Showing posts with label surrender. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surrender. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Never Too Young (or old) To Learn

Sweetheart helping/learning to make butter tarts!




I generally am treated to 100% sweetness by this little gal
but 'rumor' has it there's another side that sometimes isn't quite so!😂😅🙏


Sometimes, when 'training up' children, an extra-firm hand is required;
A hand that let's them know that no tantrum will change the expectation for obedience!
It is vital that a child learns as early as able, 
to recognize and respect/obey authority!




Sometimes, we as God's children need that firm Hand too.
How easily we (like children) are prone to ignore 
and disrespect/disobey His Supreme Authority!
We, like little children, can be as sweet as pie (or butter tarts) when all goes well!
But what about those other times, when wills clash?!

Romans 6:16
Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, 
you are slaves to the one you obey, 
whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, 
or to obedience leading to righteousness?



The quest to please ourselves, it seems, comes very naturally
Rousing a wrestling match between Self and authority
We are not born to want to yield to edicts not our own
The master of our lives revealed by what our deeds make known

The quest to please ourselves is something that is never taught
Human nature is always king over empires of thought
The living proof of love’s touchstone demonstrates without fail
Who resides on the heart’s veiled throne; choice, its own tattle-tale

The quest to please ourselves is not uncommon or bizarre
Until we yield our will to God, love is a tug-of-war
Until we love Him first, we will not find true joy because
The quest to please ourselves is cursed with the worst part of us (sin)

We all have faced the giant in the valley of love tried
We all have been defiant, self-reliant, blind with pride
But, pray, we all have borne the blow that brought us to our knees
And slew the masquerading foe, impossible to please

And pray our quests have been condensed till only One prevails
Treasured with humble confidence/reverence in God who never fails
And pray that when we are beguiled to prize some lesser goal
He reminds us, we are His child; the Saviour of the Soul

© Janet Martin


Eph.3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly 
above all that we ask or think,
 according to the power that works in us, 
 to Him be glory in the church 
by Christ Jesus to all generations,
 forever and ever. 
Amen.

so, here's to that universal classroom of
'never too old to learn' or to forgive, or repent,
and confess our sins and try-try-again!

Below, an inspiring excerpt from the life story of
George Mueller of Bristow...



Monday, January 1, 2024

Like a Constant Gift

Last night it began to snow!
It felt like a gift from God, as if He was saying,
'See? I am covering the dirty, old year with
a fresh, new unsoiled slate!



Heb.13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Happy 2024!

As the old year ends and the new begins 
may our sole/soul resolve be 
a more complete surrender to 
God's full authority

Sometimes we are guilty of wanting God's way, our way. 
We want Him to yield to our will, not we to His!




The past is irreversible, its seasons set in stone
The future is invincible when faced through Christ alone
The present, like a constant gift of opportunity
Furnishes where all life is lived; in Now’s benignity

Anxiety for what might be is certain to destroy
Faith’s confident humility that leads to peace and joy
What has been none can modify, but what is and will be
Is like a constant gift, thereby/whereby God proves His fealty

Goodness and mercy’s rich supply sustains surrendered hearts
No greater gain can satisfy than that which grace imparts
Thus, as God lays the old to rest, as New is ushered in
Once more hope hoists its humble quest to give/live our best for Him

Sometimes the state our Saviour saved us from, slips our minds
How arrogant, we then become, when mortal motive blinds
Us to the Light that spans the rift and keeps faith undeterred
Each promise like a constant gift to all who trust His word

© Janet Martin

Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings;







Thursday, August 3, 2023

Not Here or There or That or This






Sometimes I spend a lot of misdirected
though well-intended energy on trying to
find God's purpose for me
when, as today's devotion reminded me,
all He wants is my surrendered willingness.



This was such a comfort to me as I try to decide 
whether to get back into childcare again or not!
I am having such a hard time trying to figure out what is best...
but whether I do or do not, has nothing to do with his purpose for me,
  if the object of my devotion each day is Him!
If my attitude is 
'Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
 be it unto me according to thy word'
Luke 1:38
(Is that verse not a challenge easier said/read than done?!!)

 Not the choice but the motive behind the choice
 reveals the voice I am listening to!
A sobering scale on which to weigh/pray each decision and desire,
because financial security and creature comforts
 are not God's purpose, 
(though, oh, how human nature wishes it would be!!)
but rather treasure of eternal value...unglamorous in the gaining!

John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, 
but to save the world through Him.

John 6:28-29
Then they inquired, "What must we do to perform the works of God?"
Jesus replied, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent."

2 Pet.3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
 Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
 but everyone to come to repentance.

