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

March Lion Adios

Jim didn't realize he provided the inspiration for the last line in today's poem

when he told me that he carried out a wee, newborn lamb 

from his truck this morning, as he unloaded sheep

 at a New Jersey meat-processing plant...

'Aw! what happens to a baby lamb in a place like that?!' I asked.

 Jim said the person he met said 'we may be a rough environment 

but we take care of these little guys. 

If we are able, we find the mother and put them in a pen

 until they are taken to a new home!'

March is no lamb today, but rather, a lion!

Let's give him a hearty slap on the rump and send him on his welcome way! 

(after a week where he seemed intent on one last hefty hurrah!)

He has switched today's tune/roar from freezing rain to snow...

The other day there was no denying it; the aftermath of a blizzardy bluster

was still very beautiful...

March Lion rakes the tress of trees. Ah, let him roar

And lunge and claw and fret the firmament that waits to pour

In warmer, gentler breeze o-er violet-dappled hills

Ah, let him rage and growl and sneeze, and waken daffodils

And chimes in lily bells, and climes, blush, gold and green

And perches/porches, where we pause a bit with picnic lunch between

…as nature’s orchestra of bird and brook and bee

And wind wafting through woodlands swathed in mint-frothed filigree

Entertains and delights, as budded bowers brim

As stark silhouettes blur as barren limbs burst into hymn

And 'earth’s fulness thereof' swells with hope’s renewed lays

Where winter is forgotten in worlds besotted with praise

Ah, let him seethe and rage and pelt the windowpane

With frozen tears; ah, let him fiercely shake his mangled mane

And thrash the air with brash retaliation, for

March Lion feels the friendly fervor of spring at his door

Where soon sidewalks will wear new mother’s pushing prams

And verdant meadow fair will host the dash and dance of lambs

© Janet Martin

Ps.24:1

The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; 

the world, and they that dwell therein.

Of Arms and Hearts (or, They Grow So Fast)

 It feels like we just did this but we did it again...celebrate granddaughter's birthday!!

They grow so fast we sigh, as seasons fly through arms and hearts

Where none can tame the twinkle in time’s eye or change its ways

The child soon tries its wings, tugging on strings that love imparts

While teaching us to treasure the fleet measure of Todays

For time is never idle; none can tame or bridle clocks

Childhood’s tower of make-believe soon tumbled by hard knocks

They grow so fast we cry, while milestones make us laugh and weep

Robbing us of ready reply when we try to explain

Love’s gladness that runs rife with sorrow for what none can keep

Where each wee babe soon tests the play of love’s parental rein

The brief heaven of innocence soon startled by a Voice

As the gavel of consequence falls on the heels of Choice

They grow so fast we say, and pray the Lord their souls to guard

With angel armies, for this world is full of deadly snares

Where soon our arms are lowered and the garden gate unbarred

And off they go; but never out of reach of tender prayers

Or the eternal cradle-dear, that no child can outgrow

The heart that keeps them near no matter where their feet may go

© Janet Martin 

Grand-daughter's 'prince' freeing the princess...

Found the sweet poem above in this book!

For Athletes (in Life's Race)

Living in a culture bombarded with sensationalism and a buffet of distractions,

can subtly infiltrate our best intentions. 

On more than one occasion the small group I am part of from our local church 

ponders what living faithfully looks like...it always ultimately comes back to,

not what we do, but Who we do what for. 

The gift of salvation is free but comes with a cost;

to be a living sacrifice!

Rom.12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,

 in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, 

holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Matt.6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you.

