In The Gladness For God's Goodness...

Psalm 5:3

In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; 

at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.

Psalm 119:147

I rise before dawn and cry for help;

 in Your word I have put my hope.

In the gladness for God’s goodness, grief finds joy, and worry, peace

Longing finds sweeter contentment as counted blessings increase

Hope is more than optimism; like a rose that does not fade

Goodness and mercy unfold the bud of this day He has made

In the morning, He will hear us as we lift each humble plea

All day long His goodness cheers us as we wait expectantly

In the comfort of each promise, He turns despair to delight

In the beauty of creation God gratifies faith with sight

In the gladness of good tidings of great joy for all mankind

Jesus, Author of salvation beckons all to seek and find

Sin’s eternal absolution, hope which cannot be dismayed

Because of love’s restitution, through the debt that Jesus paid

Hark! The herald angel’s message of great reason to rejoice

Lucid as the light of morning, the sheep know the Shepherd’s voice

Step by step He goes before us; bids us cast on Him each care

In the gladness for His goodness life becomes a living prayer

Janet Martin

Ps.118:24

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart;

 the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 97:11
Light shines on the righteous,

 gladness on the upright in heart.

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light;

 it informs the simple.

Praise God For Man's First Christmas Gift

Acts 2:38-41

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you

in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

 and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, 

even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, 

Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:

This morning in majestic splendour, the heavens declared the glory of God 

and proclaimed the work of His hands...(Ps.19:1)

The God whose love gave us His Son, Jesus, so all who believe in Him

will not perish but have eternal life! (John 3:16)

The God who calls all of us to worship, 

not the created, but the Creator! (Rom.1:25)

All who beheld, worshipped one or the other!

Does His work not rouse a hymn of gladness for love's greatest work/gift of all?!!

Praise God for man's first Christmas gift; Jesus, Emmanuel

For the good tidings of great joy, which Is for all people

For promises of old fulfilled; for God's goodness unfurled

In the very first Christmas gift; the Saviour of the world 

Praise God for man's first Christmas joy, uncomprehend when 

Shepherds hastened to see the Baby boy at Bethlehem

Believing without understanding what the angels told

As the ancient redemption promise began to unfold 

Praise God for man's first Christmas hymn; glory to God on high

And on earth peace, goodwill to men,  rang from the midnight sky

 With a message of hope for all who believe in His name

Praise God for the first Christmas gift that faith alone can claim

Praise God for the first Christmas Day; the day of Jesus' birth

 The King of kings and Lord of lords stepped from His throne, to earth 

Praise Him for joy and peace because He conquered death and hell

Praise God for man's first Christmas gift; Jesus, Emmanuel 

Janet Martin

Jesus, Messiah 

Divine Dialogue

2025 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 13

For the 2025 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, 

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

Day 13 is to write a dialogue poem.

The Lord's Prayer (Our Father)

Dear Father up in Heaven

How can I give/live my best?

Just love and look and listen

And let Me do the rest

Dear Author of creation

How can I honour Thee?

Just learn to be more patient

And leave the rest to Me

Dear Lord of my salvation

How can my love reply?

Trust without explanation

And watch Me satisfy

Dear Father up in Heaven

I bow with heart undone

Because I am forgiven

Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son

Dear child, then do not worry

In every word and deed

My Kingdom, pow'r and glory

Grants everything you need

Janet Martin

...and He is before all things,

and by Him all things exist.

Col.1:17

Of First Receiving ...

John 4:24

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him 

must worship in spirit and truth.”

If we were nothing more than what we could achieve

 by our own merit, we at best, would be pitiful.

Every opportunity we make the most of

 is possible only by abilities first God-granted.

The athlete, the artist, the architect,

the scholar, the teacher, the laborer, 

the business magnate, the journalist, the preacher etc.

pursues, performs, accomplishes and excels, 

only through the grace of first receiving

the gifts of health and strength, 

of intellect and perception, etc.

