Joy Inexpressible and Glorious

John 16:24

Until now you have not asked for anything in My name.

 Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

This year, as I re-glued the weathered letters below back together

and pondered the word Joy, it was not without tears,

realizing how, this year I have discovered

a most holy, indescribable joy plumbed from the depths of

heart-wrenching grief!

For our God, acquainted with grief, 

comforts us with unspeakable joy...

Isa.53:3-6

He is despised and [d]rejected by men,

A Man of [e]sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief.

And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely He has borne our [g]griefs

And carried our [h]sorrows;

Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,

[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But He was wounded[k] for our transgressions,

He was [l]bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes[m] we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the Lord [n]has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

(read the whole wondrous chapter HERE)

Joy is the outpouring of God's inpouring!

***

1 Peter 1:8

Though you have not seen him, you love him; 

and even though you do not see him now, 

you believe in him and are filled 

with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

***

Joy is the essence of Hope, hallelujah!

Joy is God's Presence of peace

Joy is believing while not yet receiving

Knowing soon sorrow will cease

Joy is the knowledge that if God is for us

Who can be 'gainst us and win?

Joy is salvation; the soul's separation

From hell and death's curse of sin

Go to, and howl, you rich men full of mis'ry

Joy cannot be bought or sold

Joy is soul's laughter that ripples long after

The glint that delighted earth's hold

Joy is the baby in Bethlehem's manger

The cross where redemption runs rife

Joy is the Saviour who will reign forever

Mankind's resurrection and life

Joy without Jesus is but joy's pale shadow

Fickle as Fantasy's Whim

True joy is Jesus, whose gift of grace frees us

Joy is love's wonder of Him

Joy is the posture of utter surrender

To God, worthy of all praise

Joy is an ocean of unplumbed devotion

Eternity cannot faze

© Janet Martin 

John 17:13

But now I am coming to You;

and I am saying these things while I am in the world, 

so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them.

1 John 1:4

We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. 

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope

 fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, 

so that you may overflow with hope 

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Nehemiah 8:10

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet,

 and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, 

since today is holy to our Lord. 

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

 At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee-Carrie Underwood

Lyrics- Henry J. van Dyke

(story of its inspiration HERE)

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
   God of glory, Lord of love;
   Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
   Op’ning to the sun above.
   Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
   Drive the dark of doubt away;
   Giver of immortal gladness,
   Fill us with the light of day!
2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
   Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
   Stars and angels sing around Thee,
   Center of unbroken praise.
   Field and forest, vale and mountain,
   Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
   Singing bird and flowing fountain
   Call us to rejoice in Thee.
3. Thou art giving and forgiving,
   Ever blessing, ever blest,
   Wellspring of the joy of living,
   Ocean depth of happy rest!
   Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
   All who live in love are Thine;
   Teach us how to love each other,
   Lift us to the joy divine.
4. Mortals, join the happy chorus,
   Which the morning stars began;
   Father love is reigning o’er us,
   Brother love binds man to man.
   Ever singing, march we onward,
   Victors in the midst of strife,
   Joyful music leads us Sunward
   In the triumph song of life.

The Way to Change the World

We all know spending time with an agreeable and friendly tot or child

 is far more pleasant than to accommodate

 a disagreeable, hard-to-please youngster!

I had the pleasure of the company of

 a most pleasant and agreeable nature yesterday!

soodla! 

(Pennsylvania Dutch word for child splashing and playing in water in a sink)

A pastime as old as time, methinks 😂

The above concept about agreeability applies to people of all ages!

No matter how pleasant our surroundings are,

if we or one we are with is ill-tempered and unthankful

the joy of any experience is altered tremendously!! 

Whether sitting by crackling fire

Or walking through the mead

Or lounging beneath lofty spire

Of leaf-song overhead 

Or sipping cup of fresh-brewed joe

While on a Sunday drive

Or romping in fresh fallen snow

Happy to be alive

Tis not extravagance or style

That makes The Thing enough

Life's greatest beauty is a smile

Its purest pleasure, love

So then, no matter what we do

Whether simple or grand

Delight depends on me and you

Not fortune's sleight of hand 

No matter, dear, how fair or fine

The face or physique's frame

Or what success may underline

The mention of a name

Nothing can ever take the place

Whoever we may be

Of a heart full of love and grace

And kind humility

To make our lives a sure success 

And happier, by far

Depends, not on what we possess

 Or who or where we are

The way to change the world for good

Is this, dear girl and boy

To love each other like we should

Will fill the world with joy

Janet Martin~

A 'Child's' Acknowledgement

Can works save us? No!

Can works prove or disprove God's spirit in us? Yes!

Below, a few excerpts from a chapter that begins with one

of my favourite verses of scripture

(Read the whole glorious chapter HERE)

1 John 3:1-3, 10-11, 16-17

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, 

that we should be called children of [a]God! 

Therefore the world does not know [b]us, 

because it did not know Him.

 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; 

and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, 

but we know that when He is revealed, 

we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

3 And everyone who has this hope in Him

 purifies himself, just as He is pure...

