Not Seeing Yet Believing...(or, See, Lifted O'er the Dregs of Desperation)

1 Corinthians 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.

In the Cross of Christ I Glory

See, lifted o'er the dregs of desperation wrought by sin

The cross of Calvary, hope's resolution to begin

He who knew no sin became sin, so sinners may become

The righteousness of Christ, the cornerstone of Christendom 

See there the tree that wears the blood that turns sin's scarlet white

And bears the One who loves beyond comprehension's vague flight 

He who endured the cross, beheld, while being nailed-engraved 

Beyond the nature of love's call to all who would be saved 

See Him suffer then die, so you and I may look and live

Hear Him, while being crucified, cry out, 'Father, forgive' 

He did not hold against us a debt we could never pay

Then praise the name of Jesus who washes our sins away

See, the grave where they laid Him, it is empty, as He said

Death and hell overthrown by He who arose from the dead

See, lifted o'er the dregs of desperation, Dread's reprieve 

The power of the cross; salvation for all who believe 

© Janet Martin

Heb12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, 

the author and perfecter of our faith, 

who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, 

scorning its shame, and sat down 

at the right hand of the throne of God

Philippians 2:8
And being found in appearance as a man, 

He humbled Himself and became obedient to death--

even death on a cross.

Romans 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," 

and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, 

you will be saved.

 

Beholding Mercy

Sunrise; such a majestic metaphor, for God's mercy

new each morning!

Braving a raw heart-cry today for all who have

not yet 'come to the knowledge of the truth'

1 Tim.2:1-6

A Call to Prayer

1First 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.

5For there is one God, and there is one mediator 

between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 

6who gave Himself as a ransom for all—

Behold the mercy from the Hand

That unfolds from night, morning

Love’s scepter stretched across the land

Extends life’s brief adorning

Where Death has not yet tolled the bell

That draws the soul from mortal shell

Consider then, the woes of hell

And heed salvation’s warning

Bow Thou beneath the cross of Christ

Pray, do not thy heart harden

Believe on He who sacrificed

His Son for our pardon

Repent today and do not wait

Lest alas, you believe too late

For grace cannot undo the Gate/Fate

Sealed by death’s holy guerdon

Behold the cross; behold God’s son

Behold redemption, meted

Where death that comes to everyone

By One Death was defeated

Behold and then consider well

The cost of both heaven and hell

Pray, do not mock the flood that fell

As God’s grace interceded

Behold the mercy from the Hand

Where nail-scars shape love’s token

Of suffering love’s stark demand

So sin’s curse could be broken

Behold and do not turn away

But call upon His name today

Consider well the woes of they

Who leave remorse unspoken

Behold and thwart doubt with belief

Come, join all who adore Him

Who bore the cross and sin's gross grief

For joy still set before Him

Will you reject deliverance

Wrought through a Saviour's innocence 

Consider well, the consequence

If you choose to ignore Him

© Janet Martin

Does this song not make you weep for joy??!

 

Jude 17-24

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.

  18They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers

 who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 

19These are the people who divide you, 

who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up 

in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 

21keep yourselves in God’s love 

as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ

 to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt;

  23save others by snatching them from the fire;

 to others show mercy, mixed with fear—

hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. f

Doxology

24To him who is able to keep you from stumbling 

and to present you before his glorious presence 

without fault and with great joy— 

25to the only God our Savior 

be glory, majesty, power and authority,

 through Jesus Christ our Lord, 

before all ages, now and forevermore! 

Amen.

Does It Not (Bid Thought to Marvel)

 Alas, and Did My Saviour Bleed?

 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

 4 who gave himself for our sins 

to rescue us from the present evil age, 

according to the will of our God and Father, 

5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. 

Amen. 