Because of these mercies/provisions/blessings we, 

not by our own merit but by the grace of God,

ought not hide in fear, but with constant courage 

each day ask God to make us a vessel He pours through.

 Then, whatever we get right is to His glory

and whatever we get wrong is to our refinement

as we keep learning, no matter who or how old we are.

so, no matter how great (like winning the World Series, 

(oops!! like trying to win the World Series)

 or small (like preserving pumpkins) 

we owe our best to He from whom we have first received  

So, no matter 

how great or small

The task at 

present seems

We owe our 

Very Best of All

To He who 

grants the means

To seize each 

opportunity

With noble 

intention

Because of who 

grants you and me

Ability. 

Amen

Janet Martin

Matt.6:9-13

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

 Give us this day our daily bread.

 And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

[a]For Yours is the kingdom

and the power 

and the glory forever. 

Amen.

Rock of Ages Cleft For Me

Thank-you Lord, For Your Patience

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.

His mercy is new every morning!

Hallelujah!

Lam.3:22-24

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”

Today's 'poem/prayer' was inspired in part

by *my church family's weekly prayer digest.

The 'adore' section begins with this truth;

God is patient.

The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Ex. 34:6

Thank-you Lord, for Your patience with us;

For your patience when we are impatient.

When we are complaining instead of thankful,

When we are selfish instead of generous

When we treat serving like a burden instead of a privilege/blessing

When we are lazy instead of intentional/industrious

When we have good/best intentions without discipline to see them through

When we are worldly instead of holy/carnal instead of spiritual

When we are talking instead of listening

When we are careless instead of careful

When we are willful/stubborn instead of surrendered

When we are blind instead of seeing

When we are doubting instead of trusting

When we are hurrying instead of being still and knowing you are God

When we are worrying instead of worshipping

When we are boasting instead of praising

When we are bitter instead of forgiving

When we are judgmental instead of helpful/prayerful

When we are thoughtless instead of thoughtful

When we are neglectful instead of faithful

When we are hateful or apathetic instead of loving

Thank-you Lord, for your patience with me,

Your daughter, Janet

*Do you have a  'my church family'?

Do you feel loved and supported by a faith-community?

(If not, I am praying that you will find one!)

Do you, in order to feel truly connected with your church family, 

commit to gathering with them every week, (health permitting)

making 'gathering' a priority, over other enticing options?

Lord, convict us where we need convicting.

Correct us where we need correcting.

Forgive us, as we confess.

Encourage us as we endeavor anew to

seek first your Kingdom

'for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory

forever and ever,

Amen.

Take time to be holy

Where? Now and Here

Ps.107:8-9

Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness

and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

For He satisfies the longing soul

and fills the hungry soul with goodness!

The God of our salvation grants,

Where daybreak kindles wicks of grace

The gladness of fresh choice and chance

Where past and future interlace

To make the most of Now and Here

Where holy hope and heartache meld

To help us to be of good cheer

Where God's goodness is not withheld

But bids us see His majesty

Where earth and sky thunder His name

To waken mortal mightily

Where/for we are called to do the same 

Arise, arouse the slumb'ring hymn

Where once more mercy is renewed

Dawn's beckoning attractions brim

Where we are called to gratitude

To He whose help is above all

Where trouble's trying tempests roll 

He hears us when we humbly call

 He satisfies the longing the soul 

He is worthy of all our praise

He makes us valiant in faith's fight

He leads us righteously always

He pierces sin's darkness with light

Oh God, forbid I fail to bring

Where mercy and morn meet again 

Love's humble worship offering

Where all I have is Thine. Amen 

Oh God, hold not Thy peace from me

Where wicked boast while faith counts loss  

Renew the prayer that praises Thee

Where hope is anchored in the cross 

Oh God, before we face the bar 

Where righteous judgment is revealed

May all recognize who You are

And call upon You and be healed 

Janet Martin

Isa.53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

 He was bruised for our iniquities; 

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 

And by His stripes we are healed.