***

Not whether we go here or there or work at this or that
The purpose of God’s call will follow where we hang our hat
His focus not the title of the duty or the task
But of a heart surrendered to whatever He will ask

Not in lofty ambition or pursuit of noble quest
But in humble contrition to obey without protest
The medium of labor but the scaffolding whereby
The love for God and neighbor stirs/spurs the tenure of reply

The purpose of God is not there or here or that or this
His purpose always begins where the mark is hard to miss
Right here and now, with you and me, however vague or dim
His purpose is fulfilled as we relinquish all for Him

© Janet Martin

The Rich Young Man- Matt.19:16-28

16Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired,
 “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”
17“Why do you ask Me about what is good?”e Jesus replied.
 “There is only One who is good. 
If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
18“Which ones?” the man asked.
Jesus answered, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, 
do not steal, do not bear false witness, 
19honor your father and mother, 
and love your neighbor as yourself.’f
20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?”
21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven. 
Then come, follow Me.”
22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, 
because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you,
it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
  24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
 than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, 
“Who then can be saved?”
26Jesus looked at them and said, 
“With man this is impossible, 
but with God all things are possible.”
27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. 
What then will there be for us?”
28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things,
g when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, 
you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones,
 judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 
29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife
h or children or fields for the sake of My name 
will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
  30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.




Thursday, January 19, 2023

Earth's Beginning of Heaven's Eternity


Every so often I love to crank up this song...
it brings a sense of Heaven to earth!

Worship: Earth's beginning to Heaven's Eternity

I Love You Lord



I want to want not anything, save that which teaches me
To sing devotion’s worship hymn with true humility
Lest selfishness and pride take root and vanity applauds
I want to guard against choice fruit offered to lesser gods

How easily a thought can stray from where it ought to be
Fixed on faith’s Confidante and Stay secured at Calvary
To jars of clay, refined through care, hope’s priceless treasure spills
Nothing in this world can compare to what God’s light instills

For what have I of worth to bring save what is given me
To tune devotion’s offering with awed sincerity
To lift a gift of sober joy like a most valued gem
To He who alone doth destroy the shackles that condemn

Oh, help me when I falter Lord, to walk by faith not sight
To lean upon your faultless word to guide my thought aright
For what we have in common ought to gentle fellowmen
Thy sure and sacred summons to Soul’s everlasting Then

Lord, you know all the secrets of each thoughts and heart in full
Help us not to forget to who we are accountable
And live, not for the praise of man but with humility
Begin, in every way we can, worship’s eternity

© Janet Martin

Create in me a clean heart, O God; 
and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10







Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Not a Once-and-Done Thing-Surrender

 

This poem was inspired in part by a conversation with a friend yesterday,
who has suffered some severe disappointments in the past few years 
and what appears to the naked eye, to be setbacks
resulting in trying physical and financial challenges!
But, I was so struck by the beauty of her spirit of surrender to God's will
as she spoke about joys she is discovering through her walk by faith, not sight.
Not easy by any stretch, but real! and a reminder for all of us
to yield and trust rather than fret and doubt!
On our own journeys (my own journey) of surrender,
 I pray, Oh Lord, for more
'trust with all my heart rather than leaning on my own understanding'!

Ah surrender, you are not once and done, but pray
with each surrender we demolish another stumbling block to full surrender!

Only Trust Him-Alan Jackson



The joy of surrender, oh, how can it be
Relinquishing want’s anxious hold
To trust in the Lord, where, though faith cannot see
It rests in the truths He has told

The peace of surrender, oh, how is it so
To yield amidst trouble’s travail
To the kind assurance God’s word will bestow
To know that He will never fail

The heart of surrender, oh, sweet, sweet release
To commit/submit to God’s perfect will
To find in the place of my pining, His peace
As storms of selfish struggle still

The bliss of surrender, unreserved and true
The beauty of bowing, undone
Allowing God’s Spirit to will and to do
The work He has barely begun

© Janet Martin

I remember my grandmother reminding me
'surrender is only a battle if we put up a fight'.

Utterly impacted; oh, that it could be
That the love of God would work
 love’s miracle in me!

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; 
trust in Him, and He will do it.

Prov.3:1-8
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2for they will add length to your days,
years and peace to your life.
3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will find favor and high regard
in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
7Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8This will bring healing to your bodyb
and refreshment to your bones.








Saturday, November 26, 2022

Reminder to Remember


Recently I heard this comment (quoted loosely);
The saddest life of all is giving our all 
to something that turns out in the end,
to be completely and utterly worthless/meaningless.

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes
 ponders the meaning of life, finds great wealth 
and tastes every heart's desire
only to come to this awesome conclusion 
after realizing everything in this world is ultimately vanity...

Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil.