Gal.1:3-5

Does it not bid thought to marvel

He who knew no sin became

Sin's sacrifice for all people

To redeem us through His Name

Does it not stir adoration 

For He whose blood was out-poured

Once for all, the soul's salvation

Wrought, through Jesus Christ the Lord

Does it not stun contemplation

That the Son of God should be

Humbled to death's meanest station

On a cross for all to see

Crushed beneath the weight He carries

Sinless, bearing all our sins

For we, beneficiaries

Of His holy sufferings 

Does it not undo vainglory

To view hate's presumptuousness

While love, clothed in bloodshed, gory

Wove faith's robes of righteousness

Does it not renew surrender

Does it not steal our breath

To behold the soul's Defender 

Obedient unto death

Look, where love's manifestation

Suffered voluntarily  

Does it not stir adoration

From the likes of you and me

Jesus Christ gave Himself for us

Bearing Pardon's Albatross 

So that we we may be victorious

Through the power of the cross

Does it not bid thought to marvel

At the hope the cross affords

Through sin's sacrifice so royal-

King of Kings and Lord of lords

   © Janet Martin

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

Wonderful Merciful Saviour

Because of Calvary-Be Glad (Palm Sunday weekend mediation)

The beginning of Psalm 32

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not [b]impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

...and then the ending

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;

But he who trusts in the Lord, 

mercy shall surround him.

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;

And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

King of Calvary-Matt Redman

Be glad and shout for joy

All we who have believed

No power on earth can destroy

What Calvary achieved

Be glad and overjoyed

Hope crowns each step we trod

Where none can nullify or void

The promises of God

Be glad; Exalt the name

Of He who forgives sins

And grants the gift that all may claim

As faith its fight begins

Be glad, for our God reigns

His steadfast love prevails

Take heart and trust He who sustains

The Word that never fails

Be glad; beyond life’s cares

Awaits the victory

Joy crowns faith’s pilgrimage of prayers

Because of Calvary

Be glad and trust in He

Who is not overthrown

Fret not evil’s prosperity

That soon will be cut down

Be glad no matter what

Do not love’s law forsake

For God upholds the righteous but

The wicked He will break

Be glad and wait on He

Who Salvation’s cross braved

Be glad because of Calvary

Doomed sinner can be saved

Our hope is in the Lord

What blessed hope is He

Whose imperishable reward

Unfolds eternally

© Janet Martin

sometimes the darkness of  the world 

where the wicked seem to prosper 

could threaten to overshadow the Light!

May that never be!

But may His Word ever be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path

Ps.119:105

1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, 

we are of all people most to be pitied.

Titus 3:7 ESV

So that being justified by his grace 

we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Psalm 37

Do not fret because of evildoers,

Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

And wither as the green herb.

3Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

4Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

5Commit[a] your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

6He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday.

7Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm.

9For evildoers shall be [b]cut off;

But those who wait on the Lord,

They shall inherit the earth.

10For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;

Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,

But it shall be no more.

11But the meek shall inherit the earth,

And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12The wicked plots against the just,

And gnashes at him with his teeth.

13The Lord laughs at him,

For He sees that his day is coming.

14The wicked have drawn the sword

And have bent their bow,

To cast down the poor and needy,

To slay those who are of upright conduct.

15Their sword shall enter their own heart,

And their bows shall be broken.

16A little that a righteous man has

Is better than the riches of many wicked.

17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,

But the Lord upholds the righteous.

18The Lord knows the days of the upright,

And their inheritance shall be forever.

19They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,

And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20But the wicked shall perish;

And the enemies of the Lord,

Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.

Into smoke they shall vanish away.

21The wicked borrows and does not repay,

But the righteous shows mercy and gives.

22For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,

But those cursed by Him shall be [c]cut off.

23The steps of a good man are [d]ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.

24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

25I have been young, and now am old;

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

Nor his descendants begging bread.

26He is [e]ever merciful, and lends;

And his descendants are blessed.

27Depart from evil, and do good;

And dwell forevermore.

28For the Lord loves justice,

And does not forsake His saints;

They are preserved forever,

But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.

29The righteous shall inherit the land,

And dwell in it forever.

30The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,

And his tongue talks of justice.

31The law of his God is in his heart;

None of his steps shall [f]slide.

32The wicked watches the righteous,

And seeks to slay him.

33The Lord will not leave him in his hand,

Nor condemn him when he is judged.