10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: 

Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, 

nor is he who does not love his brother. 

11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning,

that we should love one another,..

...16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.

 And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need,

 and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Hope for Everyone-Matt Maher

 Thou Lord, Father of believers 

Draw Thy children to Thy knee

Shield us from worldly deceivers

As we learn to lean on Thee

Guard our hearts from pride's temptation  

Let hope purify love's goal 

Satisfy us with salvation

By the faith that makes us whole 

Make Thy Light in us a beacon 

Of goodness, mercy and love

Thou our Father, we Thy children

Ah, my Lord, it is enough

© Janet Martin 

When Love Was Born

Of Divine Architecture

Trusting our faithful God is sometimes easier said than done, isn't it?!

Trusting Him in all our hard unknowns!

Yesterday my friend whose family is searching for a new home to move to 

as the deadline in their current rental approaches (Feb.), 

said this as they continuously entrust to God this desperate need;

'we know that something will work out, 

even if it isn't necessarily our dream.'

I have been pondering her words  'even if it isn't necessarily our dream.'

No one's dream includes the stress of home-seeking,

 sudden loss of a loved one,

or debilitating injuries or sickness of body or mind,

or broken marriages and friendships.

Trouble and tragedy are part of this sin-cursed world.

And how would we ever learn true and full surrender to

our all-sufficient Heavenly Father's love and grace

without sorrow and suffering;

Our Heavenly Father, who left His throne

knowing what lay before Him!

He was homeless, hated, rejected, spat upon, beaten,

misjudged, mistreated and crucified,

though he was guiltless of any sin!

He did not send a substitute to pardon humanity

but gave Himself to suffer redemption's brutal cost!

He alone brings true comfort and joy.

Through him alone sorrow and sickness are healed

whether on earth or in Heaven.

Ah, holy Christmas season as we

celebrate, marvel and meditate

on the glad tidings of great joy 

which was, will be and ever IS

to all people!

Luke 2:1-11

Then the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid, for behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy 

which will be to all people.

11For there is born to you this day in the city of David

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

***

When our castle of dreams tumbles

God is there to catch the pieces

if we let Him and to help us forward

as we learn to humbly yield and trust

 the Divine Architect with what appears broken

***

Sorrow makes us so much more thankful for/aware of joy!

Today's joy included 

an early morning visit from my sister-in-law

who came bearing a beautiful poinsettia-gift 

...cookie-baking with my neighbours

because school buses were canceled,

Delighting in the snowy scenes through their windows

and mine...

There is no path to What Once Was of former 'days of glory'

Futile to rue the day because of a twist in life's/love's story

Where oft on tender plots of joy, grief's bitter battle wages

As death crumples, like crushed decoys, love's hope and dream-filled pages

Ah, who of us is wise enough to know God's kind intentions 

Or understand the blueprint of His love's Divine Dimensions  

The Builder and Maker of earth and Heaven, who can measure

Or know the height and depth and girth of Mercy's architecture 

It is not ours to mastermind the means of our Creator

Enough to know that He is kind, love's reckoning far greater

Than panoramic dust-to-dust's volatile stance of seasons

Enough to know that we can trust His all-wise perfect Reasons 

Janet Martin

How Else??

Christmas is far more than an excuse to decorate,

or buy gifts for loved ones

or (over) indulge in favourite foods and drinks...etc.

It is more than an arranging of religious figurines...

 Christmas, for Christians, is the celebration of Christ's first coming to the world!

And a celebration of anticipation of His second coming!

And hopefully, not simply a seasonal celebration

but a faithful continuation of the holy joyful expectation

of meeting Jesus

where, each time we open His Word, 

we do meet Him but not yet face to face!

Each time we open his Word

we meet Him there!

Have you met Jesus today?

Coming Soon-Redeemed Quartet

Recently I heard this caution;

If you do not read the Word of God

you will be deceived.

If we do not read the word of God we will err in our thinking...

Matt.22:29

Jesus replied, “You are in error because 

you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

How often the word of God contradicts human logic...

To defend sin, no matter how hurt we are/were

or how much we love the sinner

is to defend disobedience and ungodliness!

....God is light and in Him is no darkness.

If we say we have fellowship with Him

and walk in darkness, we lie (1 John 1:5-6)

Oh, may we ask the Lord as we meet Him

in his Word ....

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, 

may give you/us a spirit of wisdom and revelation 

in your/our knowledge of Him.

(18I) ask that the eyes of your/our heart(s) may be enlightened, 

so that you/we may know 

the hope of His calling, 

the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,

19and the surpassing greatness of His power

 to us who believe.

Eph.1:17-19

How can we taste and see God's goodness without knowledge, first, of Him

How, in this world of sin and darkness, can we shine, without His Word

How, without putting on His armour can we face faith's foe, so grim 

For he masquerades as a charmer, smooth-talking till truth is blurred

 Mass ignorance and confusion applauds the blind leading the blind

After claiming Christ's absolution, God's love-light is shed abroad

In our hearts; As His Word reaches joint and marrow of darkened mind 

His Word alone begins to teach us how to live and love like God

How else can we claim to know Jesus, yet not/but to seek Him through His Word?  