The beauty of the earth is a glimpse-of-Heaven backdrop
to the brutality of the battle of wills
between man and God/God and man






(This reminder to remember was written to myself
and anyone else who can relate to the battle of want
between what is temporal and what is eternal)
...also a bit of a continuance along the lines of thought
that inspired yesterday's poem
 
Sometimes the guise of lesser prizes we are yearning for
Can blind us to the binding gait of those who’ve gone before
The price we are willing to pay, sometimes not worth the cost
For something that will fade away in death, forever lost

Sometimes we grapple with apples of want’s eye, and we miss
The treasure that transcends the pleasure of This transient kiss
For time's measure of moments melts like snowflakes in the sun
While warp and weft of seasons weaves and unravels as one

Sometimes the diamond in our dreams is not as it appears
The pinnacle doffed of its gleam as its procurement nears
The glamor of achievement and the clamor of applause
A trophy of bereavement on ashes of futile cause

God, help us to remember you behold and know our need
Help us note and surrender gloating gods of pride and greed
Help us guard against pitfalls decked in visual appeal
And help us not to put our trust in what we think and feel

God, open our heart’s eyes as we seek and search Your Word
So, stepping-stones and stumbling blocks are not confused and blurred
Remind us, not one jot or tittle is hidden from You
And all will give account when this little lifetime is through

God, keep our eyes upon a prize beyond all mortal ken
For the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, amen
Help us put on Your whole armor, with humble, sacred breath
Lest we stray to a way that seems right, but its end is death

© Janet Martin

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Merciful Metamorphosis (or This Cross We Bear)


Without complete surrender we grapple
at times with the goodness of God's higher thoughts and ways!
Oh, may we pray to be like Abraham of old...
Romans 4:19-21,
"And being not weak in faith, he (Abraham) considered not his own body
 now dead when he was about a hundred years old, 
neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. 
He staggered not at the promises of God; through unbelief;
 but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.


This cross we bear of constant care,
Of disciple-obedience
Of hurt and hope’s heart-hungry prayer
Of conscientious diligence
Of yielding Self’s determined will
And forsaking the world for Christ
To suffer for His sake until
Every idol is sacrificed…

…of walking as children of light
Living the way that Jesus did
(For we are precious in the sight
…of proving what is pleasing to
The One who gave His best for we
Cursed with the blight of Eden’s rue
Who benefit from Calvary

Our cross of care pales when compared
To the cross on Golgotha’s hill
Then pray no suffering is spared
Until love works its miracle
And He who sees the heart beholds
Refinement’s glory taking place
As beneath life’s cross God unfolds
Awestruck awareness of His grace

© Janet Martin

Eph.5:6-11

Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light
9(for the fruit of the [b]Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather [c]expose them.






Wednesday, June 15, 2022

What Ifs Versus What Is...


He who promised is faithful.
Heb.10:23

A flower isn't a flower until the bud unfolds the bloom!
What Is in bloom now?
Peonies in the flower garden!
And the Flower of What Is, in life...



The ‘what ifs’ of regret cannot undo what has been done
Where What Is sets time’s tables with fresh favors, mercy-spun
What if instead of wishing for what no wish can undo
We make the most of what is within reach of me and you
God’s mercy new each morning and His all-sufficient grace
Forgiveness for repentance, and His Word to gird our faith

What if instead of fretting and forgetting favours wrought
We focus on remembering What Is, with grateful thought
What if we trusted He who will our every need supply
Where What Is always hinges to far more than meets the eye
Far more goodness and mercy than mortal can comprehend
And love that has no boundaries of beginning or end

The ‘what ifs’ of yesterday and tomorrow borrow care
Today is overflowing with what is enough to bear
What if we take what is, in spite of so much that is not
And humbly honor He who gives us everything we've got
His everlasting promises, His love that will not fail
His wind beneath our wings, His anchor in the galling gale

The ‘what ifs’ of regret are futile; this new day set free
Is brimming with what is waiting for us to ‘taste and see’
What if we love God first and our neighbour next because
What is still most important has always been these two laws
Then what if we rely on He who is in full control
And simply love Him with all of our heart and mind and soul

© Janet Martin

Not all 'what ifs' are 'if onlys'
Sometimes What If is the spark that kindles the dream/bud before the flower!

Originally, the second line in this poem was
'Where What Is sets time’s tables with fresh battles to be won'
but the more I pondered (though the battles are real and often grueling)
the battlefield is cradled in His mercy!
His redemption is complete!
His loving kindness faithful!

Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: 
blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Phil.4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, 
whatever is true, 
whatever is noble, 
whatever is right, 
whatever is pure, 
whatever is lovely, 
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.