34Wait on the Lord,

And keep His way,

And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;

When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

35I have seen the wicked in great power,

And spreading himself like a native green tree.

36Yet [g]he passed away, and behold, he was no more;

Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

37Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;

For the future of that man is peace.

38But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

He is their strength in the time of trouble.

40And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;

He shall deliver them from the wicked,

And save them,

Because they trust in Him.

My Portion Shane &Shane

As We Face What Waits To Be...

 

After two funerals, one on Friday and one yesterday

it is impossible not to be impacted by the brevity and sacredness of life on earth.

For, even though both funerals were for elderly women who had outlived

'by reason of strength, four score years'...

the moment life ceases to be all that matters is how we prepared for eternity!

Here we all still are, where God tips the scales of mercy in our favour,

where the invitation to 'come' resounds, 

and where redemption for sin still flows full and free!

Heb.9:27-28

Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, 

28so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many;

 and He will appear a second time, 

not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Are you among those 'who eagerly await Him 

because of His gift of salvation'?!

Jesus Paid It All

Daybreak tips God’s scales of mercy in our favour; faith ahoy

With the promise of his Presence we proceed with hope and joy

Armed with the awesome awareness of the power of His Word

Gladness rekindles commitment to our calling undeterred

Because no matter what happens as we face what waits to be

Nothing in the world can sever us from God and love's decree

As Time’s thread runs through His fingers and our numbered days decrease

May Hope’s finished work through Jesus fill our hearts with joy and peace

We who believe in Him receive so much to be thankful for

As the Hour is approaching that nobody should ignore

When the joy still set before us is unveiled and we shall see

He who tips morn’s scales of mercy and beckons ‘come unto Me’

Death demands life’s full attention ere it cuts time’s sacred cord

And it ushers us to reckon with the love we most adored

Pray before the hour ceases when repentance comes too late

We have put our trust in Jesus, who will greet us at death’s gate

Then, when like a little vapor time’s brief sojourn disappears

We who have believed will enter in to ‘no more pain or tears’

But for all who disregarded He whose love tips mercy’s scales

There remains the endless horror of rejection’s endless wails

© Janet Martin

There is a Fountain filled with Blood

How Awesome is This Place

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,

 “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 

And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! 

This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” 

Gen.28:16-17

Echoing Jacob's words today 'how awesome is this place'

of God's redeeming grace

On That Day-City Alight

How awesome is this place

Where grace and mercy meld

To bring hope to a sin-cursed race

Through Jesus, not withheld

But, for glory’s increase

He suffered in our stead

The punishment that brings us peace

And triumphs death’s dark dread

How awesome is this place

Of grief, joy, love and hate

Where some believe with humble faith

And some doubt and debate

The way, the truth, the life

The hope that sets us free

Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ

And the grave’s victory

How awesome is this place

This is the gate of heav’n

Where, by the goodness of God’s grace

The sinner is forgiv’n

Not in part, but in full

Redemption’s torrents pour

To work in us the miracle

Of sins recalled no more

How awesome is this place

Eternity’s threshold

The darksome glass, ere face to face

His beauty we behold

Where no more tears will be

When all will be made new

Together forever with He

Who so loves me and you

How awesome is our Lord

Where His grace tarries still

While prophecy fulfills His Word

According to His will

Where earth is heaven’s gate

Then call upon His name

Before it is too late, too late

Salvation’s gift to claim

© Janet Martin

Rev.21:5

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” 

Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

A Get-Rich-Quick-Forever Gift!

 

Inspired by the riches of Ephesians 1&2, Phil. 2, and so many more scriptures

All hinged to the Reason for the Christmas Season

Oh may we desire the wealth of spiritual blessing

possible only if we receive The Gift. God's Gift of grace

(Note: this is not a wealth of ease and material opulence,

because this wealth was bought with a great price!

