Hope; Worth the Wait

Romans 8:20-21

For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will,

but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

that h the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay 

and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Rom.8:24-25

For in this hope we were saved.

But hope that is seen is no hope at all.

Who hopes for what they already have?

25But if we hope for what we do not yet have,

we wait for it patiently.

I just had a text from someone saying they are looking forward to dinner

and I said I hope its worth the wait.😅

Hope, living hope, is worth the wait for its reward!

Hallelujah!

Oh, how wearying and discouraging life's cares would be

without hope for what is as yet, unseen!

Hope delights love’s wearied caring

Hope excites us with God’s Word

Hope ignites within our bearing

The light of faith undeterred

Hope replenishes pure purpose

Fixes our eyes on He

Who suffered hope's gruesome purchase-

Price He paid at Calvary

Hope defeats dread’s unseen vial

Hope repeats God’s promises

Hope sweetens the bitter trial

Hope beats odds of 'lucky guess'

Hope is patient in the waiting

Of a prize death will fulfill

Above doubt’s noisy debating

Hope abides, peaceful and still

Hope consoles despair with courage

Lifts our why-bent sighs to He

Who crowns faith’s cross with advantage

Of the grave’s sure victory

Hope is worth time's troubled tolling 

Hope is worth its priceless weight/wait

Hope is but faith's prayer-tide rolling

Like an ocean through death's gate  

© Janet Martin

Titus 3:7

so that, having been justified by His grace, 

we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for 

and the certainty of what we do not see.

If All We Had Was What We See....

Lots to tickle visual taste-buds this morning!

Thank-you God, for earth's beauty buffet

to tickle with delight the likes of us,

who far too often forget to thank You!

Great are the works of the LORD; 

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Psalm 111:2

How hard and hurt-full life would be

If all we had was what we see

If hope could not transcend time’s toll

If the grave was its cheerless goal

If love was something we could buy

And stuff enough to satisfy

If this old crate of skin and bone

Full of debate and grin and groan

Was the pinnacle of a man

And height of mercy’s master plan

And all we had was what we see

How very futile life would be

© Janet Martin

The Key to Finding Happiness

“It is not how much we have,

but how much we enjoy,

that makes happiness.”

— Charles Spurgeon

This little gal finds happiness

in mixing and stirring

(oh, if only you could hear the pleasant chatter!)

I enjoy small blips of quietness and tidiness

amidst the mess and mayhem of memories😊💗

(Some people spring and fall clean.

I tend to winter-clean and reorganize 

because outdoor work is on pause!)

Rolling-pin-collection dusting is complete...

Why a rolling pin collection?!!

I have no idea other than once I started, I was amazed at

how many colours, shapes and sizes they come in...a bit like people😅

 

This life runs rife with choice and chance

That makes us pray or fuss/cuss

How we reply to circumstance

Is always up to us

This life runs rife with want and need

Awaiting our reply

Where common font of word and deed

Is up to you and I

This life runs rife with ups and downs

Beyond our control

A smorgasbord of smiles and frowns

To rankle and console

This life runs rife with so much care

Where all we have is lent

A feast to favor faith’s welfare

Is always God’s intent

This life runs rife with more or less

Of yes and no combined

The precious key to happiness

Is up to us to find

© Janet Martin

I am also enjoying some

Spurgeon , thanks to Christmas gifts!

Prov.3:13-18 KJV

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, 

and the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, 

and the gain thereof than fine gold

15 She is more precious than rubies: 

and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her

16 Length of days is in her right hand;

 and in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 

and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: 

and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Ah, Winter's Day...

Winter day played a

 muted melody of perfection on yonder hills today...

Ah, winter day,

thy artist’s tray

Though sparser than in mid-July

Still steals our gaze

with nature’s way

while heaven plays earth’s lullaby

with stars that waft

silver and soft

to settle on the slum’bring sills

of barren trees

and memories

of lusher leas and greener hills

until the dark

snuffs daylight’s spark

and drapes a velvet navy spread

across the world

with stars unfurled

beneath our feet and overhead

© Janet Martin 

Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble

 

Sunday morning's message

(Click on Jan.2 message)

esp. the part between 45-50+ minutes in,

really sparked a mental contemplation/conviction 

on my attitude; pride/humility/obedience/rebellion and

on how easily I want to become wise in my own eyes...

How brave am I?

How humble am I?

How true am I really?

Can I sing this song honestly without reserve?!!

