hope
Ultimate Relief
Prelude to the Prize
 Miracle-Pinnacle (Faith that makes us whole)
Complete In Him


Yesterday Victoria and I squealed with giddy delight,
in the culled, mulled colours 
and brisk breezes of September



This morning is no exception;
Apple-pear-cider crisp and tart


So much to love in the middle of life's muddle...
this morning's muddle in Canada includes back-to-school
meaning SO much emotion for first-time scholars and parents of those and,
first-time high-schooler, post-secondary education students etc.

So much out of our control means we need 
Someone to anchor us SO MUCH!


Col.2:8-10
Beware lest anyone [e]cheat you 
through philosophy and empty deceit, 
according to the tradition of men, 
according to the basic principles of the world, 
and not according to Christ. 
 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [f]bodily;
  and you are complete in Him, 
who is the head of all [g]principality and power.

So much to try our good intent
So much to lose and win
Desire and discouragement
Battle beneath our skin
So much to disappoint and tempt
So much to pick and choose
So much to do, where consequence
Soon keeps its promised dues

So much to vex the ardor of
The dreamer and the dream
So much to test the heart of love
Where idol-temples gleam
So much to taunt, where want runs rife
But boast cannot fulfill
So much to make the most of life
So much to steal its thrill

So much we touch then strew behind
So much hunger and thirst
So much for ties of death to bind
So much, both blessed and cursed
Where best and worst are woven through
Vestures of faith and fear
Where so much that we say and do
Can’t keep a conscience clear

So much to turn to prayerful trust
To repent and confess
So much more God, merciful, just
Father of forgiveness
So much more love where grace achieves
The convict’s full release
So much more hope as faith receives
So much more joy and peace

So much more hope; ah, this alone
Can make our joy complete
So much uncertain and unknown
Yet, so much comfort sweet
Where only genuine belief
Overcomes doubt and dread
Then we find ultimate relief
As we trust God instead

Complete in Him; ah, pray that we
Find this world's paradise
Complete in Him; ah, may this be
Our prelude to The Prize
Complete in Him; longing fulfilled
As much as possible
Complete in Him; fear's storm is stilled
By the Invisible 

© Janet Martin

  

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Believer's Blessing


Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?



No matter what befalls
Where trouble's thralls increase
You answer the believer's calls
With hope and joy and peace

This world is full of woe
Fear's forces never cease
But no power can overthrow
Your hope and joy and peace

The soul that trusts in You
From worry, finds release
As you run the believer through
With hope and joy and peace

Janet Martin




Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Will You Believe?

  PAD Challenge 27:

For this Two-for-Tuesday prompt:
Write a believe poem and/or...
Write a don't believe poem.

John 14:27

John 16:33




This world
will wound
And disappoint
And betray
And pretend
But I 
will bind
Grief’s gap
-ing groans
And be 
Your 
Faithful 
Friend

This world 
will pass 
away;
This life 
on earth
Ephemeral
But I AM 
Alpha
and 
Omega
I AM 
Eternal

This world 
at best
Brings out 
the worst
In mortal’s 
sin-cursed 
glove
But I 
transform
Fear, 
doubt,
and hate,
Into 
faith, 
hope 
and love

This world 
is chaotic 
and cruel
with wars 
that will not 
cease
I AM gentle
patient 
and kind
I AM
Your perfect
peace

This world
makes promises
that it 
cannot keep
or control
I AM
the Word, 
Way,
 Truth 
and Life
the Daddy
of your
Soul

Will you 
embrace 
this world's 
illusions; 
trust death's 
loveless 
lies 
Or will 
you believe
 and receive
 life's
 everlasting
 Prize?

Love, God

© Janet Martin

Compact Version😊

This world will wound and disappoint and betray and pretend
But I will bind grief’s gaping groans and be your Faithful Friend

This world will pass away; This life on earth Ephemeral
But I AM Alpha and Omega; I AM Eternal

This world at best brings out the worst in mortal’s sin-cursed glove
But I transform fear, doubt and hate into faith, hope and love

This world is chaotic and cruel with wars that will not cease
I AM gentle, patient and kind; I AM your perfect peace

This world makes promises that it cannot keep or control
I AM the Word, Way, Truth and Life, the Daddy of Your soul

Will you embrace this world's illusions; trust death's loveless lies 
Or will you believe and receive life's everlasting Prize?


Love, God 

 © Janet Martin

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, 
to them He gave the right to become children of God, 
to those who believe in His name:





Monday, February 8, 2021

All Right...

 



Into Your hands we place today 
For all we cannot see 
Is already on full display 
Before Your Sovereignty 

Where all we do not understand 
And all we cannot know 
Are safe when placed into the Hand 
Through which all moments flow 

Then help us brave the soul’s release 
Of yielding utterly 
For Thou wilt keep in perfect peace 
The heart that trusts in Thee 


© Janet Martin

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
whose mind is stayed on thee: 
because he trusteth in thee.
Isa.26:3

What waits to be 
we cannot see
(save One) it is enough
to know that He
Beholds you, me
With everlasting love

The only way
to begin well each day
is to pray...

Charlie Pride



1 Corinthians 14:15
What then shall I do? 
I will pray with my spirit, 
but I will also pray with my mind.
 I will sing with my spirit, 
but I will also sing with my mind.

 

Sunday, January 24, 2021

He Restoreth My Soul


Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 He restoreth my soul: 
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness 
for his name's sake.





Whether our pastures are green or white
The Shepherd of our souls is not hampered by the season!

He restores our souls 
But only as we pause 
And only as we meditate 
On His statutes and laws 

And only as we pray 
And only as we trust 
And reconcile our willful way 
To Mercy’s perfect must 

…and only as we drink 
Where we will never thirst 
And only as we rearrange 
Our loves and put God first 

And only by His grace 
Through faith, that makes us whole 
He leads us to the quiet place 
Where He restores our souls 

© Janet Martin

by Samuel Sebastian Wesley


Saturday, June 6, 2020

Midst Chaos, Peace


Midst all the chaos, peace to know
That God is in control
Under His wing still waters flow
even while billows roll

Midst Unknown, knowledge grounds us
For we are not alone
God has his arms around us
While reigning on His throne 

Midst hatred's scheming, screaming
God's stillness yet prevails
Fathomless grace is streaming
With love that never fails

© Janet Martin

 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, 
whose mind is stayed on thee: 
because he trusteth in thee.
Isa.26:3

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 119:165


Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Unfailing Light


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matt.5:9

  

Thy Word is a lamp to my feet; the darkness of this world
Would overcome save for the light by Thy true Word unfurled
Greater is He within than this world’s total sum
Of armies; with Thy word oh Father, we will overcome

Save us, oh Lord our God with Thy unfailing love
Keep us from being partakers when push might turn to shove
Bless the peacemakers, Lord;  be our strength and stay
As we study Thy faithful Word Your lamp will light the way

Be merciful Oh, Lord and comfort our lament
The wicked will have their reward, the proud their punishment
Then, as we cling to Thee and the Lamp of Thy word
Let your face shine on us and fill us with Your love, oh Lord

© Janet Martin


 Psalm 31

23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
    but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the Lord.