But the price gives us access to all the priceless promises of God)

One Still Night

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms 

with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Eph.1:3

God’s gift of glorious grace

In meanest cradle lies

The riches of redemption veiled

In baby’s newborn cries

The hope of humankind

Descends from Heaven’s throne

To mercy’s masterpiece designed

Death’s sentence to atone

Through the shed blood of Christ

God trumps Lucifer’s schemes

From His Own Offspring sacrificed

Pardon’s profusion streams

…to lowly sons of earth

The holy Son of God

Suffered the pains of human birth

To bear rejection’s rod

…and suffer unto death

Even death on a cross

The King of kings offered Himself

To be a Lamb for us

The Son of God became

The Name believer’s hail

He suffered crucifixion’s shame

To rend the temple’s veil

So, all may freely come

Hope’s riches to embrace

The Cornerstone of Christendom

God’s gift of glorious grace

No more to be enslaved

By doubt, greed, pride and fear

But through faith, by grace we are saved

We, once far off brought near

To taste death's sweet release

Where Jesus took our place

His blood, the purchase price of peace

God’s gift of glorious grace

Ah, here all praise begins

Death falls like shackles spliced

We, who were dead in our sins

Are made alive with Christ

God, who is rich in love

Forgives this sinful race

Through the exceeding riches of

Jesus, God’s gift of grace

That in ages to come

His kindness might be known

Through we who benefited from

The kindness Christ has shown

© Janet Martin

Hope, No Greater Joy Endearing...Celebrating Hope on the first week of Advent

Is there anything better to celebrate than hope?!!

So it begins...the celebration of the Believer's hope!

The first two lines of this poem was written yesterday morning before church

the next 2 stanzas this morning before hosting a tea-for-two-friends party, then

I worked at it again before a dentist appointment,

finally finishing it while supper is cooking!

...and what is supper you ask?

Hamburger Stew!

This poem was

inspired by Ephesians 2 and 

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 

12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, 

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—

the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

 and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, 

eager to do what is good.

Hope Has a Name

Once we were aliens and strangers without hope and without God

But we who once were so far off have been brought near by the blood

Of Christ Jesus. Raised to newness, we who were dead in our sins

Unaware until he saved us, of the hope where life begins

Praise the precious name of Jesus. He, who died in our place

So that He might show us the exceeding riches of God’s grace

For His grace that brings salvation has appeared to one and all

Bringing to mankind redemption from the curse after The Fall

Gone, the veil of separation; He himself is our peace

There is now no condemnation to all who trust and believe

In the Promise that releases us from judgement’s damning rod

Through the precious blood of Jesus, He gives us access to God

Hope, what sacred consolation where the dread of death would reign

Where instead of peace and pardon a barrier would remain

Hope, no greater joy endearing the sweet nearing we applaud

While we wait for the appearing of the glory of our God

© Janet Martin

The Awful (Terrifying) Truth

Why this poem?!!

Because whoever and wherever we are,

God so loved us that He gave his only begotten son

that whosoever believes in Him

will not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

...and we all need to be reminded

 this sacred prelude, this day of grace

is leading to Forever and ever. either with God

or without!

🙏

We love to think about and praise God for his love, hallelujah!!

but His love would be a mockery

without judgement's wrath against all injustice and evil!

We don't hear the word hell much, used

in the context of its awful truth, do we?

And small wonder! 

There is no more sobering topic in the whole world.

But on the other hand, if this is so,

 why are we so afraid to speak of it

and perhaps snatch someone from a fiery grave?!!

Not everyone goes to Heaven,...

"“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."

said Jesus in

Matt.7:21

While we are saved not by works, but by the gift of God's grace

through  His son, Jesus

works will always testify who we truly believe, honour and love above all!

Rescue the Perishing

Don’t buff truth with a lie

Don’t sugarcoat hell’s lair

Don’t wink and think the sin will die

Without confession’s prayer

The Word of God is just

And absolute and whole

The Word of God transcends the dust

That clothes the deathless soul

When God joins him and her

No lawyer can undo

Or sever with a signature 

One, turned back into two

Beware, lest lies take root

Be careful lest you fall

The tree will be known by its fruit

God’s Word, infallible

Fall on your knees and pray

The hope God calls us to

Commands us to love and obey

In everything we do

Be on guard where deceit

Gains popularity

Because its laws seem kind and sweet

-er than God’s fixed decree

The Tempter’s cunning guile

Harkens back to that day

When he deceived Eve with a smile

And ‘did God really say?