From a recent devotion from Streams in the Desert Vol. 2

Crowder - Come As You Are (Lyric Video)

With Thee

 

Psalm 72:18-19

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
 And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen.

Before the duties of the day

Rush in to draw my thoughts away

Where creature cares will always be

Lord, first I want to sit with Thee

Before the becks and calls of life

Like waves upon a sea, run rife

'ere joy and strife resume their spree 

I want to kneel in prayer with Thee

Before I tend to love’s demands

I want to touch your nail-scarred Hands

Lest I forget Thy love for me

I want to spend daybreak with Thee

...and praise Thee for Thy gift of grace

For hope and comfort's resting place

Before life's pressing charges plea 

I want to learn to love/live like Thee  

© Janet Martin

Still, Still With Thee 

Still Still With Thee

by Harriet Beecher Stowe

1 Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,

When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;

Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,

Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee.

2 Alone with Thee amid the mystic shadows,

The solemn hush of nature newly born;

Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,

In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.

3 Still, still with Thee! as to each newborn morning

A fresh and solemn splendor still is given,

So does this blessed consciousness, awaking,

Breathe each day nearness unto Thee and heaven.

4 When sinks the soul, subdued by toil, to slumber,

Its closing eyes look up to Thee in prayer;

Sweet the repose beneath Thy wings o'ershading,

But sweeter still, to wake and find Thee there.

5 So shall it be at last, in that bright morning,

When the soul waketh, and life's shadows flee;

O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,

Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.

Amen.

Of Awe and Love

Ps.33:8

Let all the earth fear the Lord;

let all the inhabitants of the world

stand in awe of Him

Ps.65:8-13

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

where morning dawns, where evening fades,

you call forth songs of joy.

9 You care for the land and water it;

you enrich it abundantly.

The streams of God are filled with water

to provide the people with grain,

for so you have ordained it.[d]

10 You drench its furrows and level its ridges;

you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

11 You crown the year with your bounty,

and your carts overflow with abundance.

12 The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;

the hills are clothed with gladness.

13 The meadows are covered with flocks

and the valleys are mantled with grain;

they shout for joy and sing.

On Sunday morning the message was opened with this challenge;

When was the last time you were completely awed?

And closed with this challenge;

Do you fear God?

Do you love Him? 

(For message click HERE, then click on Aug.17)

These challenges were drawn from the beloved chapter of

Psalm 145

Have you ever tried to write out your depth of awe and love for God?!!

It's really quite impossible to do but still so worthwhile to try! 

It is bound to humble, challenge and perhaps help us 

reevaluate what we (should) prioritize! 

***

There is so no limit to the love of God for us, so then

There ought to be no limit to our love for fellowmen

There ought to be no task, no sacrifice too great or small

To do or give our best for He who gave His best for all

 

Whose tender mercies, new each morn proclaim great faithfulness

No matter what befalls God is true to His promises

He manifests His evidence in nature's ordered law

His word and workmanship evoke unsurpassable awe

As He o'erwhelms our souls with joy though sorrow's portions press  

He cheers our hearts with hymns of old  'great is thy faithfulness'  

Then as we meditate on Him, with worship sadly flawed

His whisper thunders deep within and leaves us sweetly awed

Without God, love and awe are like shadows, cast by Time's lease

With God, love and awe anchor everlasting hope-joy-peace  

...because His grace sufficient is enough to rush the heart

With endless hymns of awe and love, 'oh LORD, how great Thou art'

Janet Martin

Great is Thy Faithfulness 

How Great Thou Art

When the speaker asked us to try and remember when we were last awed

I leaned over to Jim and whispered 'every time I walk through a garden!!'

It is absolutely mind-blowing to witness the unfolding of seeds...

Heaven's Foretaste

Psalm 145:3
Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;

 His greatness is unsearchable.

