Not a Graceless Void

If tonight the veil was parted
As we looked up to the sky
If we saw ten-thousand angels
Lift their golden trumpets high
If on clouds of brilliant glory
We beheld the Son of Man
Returning to conclude a Story
On the earth where it began
Would we rejoice with all the angels?
Would our hearts be over-joyed?
As we thankfully remember
This is not a graceless void

As we see the Throne of Judgment
And the One who sits thereon
The Alpha and Omega
God’s only begotten Son
As we bow before His presence
And confess His sacred Name
Will we see the face of Jesus?
Or our own folly and shame?
Will we tremble with lost sinners
As all sin will be destroyed?
Or thankfully remember
This is not a graceless void

As the Holiest of Holies
Comes to judge the sons of men
As the Book of Life is opened
What will be our utterance then?
Will we plead before a jealous God?
Without mercy or favor
Or will we recognize His Hands
As we reach to our Savior?
Will we cry ‘holy holy’
As to Heaven we’re employed?
For this Judge is also Savior
This is not a graceless void

Janet~

5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[a]
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[b]
So shall it be! Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Footnotes:
a. Revelation 1:7 Daniel 7:13
b. Revelation 1:7 Zech. 12:10

The Third Day

If You had missed the third day
There’d be no dry land or seas
No lovely weeping willow
Swaying gently in the breeze
No carpet lush with clover
No scent of up-turned sod
No thousand, thousand colored blooms
Designed by our Great God

If You had missed the third day
There’d be no meadows sweet
No trees, no grass or autumn hills
No calm woodland retreat
The lupine, rose and daisy
Never would exist
If You for unknown reasons
The third day would have missed

If You had missed the third day
Deaths seal would not be broken
The message of the prophets
Should have remained unspoken
There would be no assurance
In obeying Your command
No desire to bow beneath
The scepter in Your hand

If You had missed the third day
There would be no victory
No glory in the power
Of the Holy Trinity
If You had missed the third day
What dismal, hopeless gloom
If You had missed the third day
Never rising from Your tomb

But there was a third day
For such a worm as I
Jesus rose the third day
So I will never die
I bow on tender grasses
And hug Your meadows sweet
Thank-you for the third day
To make Your love complete

By Janet Martin All Rights reserved

Inspired while reading the story of Creation!
THE THIRD DAY.....hallelujah,
what a Savior!

Worth It All

Sometimes it seems we wonder
If it’s really worth the fight,
And in our hearts we ponder
The value of this plight,
Is it worth the toil and pain?
Seasons filled with storm and rain,
Take heart, dear one, soon God will call
Then we’ll know it was worth it all

Worth each weary mile we trod,
Worth each prayer we prayed to God,
Worth each journey in the night,
While others travel in the light,
So if we’re weary, faint and worn,
If our heart with grief is torn,
Someday in that great banquet hall
We’ll know that it was worth it all

So lift it high, the pilgrim’s torch
That all might see its flame,
With aching arms and feet we march
In the Savior’s name!
And some sweet day we’ll see His face,
Win the fight, complete the race,
Then, as at His dear feet we fall
We’ll know that it was worth it all

Worth each lonely tear we cried,
Worth it all for He who died,
When we in His great kingdom stand
And reach to touch the nail-scarred hands,
Then and only then we’ll know
How brief this journey here below,
Our burdens here will seem so small
When we know it was worth it all

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

But one thing I do: Forgetting
what is behind and straining
toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal
to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward
in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13

Strong Enough

Lord, when I’m determined to do things on my own
When I ignore your mercy and the goodness you have shown
When I think I’m strong enough; forget to hold Your hand
Soon it seems I need your loving arm to help me stand….