There is a Promised Land

There is a lake of fire

One, for the Faithful to the End

The other for the liar

The want of man will fight

And fight and fight until

He sees God in dawn’s breaking light

And yields his stubborn will

Then, wanting above all

A life that God can bless

By honoring the sacred call

Of holy righteousness

Don’t buff the truth with lies

And think no one can tell

The Word of God does not disguise

The awful truth of hell

There is a way that seems

Right in the eyes of man

Beware, beware, the devil schemes

To seduce all he can

Forbid that we become

Wise in our own eyes

Untroubled by the condition 

Of truth exchanged for lies

It is a fearful thing

To live bold and unbowed

Far worse, the awful reckoning

To die, still cold and proud  

God's grace will intercede

And help us bear the cross

That guards against the lies that lead

To hell and endless loss

Forbid that we become

Emboldened by a lie

Until the conscience becomes numb

To what will never die

© Janet Martin

Luke 16:17-18

It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear 

than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery,

and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV /

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? 

Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters,

 nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves,

 nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified,

 you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Rev.20:15

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:8 ESV /

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, 

the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars,

 their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, 

which is the second death.”

When we are struggling to know if something is right or wrong

don't ask of someone 'what do you think??'

What we think is irrelevant!

Go to God's word and seek what He commands!

The Hands of God

D.H. Lawrence (1882-1930)

The Hands of God

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But it is a much more fearful thing to fall out of them.

Did Lucifer fall through knowledge?

oh, then, pity him, pity him that plunge!

Save me, O God, from falling into the ungodly knowledge

of myself as I am without God.

Let me never know, O God

let me never know what I am or should be

when I have fallen out of your hands, the hands of the living God.

That awful and sickening endless sinking, sinking

through the slow, corruptive levels of disintegrative knowledge

when the self has fallen from the hands of God,

and sinks, seething and sinking, corrupt

and sinking still, in depth after depth of disintegrative consciousness

sinking in the endless undoing, the awful katabolism into the abyss!

even of the soul, fallen from the hands of God!

Save me from that, O God!

Let me never know myself apart from the living God!

Of Common and Sacred Sureness

Update: When I wrote today's poem I didn't dream that this would mark the day of

the death of  our Beloved Queen Elizabeth II 

No matter how we get there,

we sacredly and surely all will!

(and so nice to have helping hands along the way!)

One thing we have in common

No matter who we are

A sure and sacred summons

Will fling a Door ajar

That leads into a portal

Where Time will cease to be

From mortal to immortal

For all eternity

Farewell to all comparing

Where we dwell side by side

The tent of our bearing

The means of our ride

However high or lowly

Of sky and land and sea

All are bound for the holy

Gate of eternity

Ferrari, Lamborghini,

Bike, airplane, mule and cart

The wheels to infinity

Is not the crucial part

The mode of transportation

In death, disintegrates

When the God of salvation

Parts eternity’s gates

This world’s clutter and clatter

Is the fleeting façade

Of a most sacred matter

‘Prepare to meet Thy God’

For He alone is waiting

Where time no more will be

No more doubt or debating

For all eternity

…where what we have in common

Is Time’s sure curtain- close

Who next will hear death’s summons

Only life’s Giver knows

As Last Breath dooms or frees us 

Pray, which one will it be

Either Satan or Jesus

For all eternity

© Janet Martin

Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, 

but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Revelation 14:7
And he said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give Him glory,

 because the hour of His judgment has come.

 Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth 

and the sea and the springs of waters."

Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? 

For You alone are holy. 

All nations will come and worship before You, 

for Your righteous acts have been revealed."

Heb.2:1-4

Therefore we must give [a]the more earnest heed

 to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

 2For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, 

and every transgression and disobedience received a just [b]reward, 

3how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, 

which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, 

and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

 4God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders,

 with various miracles, and gifts[c] of the Holy Spirit, 

according to His own will?