No other scripture can release us from clutches of sinful choice 

How, without His Word to win us can faith persevere, undeterred

How, without His Word within us can we begin to hear His Voice?  

Janet Martin~

Ps.19:7-11

The Law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8The precepts of the LORD are right,

bringing joy to the heart;

the commandments of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

9The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

the judgments of the LORD are true,

being altogether righteous.

10They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

11By them indeed Your servant is warned;

in keeping them is great reward...

Read the whole glorious chapter HERE

Barge of Today...

On Mercy's Ocean

 Barge of Today

sets sail...

***

Life/love is heavy!

Handle with prayer

***

James 1:3-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 

4But let patience have its perfect work, 

that you may be [b]perfect and complete, 

lacking nothing. 

Luke 12:24-25

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap,

they have no storehouse or barn;

yet God feeds them.

How much more valuable you are than the birds!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Sometimes life sends challenges 

that seem bound and determined

to turn into worry!

But, praise God, he invites us to turn our worry into prayer!

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Above us night's dark awning thins and dissolves, star by star

A Warden in soft moccasins draws Today's door ajar

And beckons to the waking world to rise and shine, re-awed 

By Mercy's ocean re-unfurled fresh from the Hand of God    

Barge of Today is laden with unnumbered *hopes and pleas 

Each ordained voyage, maiden, east to west on welkin seas 

Where we, both passenger and crew, have much to do; ahoy

As the kind Captain steers us through uncharted grief and joy

He tries our faith with Circumstances we would never choose 

But also, by the grace He grants us, patience learns its dues 

A far more kind and humble poise in what we ask and seek

As we discover the scarred joys of 'blessed are the meek'

Above us night's dark awning thins; a fleet of souls once more  

Embarks; Barge of Today begins its crossing to dusk's shore  

Ah pray, come whatsoever may, love and faith will not fail

If perchance the Barge of Today should hoist its final sail 

© Janet Martin 

*A family I love very much has been searching since the summer, for a new home to rent,

after being notified that they need to be out of their current home

by Feb. 2025. The search has been super-discouraging and fruitless, so far!

 Can you join our prayers that God will help them find a house they can afford,

large enough for 2 adults and four children?! 

It is has turned into a testing of faith producing

a bumper-crop of prayers on their behalf!

Please join! 

update January 2025: a home has been found!

thank-you and praise God for His provision.

 

On Finding Faith's Fortune

It's easy to 'be still' in the calm scenes of life

like soft snowfall at daybreak,

But all of life is not A Soft Snowfall

Today's poem is a prayer

because walking by faith never happens by accident. 

Today Lord, make my gladness whole, not with some outward sign

But, with your whispers, quench my soul, lest cursed, I thirst and pine

Help me be still and know that You are God; by faith, not sight

Open the eyes of my heart to Your wonder and delight

Remind me of Your kindness, whose full proof streams undeterred

Redeem me from my blindness to/through the riches of Your Word

Restore my soul to worship as I behold Calvary

Renew love's sacred courtship/rebuke each carnal courtship; create a clean heart in me

Though my spirit is willing, Lord, you know my flesh is weak

(Faith's fortune, though more thrilling than this world's, is hard to seek)

This world's allure is glamour-glossed but is death and hell's prey

My God, without counting the cost, help me choose You today

Lord, faith must all self-will resign; feeling and sight denied

Help me to make your promise mine; and thus, in peace reside

For you will keep in perfect peace the mind that trusts in You

All futile fear and worry cease as Your peace runs faith through

From Nazareth a Good Thing came; a child was born, Your Son

And Jesus is His holy name; Saviour for everyone

Lord, hope and joy need nothing more; surprise me once again

To find Faith's fortune, set/yet before, my chief delight. Amen

 © Janet Martin 

Ps.51:6-12

...Surely You desire truth in the inmost being;

You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence;

take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and sustain me with a willing spirit...

Read the whole glorious chapter  HERE

For Everyone Forevermore

For better-worse, for rich and poor, for ignorant and wise,

For loud and proud  and shy unsure; for every shape and size

For young and old and in between, no matter where or who

In wilderness or valley green, the Word of God is true

For everyone, forevermore The Lord's precepts abide

While centuries, like billows pour through morn to eventide 

For faith and hope's security, for souls in barks of dust

For both the friend and enemy, the Word of God is just

For robust-strong and sickly-frail, from greatest to the least

For both those who succeed and fail, His word is a like a feast

Come all and freely drink and eat; salvation's stream runs rife

For love accomplished death's defeat; the Word of God is life

Oh, taste and see that He is good; oh, pray for ears to hear 

Lift up your heads, accursed brood, redemption draweth near

Behold, the Saviour of the World, the Light no dark can dim

God's power and glory unfurled; The word of God is Him

 © Janet Martin

Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;

 and you without money, come, buy, and eat!

 Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!

John 4:14
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. 

Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water

 springing up to eternal life.”

John 6:35
Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. 

Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, 

and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.

Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.