Oh my Lord, oh don’t let go
When I’m too weak to say no
Gird me with Your tender love
Lord, until I’m strong enough

Lord, when I’m determined to take the harder way
Against my better judgment, foolishly I stray
And soon the sorrow of my sin draws me to Your love
As I cry, Jesus, hold me until I’m strong enough

Oh my Lord, oh don’t let go
For you know I love you so
Oh my Lord, without Your love
I never could be strong enough

Out of my barren desert where temptation led astray
Into Your arms Lord Jesus, lift me as I pray
Out of sin and darkness into Your hope and love
Only there my Savior, will I be strong enough

Oh my Lord, oh don’t let go
‘Round me demons ebb and flow
But within Your arms of love
There I will be strong enough

Forgive me Lord, if I let go
Jesus loves me this I know
For You wrap me in Your love
Where I can be strong enough

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

God is our refuge and strength.
A very present help in trouble. Ps. 46:1

What Child is This?

What Child is this?
In humble bed now sleeping
His mothers kiss
And angels, tender watch are keeping
Who is this babe?
Whose entrance to this earth lights up the sky
And cooing dove and lowing cattle
Sing a humble lullaby

What Child is this?
That shepherds on a hill-side first were told
Of where He is
So that they too then could behold
This wondrous thing
That has transpired in Bethlehem
As a multitude of angels sing
And glorify His name

What Child is this?
That kings tremble at the mention of His name
And fear strikes deep
Making heartless monsters out of men
What Child is this?
Born to a lowly peasant girl
Have you not heard the greatest news?
Why, THIS IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD!

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin


Today in the town of David
a Savior hs been born to you;
He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Epidemic

Lord, there’s an epidemic sweeping ‘cross our nation
Yet most seem oblivious to this dire situation
Blindly unaware of their fatal condition
Seeking no care from a Great Physician
Tis a deadlier consumption than any before
Yet most are quite willing its symptoms to ignore
This disease infects judgment, character, desire
Leaving one vulnerable to its feverish fire

Its symptoms include loss of appetite
For things that are holy, humble and right
It ravages the mind, body and soul
Until it has taken complete control
Yet still it seems one can remain unaware
Of this serious illness or sad disrepair
It infects with pride, intolerance, rage
As immorality and self take center stage

If left untreated it will infect generations
And its hopeless effect will control the whole nation
Its subtle beginnings are so hard to feel
Empty worship and loss of spiritual zeal
Prayer and devotion are generally neglected
As the victims emotions become infected
The things of this world have become more dear
Than a God, which calloused hearts no longer fear

There is no satisfaction in life’s simple gifts
As this world’s vast attraction sets lost souls adrift
Embracing its works and the fruits of sin
Carefully disguising the demise within
Seemingly unable to stop its progression
With no Holy Spirit to make intercession
Sadly succumbing at last to its fate
Seeking a Savior when it is too late

SOUL-SICKNESS, oh what a hopeless condition
But there IS hope and healing from one Great Physician
If we call on Jesus, God’s only Son
And believe,He then frees us; healing has begun
For only through Him can anyone be healed
As the power of salvation is gloriously revealed
His Holy Spirit renews, intercedes
And heals all who will ask, of this deadly disease

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

So the fear of H1N1 has taken the nation by storm!
There is a deadlier disease, yet seems to cause no alarm!!!

Some of the inspiration for this came from watching the
‘fear tactics’ that are being used today……
Some inspiration came from the book 'Fire’
By Bill Bright & Jack Cavanaugh

A Dandelion Seed

Alas, alas, our days are as grass
Our wisdom a grain of sand
Alas, alas, the summers pass
As I, like a mute yet stand
Whilst time, like phantom infantry
Marches beyond the hills
Beyond the moon, beyond the sea
Beyond the starry sills

What is life; the meaning thereof
Is this an endless quest?
Thirst of the unknown, beneath, above
Is it foolishness at best?
Alas, alas, upon earths grass
I ponder the meaning of this
For I as all mankind will pass
Into the eternal abyss

Alas, alas, if but for one Gift
Our lives would be nothing more
Than the breeze that sets the seed adrift
Or the wave that laps the shore
A manger, a cross, an empty tomb
A Savior for mankind
Without which man would be dust of doom
A dandelion seed in the wind

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin
20/11/09

Read Isaiah 40.