The prizes we pursue are subtly immersed

In what we think and say and do, then hence, who we seek first

For all the poise of words the voice of Choice transcends

The noise of speech, and undergirds what wordless proof defends

To keep perspective true and not fooled by fine lies

Begins with the important Who we put first in our lives

We need no script, well-versed, no proficient prowess

To humbly seek God’s kingdom first; to seek His righteousness

What better way to start the Unknown of Today

Than, with a yielded seeker’s heart, come what-so-ever-may

Then, as we strive toward tomorrow, pray we find

A dearer drive to love the Lord with heart, soul, strength and mind

We, athletes in life's race, are not judged for our speed

We trip and fall and all need God's patient grace to proceed  

But step by step, faith smiles where once more, morning dawns

For, step-by-step turns into miles, and miles to marathons

Until the finish line is crossed; the race complete

(to win this race at all cost is each life's most solemn fete)

To be faithful and true, with every gifted breath

To Jesus who loved/loves me and you, obedient to death 

God, rich in mercy grants redemption for our sins

And with each morning a fresh chance to run as one who wins

Greater is He in us, than all the world times ten

Then pray that we, through Jesus, shine as lights for Him. Amen.

© Janet Martin

1 Cor.9:24-27

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? 

Run in such a way that you may [i]obtain it. 

25And everyone who competes for the prize [j]is temperate in all things. 

Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 

26Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. 

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

 27But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, 

when I have preached to others, 

I myself should become disqualified.

Rad Glory

I began this poem at sunrise...

then the day took over...

Off to a local meat shop first thing,

to take advantage of their annual sausage sale...

stopping for a few photos along the way...

...then grandchildren came for a while to entertain gramma😂💖

What is it about a gate/fence/barrier that instantly draws curiosity

of all ages, even babies?!!

 

Grand daughter borrows gramma's sunglasses for a better look at the clouds...

It all started when she spotted the one on the first photo,

 a billowy, pillow-y one and wished she could jump in it

Now, after the last round of sausage is on to steam,

(Yes! I water-bath-can sausage!)

back to what began almost today-ago 😅

Where the heavens are flung

With profound clarity

A Voice of universal tongue

Declares God’s majesty

His awesome evidence

(That only fools deny)

Thunders with untold testaments

From earth and sea and sky

…to confound creature boast

To humble human hearts

As wonder wows Want’s uttermost

With what God’s hand imparts

Hark! Ere the dark of night

Dissolves, the morning rings

With feathered, unfettered delight

From choristers with wings

Both mighty and minute

Astonish and enthrall

Until only fools dare dispute

The One who authored all

Creation stuns the eye

And kindles joyful due

To join the throngs of earth and sky

With songs of worship too

Buds, primed with petaled proof

Pulse with glorious laud

While sorry fool still holds aloof

The rad glory of God

© Janet Martin

 (Using the word 'rad' today, in its most sacred sense!)

WORDS RELATED TO RAD -DICTIONARY.COM

astonishing, astounding, awesome, breathtaking,

 fantastic, incredible, marvelous, outrageous,

 phenomenal, remarkable, spectacular, superb,

 terrific, unbelievable, far out, groovy, neat, 

offbeat, unorthodox, wonderful

Psalm 14:1

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” 

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; 

there is no one who does good.

Grace-berth/Birth

Yesterday's sunrise

So often so little distance seems to lie between dawn and dusk, doesn't it?!!

Yesterday's sunset

Days seem to fly by! 

So does life!!

Just a blip between the dawn of birth and the dusk of death!

(two visitations this week for friend's parents were a vivid reminder!!)

...and not one of us can see how near that Dusk is!

It can fall in the twinkle of an eye to young or old alike!

Thus, often much of life's focus seems to be 

on making every effort to 'Make (fond) Memories'

which really are precious!

...like picking pussy willows 😊

Canning sausage

Spending time with (aging) more precious-than-ever parents...

Because there are 10 children in our family, for mom and dad's Christmas gift

this year, each child is given a month to extra-bless them

 (not counting December (Christmas) and September 

when we hope to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary all together)

March was our month. 

On Saturday we took them to my brother-in-law's sugar bush

 to watch modern-day maple-syrup making...

...and then we dropped by my mother-in-law's house where my sister-in-law served us supper;

 the best bean soup I ever tasted served with Vidalia onions, 

summer-sausage, fresh bread and cheese! A five-star meal!!)

...but, as dear as these memories are there is something

far more sacred in life to make, than memories...

We are called to 'make every effort' for something far more lasting!

2 Pet.1:3-10

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life 

through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 

4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, 

so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, 

having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; 

and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; 

and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 

7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

  8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,

 they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive

 in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, 

forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10Therefore, my brothers and sisters

 a make every effort to confirm your calling and election.