Mercy is not getting what we deserve.

Grace is getting what we don't deserve

Ps.47:7-8

Sing praises to God, sing praises!

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

7 For God is the King of all the earth;

Sing praises with understanding.

8 God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.

Sing praises, for God reigns

With love in rich supply

When we withhold worship's refrains

Grace and mercy reply

Sing praises with souls awed

In every care unfurled

Greater is our glorious God

Than troubles of this world

Sing praises to the ONE

Who WAS, IS and Will BE

Whose unsearchable riches stun

Human philosophy

Sing praises to the Lord

In joy or sorrow’s lease

The wondrous riches of His word

Bestow gladness and peace

Clap your hands, shout for joy

Our King none can dethrone

Nor earthly enemy destroy

Salvation’s Cornerstone

Sing praise without reserve

For we have been blood-bought

Mercy restrains what we deserve

Grace grants what we do not

Let endless praises spill

To God, whose Sovereignty

And unsearchable riches will

Unfold eternity/eternally

Praise God with ransomed mirth

And humble gratitude 

Let Heaven's foretaste fill the earth

   With rapturous prelude 

© Janet Martin

Praise And Harmony "Behold Our God" 

Altar Call or (Of Living, Sacrificed)

Because the dust we stir is far more than a splash of echo-ash...

as we dash through numbered days

Rom.12:1

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, 

by the mercies of God, to present your bodies 

as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, 

which is your spiritual service of worship.

Rev.14:7

He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory,

 because the hour of his judgment has come. 

Worship him who made the heavens, 

the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Rom.2:6-8

 6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”a

 7To those who by perseverance in doing good

 seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.

 8But for those who are self-seeking 

and who reject the truth and follow wickedness,

 there will be wrath and anger.

The altar upon which we lay love’s living sacrifice

Blushes with hush of breaking day...

The altar upon which we lay love’s living sacrifice

Blushes with hush of breaking day and love’s impending price

Where it is easy to ignore its uncommanding pose

As we burst through dawn’s gaping door, laden with joys and woes

The altar upon which Choice proves who and what we love most

Because God loves us, pray, behooves us to examine boast

Where dust we stir with hopes and dreams and duty’s beck and call

Is far more than a sweep that gleams with season’s rise and fall

The altar upon which we place the living proof of love

Is gifted to us by God’s grace who fits us with enough

To worship Him, with heart and soul (where once this world enticed)

He helps us bear the sacred toll of living, sacrificed

The altar upon which we live is heaped with word and deed

Therefore, we always ought to give its off’ring earnest heed

In light of God’s sacrifice laid upon a cross, and then

To bow before the Lord who made Heaven and earth. Amen

© Janet Martin

Pure Delight

1 John 2: 15-17

Do not love the world or anything in the world. 

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, 

the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—

is not from the Father but from the world.

  17The world is passing away, along with its desires;

 but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Col.3:1

If then you were raised with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

When it comes to 'stuff' much wants more,

and yet is never satisfied!

When it comes to the things of God He has enough

to satisfy all of us for all eternity!

No need to want what the other one has

(unlike two little boys playing with tractors! 😅💓)

Love brings no satisfaction to devotion and delight

If its primal attraction is to seek and serve by sight

If what we long and strive for here, is temporal at best

If fulfillment we live for, dear, is not Supremely blessed

…by He who made and loves us and who knows us, heart and soul

Who placed within the glove of us a Faith-in-Him shaped hole

A love-the-Lord-thy-God-with-all-thy-heart-soul-strength-and-mind

-abyss; that, though we gain the world, we are Heaven-designed

And thus, to find true happiness, true hope, joy, peace and love

We first must pursue righteousness/godliness and seek Those Things Above

With uttermost humility and thankfulness, and then

We will find more delight than we thought possible. Amen

© Janet Martin

From Streams in the Desert Vol.2