Have Thine Own Way, Lord-Jim Reeves

The lack of true humility breeds wicked arrogance

It fuels fatal vanity and rebel’s recompense

It does not bend the knee or bow the head, strong in the Lord

But relies on logic instead of feeding on God’s Word

The fruit of true humility is generous and sweet

It watches for the enemy that preys on its defeat

Pride is a sly pretender full of destruction's death-sway

It resists full surrender to the Potter of the clay

The want of true humility, love’s bravest sacrifice

Grants no exceptions of me-me to reconcile its price

But obeys the greatest command; God first, then fellowman

It prays, not with phrase well in hand, but like the publican

The proof of true humility does not confuse or shout

Obedient sincerity leaves little room for doubt

Oh God, how often easily my best intentions slip

God, hone honest humility with honest fellowship

The feat of true humility is a long enterprise

How ever on guard I/we should be to root out all disguise

Because my/our very heart of hearts the God of gods can see

And only true love for Him imparts true humility

© Janet Martin

Rom.3:23

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Prov.6:16-19

These six things the Lord hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to [a]Him:

 A[b] proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

 A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

 A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.

The Lily-Garb of Innocence...

Last night we celebrated Grand-sonny's 5th birthday!

We have been blessed with five swift years of cute,

curly-headed curiosity and sweetness,

and once again as I marvel at the way

moments meld into years before we know it,

it sure makes me want to make the most of here and now!

Eager little sister, watching on the sidelines, suddenly leaned in with a hefty 

(greatly unappreciated) huff to snuff the final stubborn candles

 (you can imagine the response from Big Brother)

while we adults heartily assured him that his huff got there before hers. 😅

Checking out the next Lego project

(the ice-cream truck)

 Reminiscent of sweet summer days

Childhood’s pure garb of precious, carefree innocence is brief

Soon human nature starts to test sweet darlings with its grief

As moments mete the tide that ebbs and flows, composing Time

Across four-season shorelines rolls the rhythm of its rhyme

Ahoy, the joy of boyhood bliss must soon become a man

We who shower their cheeks with kisses should do all we can

To train and equip hearts and hands for childhood’s aftermath

As morn imparts momentous sands pouring to life’s footpath

To make the most of here and now is all that we can do

To waken senses to the ‘wow’ of Today, always new

To take our thankful place in the embrace of common task

And trust God for the grace that He will give us if we ask

The lily garb of innocence we all wore in our youth

Is handed down to those who trust us to teach them the truth

Then pray we look to He who is the Way, the Truth and Life

Before the Child must leave sweet play to face time’s tides of strife

© Janet Martin

Deut.11:18-20

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; 

tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

 19Teach them to your children, speaking about them 

when you sit at home 

and when you walk along the road,

 when you lie down and when you get up. 

20Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates,…

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, 

bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, 

so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen,

 and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live.

 Teach them to your children and grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 6:7
And you shall teach them diligently to your children

and speak of them when you sit at home 

and when you walk along the road, 

when you lie down and when you get up.

Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their children, 

but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD 

and His might, and the wonders He has performed.

Psalm 78:6
that the coming generation would know them--

even children yet to be born--

to arise and tell their own children

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not depart from it

Oh Thou Whose Glory Earth and Sky Declares For All To See...

Inspired in part by

Isa.55

He loves righteousness and justice;

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Ps.33:5

Facebook flowed with photos of  last night's glorious sunset

that at our house, we can only glimpse the outer fringes of...

But what a metaphor for faith,

 as the outer fringes of his works

rouse a wild desire to 'see in full'

When Jim called this morning to ask what's new, do you know what I said?

I said 'nothing'! Nothing at all? he asked and I repeated 'nothing'.

And then I said 'wait a minute! how can I say 'nothing' after reading Isa. 55?!!

and I shared with him some of the glorious pleas, reminders, invitations and promises

from this beautiful chapter and I shared the poem

inspired by the manifold majesties of the sunset-artist!

God's mercies are new every morning.

Lam.3:22-23

Hallelujah!

