Gale-worthy Grounding

Devastation and disaster are part of this life

and sometimes sadly, seems the only way

 for God to really get our attention.

Somehow, when life unfolds smoothly we

are more apt to slip into selfish complacency rather

than call on Him.

When we dwell only on grief's wounds 

that loss of loved ones inflicts

sorrow can be almost unbearable!

However, when we remember and think on the believer's gain, 

where death is but the door to faith's inheritance

what comfort God's promises bestow.

John 11:25

25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. 

Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.

 26And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. 

Do you believe this?”

My friend gifted me a beautiful book

knowing how much I love the books

Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley

This book, by the the same author, Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman 

is entitled Consolation... and I love it!

It is a collection of daily devotions

of consolation and encouragement...

(And the pretty, handmade brooch pinned to my bookmark ribbon

was a gift as well from a sweet and super-talented artist

 in my Sunday School class 💝💖)

Yesterday's devotion was esp. ministering to me

and may be to you as well, 

as our hearts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in LA.! 

As I pondered where to begin

to find the beginning of true hope, joy and peace

as I began to trace one truth

it always joined to another...

Faith, without a firm foundation when life’s gales begin to blow

Will be devoid of duration; like a ship tossed to and fro

Hope, without faith’s expectation anchored in redeeming love

Flaps it wings; determination on its own is not enough

Joy without hope’s secure anchor; Jesus, who forgives our sin

When met with bereavement’s rancor, has no Comforter within

Peace, without joy’s Awesome Author, (whose gift of salvation saves)

Cannot be; because no other Voice can calm dread’s wind and waves

Trust, without God’s peace to buffer trouble’s billows undeterred

Cannot bear what it must suffer without guidance from God’s Word

Love, without Trust’s full surrender, is a bud, eager to burst

With incomparable splendor of the One who loved us first

Faith, hope, joy, peace, trust and love; what better bulwark can there be

By the grace of God quite enough to pray ‘be it unto me’

Quite enough to be enough though hell's fury should be unfurled 

Upon the Rock of Jesus' love Faith's Footing overcomes the world  

© Janet Martin

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

 we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 / through whom we have gained access by faith 

into this grace in which we stand. 

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. / 

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ...

Colossians 1:5
the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, 

of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel

1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope

 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / 

and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,

 reserved in heaven for you, / 

who through faith are shielded by God’s power 

for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises,

 let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit,

 perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, 

without which no one will see the Lord.

How Firm a Foundation

 

Lyrics...

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

3

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

4

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”

5

“E’en down to old age all My people shall prove

My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;

And then, when grey hairs shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.”

6

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

Author (attributed to): R. Keen (1787); Author: K. (1787); Author (attributed to): George Keith (1787)

Stayed on Thee

Isa.26:3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee

'Now what? Now how?',

my heart seemed to cry this morning

as I thought of Les and his family,

 post-wedding-prep flurry and distraction

Pre-everything that yet remains to be...

(for all of us)

'Now What? Now how?!' I cried

for everyone suffering ongoing sorrow

...and the verse above ministered to my cry

and comforted me 

May it comfort you too.

My Faith Looks Up To Thee 

‘Mind stayed on Thee’ what confidence hope’s careworn courage finds

What peace anoints grief’s wounds, that God, so rich in mercy binds

What comfort cheers life’s ups and downs, where this world’s troubles groan

What joy (in spite of Sorrow) crowns the gape of the Unknown

‘Mind stayed on Thee’ Thy word is truth; faith’s footing held secure

Trustworthy for both aged and youth, armour for rich and poor

Though generations rise and fall like waves upon a sea

Thy Word abides through all of time and all eternity

‘Mind stayed on Thee’ no substitute can console or appease

No mortal merit can compute what God alone decrees

Ah, Heaven’s earthly ordinance nothing can overthrow

Able, in every circumstance to conquer every foe

‘Mind stayed on Thee’, hope’s sure anchor where tempests roar and toss

How trustworthy is He who bore the horror of the cross

Who knew no sin but became sin, each sinner to atone

Savior and Redeemer, amen. Death and hell overthrown

‘Mind stayed on Thee’, no sweeter solace can our spirits find

No purer peace, God’s purpose is compassionate and kind

Though oft misunderstood, until with humble mind renewed

We yield and trust Love’s perfect will with awestruck gratitude

© Janet Martin

And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:16

I have told you these things,

 so that in me you may have peace.

 In this world you will have trouble.

 But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus~

John 16:33

.

Of Bard's Battlefield or Walking Battlefields

How swift the eye perceives 

The innocent façade

That veils the part/heart that hails or grieves

The holiness of God

The battlefield of Bard (humankind)

Is neither ink nor page 

Beneath form's peripheral guard 

What storms of worship/passion wage 

Be still, my soul, and know

That He alone is God

He heals the battle-wounds below

The innocent façade 

© Janet Martin

The battlefield of Bard

Is neither ink nor page...

I do constant battle with a dark voice telling me I should quit this blog.

This fierce force laughs, jeers, scoffs, scorns, accuses, belittles, stabs, shames, 

in great attempts to dissuade, discourage and despair!

(It's not always easy to put one's mind and heart on public display)

But that voice is no match 

for The Other Voice who, 

as I bow my head He hears my heart,

 He whispers sweet peace to me.

He orders the demons out!

He restores my soul!

Hallelujah

 💝🙏

Whatever our personal battlegrounds are,

may we heed the Still, Small Voice of our loving Creator

remembering we can do all things through He who gives us strength,

and who designed us each with our own unique abilities

gifts and responsibility to them/Him!

If we proceed, empowered by His grace and for His glory

 we succeed, not always perfectly, but never in vain!

Let's keep in mind we are all walking battlefields-soul-diers-warriors,

and thus be more gentle with each other !!

***

The cure for fear and despair is always

to take my eyes off myself

and fix them on God

And His great love's 'battle-scars'

when He broke the curse of sin

when He was pierced for our transgressions 

and crushed for our iniquities💓🙏

Isa.53:5 

***

Over 12 years ago my friend gave me the tidbit below

and since then, it has been taped where I generally write,

as her gentle reminder when I need it.

Thank-you Jane W.

1 Cor.10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, 

do it all for the glory of God.

One voice tells me to quit 

A critic mercy-void

A brute who thrives on fear and doubt

Till courage is destroyed

But oh, the other Voice

 Is gentle as can be

A friend whose tender grace and joy 

Whispers sweet peace to me 

One voice is loud and crude

The other, still and small

One makes love feel misunderstood

The other, not at all 

One voice is like a sting

And fuels dark despair

The Other sets the heart to sing

And fills/stills the soul with prayer 

© Janet Martin

He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me

 

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!

Jesus is our peace; hell’s gates cannot prevail

Against the Cornerstone that keeps faith anchored in the gale

When we have known the truth, the truth will set us free

No longer owned by sin’s uncouth, lawless captivity

Faith’s crux of things hoped for; of evidence unseen

Anchors the Soul; the Goal more precious than what lies between

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

Of joy complete; through the assurance of amazing grace

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.”

Living Hope

Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners

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.

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!

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Near to the Heart of God

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.

Let There Be Peace

Isa.9:6-7

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

Silent Night, Heavenly Peace

 

  
 

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

Behold What Manner of Man Is This?

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

Divine Dynamics

Luke 3:8

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.

5For the LORD is good,

and His loving devotion endures forever;

His faithfulness continues to all generations.

God Will Take Care of You

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

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.

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day-Johnny Cash

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Cor.9:15

Healer- Casting Crowns

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

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,

our Almost-Autumn joy complete

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

  

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?

Under His Wings

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

Faithful One