Friday, September 10, 2021

Flower-Power

 

I realized the one mini-rose bush I had
didn't survive last years septic-tank replacement...
I miss it, but bloom-beauty flourished this summer
(even though none are roses)
because of abundant rainfall!
Likewise, whatever kind of flower we are,
May we bloom where we are planted today!
Even if we feel a bit blight-battered and beetle-nibbled...




Our Father who art in Heaven,

With whatever You have granted
With what we are called to do
May we bloom where we are planted
With hearts humble, kind and true
Desiring to honour You

May we, with earnest endeavor
Not serve Want’s indulgent thirst
But renew desire's fervor
To put You and others first
Let life’s bud with Beauty burst

In the dirt of hurt and heartache
Where thorns prick and interpose
Bid we do our part to partake
Of the grace Your hand bestows
So, the thorns may wear a rose

Amen

© Janet Martin




Thursday, August 26, 2021

The Choreographer of Life (makes no mistake)

 

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
Prov. 16:9

Let's admit it; we cannot begin
to understand the One who directs our steps
His timing seems anything but perfect at times, doesn't it?!



Time’s momentum of seasons spills to tenderly compose
A steady sequence of quadrilles that keeps us on our toes
The Choreographer of Days, so oft misunderstood
Works through His higher thoughts and ways for our utter good

How often faith’s footwork is tried with grim complexity
Because He is not satisfied with mediocrity
The Choreographer of Moments metes with kind intent
The order of our steps in spite of Dreamer’s argument

A seed thunders with wonders clad in unimpressive hull
Where eye and logic blunders when governed by visual
The Choreographer of summer’s stunning colour-show
Is the same Choreographer when winter’s cold gales blow

Some dancers seem to glide with ease across time’s no return
Some stumble unsure of the piece that He insists they learn
The Choreographer of Seasons sees beyond the dance
Our best, always His Reason for the sequences He grants

Sometimes we judge love based on basis of experience
Rather than trusting He who died for death’s deliverance
So, when His timing seems so wrong, remember, though hearts break
The Choreographer of Life’s Love Song makes no mistake

© Janet Martin



Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The Master's Touch

(update: I wrote this poem yesterday to send with a meal for my sister!
They are planning a wedding for Friday 
while her husband's beloved oldest brother is on his deathbed. 
During last night God rescued him from his suffering)
Rest in peace, Murrell.

So much beauty midst broken
So much joy midst sorrow

So much broken midst beauty
So much sorrow midst joy

So much more God
 above, beneath and through it all!







Touch us, oh Lord, with beauty’s chords

Where nature’s orchestra enthralls

Lift our eyes unto the hills

To hear creation’s madrigals

Unto the flowers of the field

Unto the fledglings of the air

Unto heaven’s vast music sheet

Where thy great glory is declared

 

Touch us, oh Lord, with mercy’s chords

When waves of sorrow wash the soul

Let not despair consume our hearts

But grant us faith to make us whole

As from your everlasting word

Love’s melody of hope resounds

Then, even in the dark of night

A hymn of humble joy abounds

 

Touch us, oh Lord, with love’s pure chords

In songs of grace and sympathy

Let earth be longing’s pale prelude

To heaven’s perfect harmony

Then open up our eyes and ears

Until the only Strings we clutch

Through The Unseen, wakes evidence

That tunes us to The Master’s Touch

 

© Janet Martin



...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Eph.5:19

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
Psalm 121:1




Sunday, August 1, 2021

Ultimate Joy


Today we are have a family reunion/ 90th birthday party for my husband's mother.
It looks like there is the potential for a lot of rain to fall in that time frame.
How often in life do we pray for sun but rain is sent instead?
Yet, if we pray 'Thy will be done' He helps us, dry or wet!









My kiddos that come during the week LOVE a good rain-shower
because it always brings sweet splashing puddles.
This week it poured while toddler wailed and tugged my hand because she wanted to play outside.
But the thunder rolled and lightning flashed and Janet did not relent.
Little One, in the moment, did not understand why. 
A bit like us toddlers sometimes, with our Heavenly Father, isn't it?

Heavenly Father, help us to remember You know best!
Help us to...
 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 To him be glory both now and forever!
 Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

...and not to throw toddler-tantrums when we don't get
what we want when we want it!


We pray for sunshine but if rain is Thy reply
Lord, help us to give thanks and not to fret with futile ‘why’

We pray that we would be a lamp your love shines through
Reflecting, in humility, the love we have for You

Then, whether loss or gain, wish granted or denied
We pray dear Lord, in sun or rain, You will be glorified

We pray for grace to meet the day with hearts at rest
As our joy is made complete in knowing You know best

© Janet Martin

A blessed day of rest and worship
to you and yours!
Oh! and Happy August💕




The author of this hymn is living testimony of its words
Here is a link to her story.