Oh, thou whose glory earth and sky declares for all to see

Day after day, night after night exhibits majesty (Ps. 19:1-2)

Since the creation of the world Evidence streams, profuse (Rom.1:20)

Without a word (so all may know and be without excuse)

Majestic is your name, oh Lord, our Lord, in all the earth (Ps.8:1)

No wealth of mortal can afford Goodness and Mercy’s worth

Without money you bid us come to freely drink and eat (Isa.55:1)

You vow to satisfy the humble soul with joy complete

Thine is the kingdom, the power, and glory without end (Matt.6:13)

Your thoughts and ways a tower whose height none comprehend (Isa.55:9)

Forgive us when we doubt because we cannot understand

How pitiful we are without faith in Your righteous Hand (Isa.29:19)

How easily our eyes can blind us by the things we see

How proudly want can bind us to the lure of luxury

How greatly, what/Who is hidden waits to rend denial’s veil

And leave us wholly/holy smitten with Thy love that cannot fail

How terrible to wait to call until it is too late (Rev.6:16)

Love’s kindest beckoning of all (Isa.55:6) transcends time’s mortal state

Oh, Thou whose glory earth and sky declares for all to see

May we unite to magnify Thy Name eternally

© Janet Martin

So, cling to His Hand/Word 

and He will help us cling to our marriages;

He whose glory we behold but outer fringes (Job 26:14)  of has said,

What He has joined let no man put asunder/separate.(Mark 10:9)

Cling to his Hand/Word 

and he will guide us through dark channels of conflict.(Isa.41:10)

Cling to his Hand/Word 

and He will calm the storms of fear. (Matt.14:31)

Cling to His Hand/Word 

and let His truth thwart lies from the enemy (Ephes.6:14)

The list of benefits is endless 

when we cling to His Hand/Word! 

(Eph.3:20)  (1 Tim.1:14) (Psalm 23)

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

When I Am Tempted to Despair

An impending announcement this morning

on further restrictions

could truly cause Ontario-ans to despair...😭 

God, make us more faithful in prayer🙏

Today's window-font is frost-crisp silver and gold gilt!

(we were only at -18 this morning so rather balmy compared to

temperatures out west of around -40!)

When I am tempted to despair

Beneath life’s weight of woe

Lord, let your power by faith’s prayer

Doubt’s conflict overthrow

Lead me in paths of righteousness

For your name’s sake, (not mine)

Rekindle utter thankfulness

For grace and love divine

Let wisdom be the wealth I seek

Your wonders never cease

Then let the thoughts I choose to speak

Reflect hope, joy and peace

Lord, let truth purify my prayer

Until your law is chief

When I am tempted to despair

Lord, help mine unbelief

Half-truths will set a deadly snare

Lord, purify my fear

When I am tempted to despair

Let me Your law revere

For thou wilt keep in perfect peace

The mind, kind-stayed on Thee

Your increase sires the decrease

That births humility

When I am tempted to despair

Beneath care’s dread design

Stir in me Gethsemane’s prayer

Lord, not my will but thine

And make my chief delight your law

Lord, purify my love

Until its most despairing flaw

Is ‘never quite enough’

When I am tempted to despair

Lord, purify my plea

With an image beyond compare

The cross of Calvary

The price of pride no lie can foil

With clanging flattery

How brutal is the bitter spoil

Of Self-first clarity

When I am tempted to despair

Lord, purify my goal

And lift my eyes beyond earth's care

To the home of the soul

© Janet Martin

It's easy to become disillusioned by what we see...

Oh, may it never be

we lose our way/faith 

and are tempted to despair...

I had a craving to listen to this oldie this morning...

Home of the Soul

Jer.10

Lest we forget God's Sovereignty 

(Click link above for full chapter)

Below a few excerpts...

Do not learn the ways of the nations

or be terrified by signs in the heavens,

though the nations are terrified by them.

3For the practices of the peoples are worthless;

they cut a tree out of the forest,

and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

4They adorn it with silver and gold;

they fasten it with hammer and nails

so it will not totter.

5Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,

their idols cannot speak;

they must be carried

because they cannot walk.

Do not fear them;

they can do no harm

nor can they do any good.”

6No one is like you, Lord;

you are great,

and your name is mighty in power.

7Who should not fear you,

King of the nations?

This is your due.

Among all the wise leaders of the nations

and in all their kingdoms,

there is no one like you...

..the Lord is the true God;

he is the living God, the eternal King.

When he is angry, the earth trembles;

the nations cannot endure his wrath..

12But God made the earth by his power;

he founded the world by his wisdom

and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

13When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;

he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.

He sends lightning with the rain

and brings out the wind from his storehouses...

23Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own;

it is not for them to direct their steps.

24Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—

not in your anger,

or you will reduce me to nothing.