 For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

  11and you will receive a rich welcome 

into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In light of this, Awareness beckons us behold today with 

more thankful, thoughtful, sacred soul-searching!

Behold the berth/birth where God’s grace is extended

Where Life runs rife with holy beck and call

Daylight dissolves heaven’s star-studded blanket

From mercy’s fount hope-forged stepping-stones fall

From He whose love cannot be comprehended

Today is bestowed by God, to one and all

Though want and woe’s what and wherefore may vary

Though no two roads of life are quite the same

No matter what composes cares we carry

Rest and redemption are found in One Name

For the deathless soul, none can burn or bury

Jesus, the Way, Truth and Life all may claim

Today is a common-ground charge, all must weather

Like a barge drawn over sky, sea and sod

Where soon the Harbour at Twilight will tether

Some to the slumber that morning will prod

Some through a gate that parts, light as feather

Over that last lowered gangway to God

Who can afford to be calloused and careless

When no one knows where time’s curtain will close

Pity the passenger, faithless and prayerless

Unready for what Last Breath will expose

Come, bid Today reawakens awareness

To behold berths/birth where God’s grace overflows

© Janet Martin

So off we go on a new Today!

How many remain,

 only the Giver knows!

Divine Intervention

The Creator of all we marvel at is our Divine Intervener/Interceder! Hallelujah!

How oft despair would gain a fateful foothold in my thought (Ps.43:5)

And bind my mind and spirit in chains where doubt and fear rue

And leave me floundering in bogs of misery, guilt-wrought

But for the lifeline of God’s promises, faithful and true (Heb.10:23)

From age to age His Word abides to cheer and edify (1 Pet.1:25)

To convict and correct, to comfort, exhort and command (2 Tim:316)

To whisper to the storm-tossed bark, ‘Fear not, for it is I’ (John 6:20,Matt.14:27)

To equip me with armor that will evil's wiles withstand  (Eph.6:13)

His manna for my wilderness, ( Deut.8:3) His grace to save my soul (Eph.2:8)

His ear to hear my prayer, (1 Pet.3:12) his righteousness to call my own (2 Cor.5:21)

‘When I am weak, then am I strong’ (2 Cor.12:10) ‘thy faith hath made thee whole’ (Matt.9:22)

Living Water to quench my thirst, ( John 4:14) His life-blood to atone (Eph.1:7)

His Word, a lamp unto my feet, a beacon pure and sure (Ps.119:105)

Where darkness would pervade without the Light sent from above (1 John 2:8)

For joy still set before us, He beckons us to endure (Heb.12:2)

Through His power, purpose and peace, goodness, mercy and love (2 Pet.1:3)

Heavens declare His glory,(Ps.19:1) and His glory fills the earth  (Isa.6:3)

His invisible qualities by creation proclaimed  (Rom.1:20)

His plan for man’s salvation, (Matt.1:21) for repentance (Mark 1:15) and rebirth  (John3:3)

Wrought through His sacred suffering, (John 3:16) yielding hope unashamed  (Rom5.5)

His cross to draw all men to Him so we may be set free (John 12:32)

His death to pay sin’s debt, His resurrection to fulfill (1 Cor.15)

His prophecy, to conquer death and hell; His victory

Has overthrown the grave because He braved His Father’s will (Luke 22:42)

His peace past understanding, (Phil.4:7) and His Mystery revealed (Col.1:26)

His all-sufficient grace (2Cor.12:9) to help us to trust and obey (Prov.3:5-6)

His Mighty Hand pierced through with nails; by His wounds we are healed  (Isa.53:5)

His Everlasting Presence promised each step of the way (Josh.1:5)

How oft despair could gain a dread-filled death grip on my heart (Ps. 42:5)

And draw me from the Well where Life’s undeterred waters brim (Isa.55:1)

But, God is rich in mercy (Eph.2:4) and He helps us do our part (Heb.13:6)

To deny self, take up His cross and humbly follow Him (Matt.16:24)

© Janet Martin

Lamentations 3:20

Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.

His Word Will Stand