I could Have Loved You Better

I could have loved you better
But you turned your head
Craving futile pleasure
And her lust instead
She lured you with the venom
In her tempting sway
You blindly drank her poison
And you lost your way

I could have loved you better
But you didn’t care
Someone showed you My love-letter
But you simply sneered
Her glamour and her glitter
Drew with sweet appeal
Now her wine is bitter
…..at My feet you kneel

I could have loved you better
If I’d had a chance
I called you but you never
Gave a second glance
Her shroud was so much fairer
Than a blood-stained tree
But now you weep in terror
Now you need Me

I could have loved you better
And it breaks My heart
I long to be Your Savior
As I say “depart’
My love was like a banner
Over you unfurled
I could have loved you better
But you chose the world

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

Today if you hear His voice,
do not harden your heart. Heb.3:7

Hobo's Prayer (song)

Oh-de-de- da-de-de-da-do-do
Lord hear the prayer of the poor hobo
I’m alone in this sad, old world
I can’t bring you no incense or myrrh
But I’d kinda like to be doin’ my part
So Lord if You’ll take it I’ll give You my heart

Somebody told me a long time ago
You sent Your Son to this world below
Born of a virgin, laid in stall
King of Heaven, hear my call
I’m all alone, got nowhere to go
But You sent Your Son for the poor hobo

Oh-de-de-dah-de-de-dah-do-do
Lord, hear the prayer of this poor hobo
On a cross forsaken by all
King that was born in a cattle stall
I’m alone too, guess You kinda know
What it feels like to be a poor hobo

You had no pillow for to lay Your head
You walked a road of fear and dread
My road is lonesome but I recall
You said somethin’ ‘bout dyin’ for us all
Lord, if You can see me wherever I go
Then You’ll hear the prayer of this poor hobo

I ain’t got no silver, aint got no gold
Lord, I’m hungry an’ Lord, I’m cold
If You’re listenin’ an’ hearin’ my prayer
Won’t You please send someone who’ll care?
I hope You know, Lord I love You so
I’ll sign off with love from a poor hobo

Oh-de-de-da-de-de-da-do-do
Hear the prayer of this poor hobo

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

It's COLD this afternoon!
We are having our first random 'snow showers'.
My heart breaks for everyone
who has no place to call home,
no love to come home to......
no warm, dry place to sleep.

Jesus replied,"Foxes have holes and
the birds of the air have nests,
but the Son of Man has no place
to lay His head." Matt.8:20

Searching

In money, yes money, some try to find it
In greed, endless greed, how sadly they're blinded
In liquor, yes liquor, insatiable thirst
They drink til enslaved to a bondage so cursed
In playing, in pleasure, in wanton desire
Constantly feeding an unquenchable fire
For nothing endures, nothing faithful will prove
And nothing is sure except God's wondrous love

In working, yes working that surely appeases
Twenty-four seven yet still nothing pleases
That large gaping void that just keeps on expanding
Searching for joy while they lack understanding
As they search in their folly for true satisfaction
How futile their effort, how vain every action
If they are not grounded in hope from above
If they have not found it in God's perfect love

Oh, there is a solace calm, undemanding
A peace that surpasses this worlds understanding
It's not found in riches, in fortune or fame
It's found in forgiveness through His holy Name
It's found in redemption beneath a red cross
It's found in confession counting this world as loss
It's found in believing in God up above
It's found in receiving God's free saving love

All Rights Reserved
-Janet Martin-

"For I know the plans I have for you"
declares the Lord,"Plans to prosper you
and not to harm you. Plans to give you
hope and a future. Then you will call upon me
and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me
with all your heart...... Jer.29:11-13

Ok, ok, it's confession time...
I like rolling pins!
and I like going on a search to
find one that's unique and different.
And yes, it gives me a momentary delight
to find one.....but that's it!
Brief, brief pleasure, for 'things'
will never fulfill or satisfy!
At the end of the day it is simply 'more stuff'.
Only One can satisfy and then, only if we let Him.
'if we seek Him with all our hearts'.

Do You know Him?

He is the Lover of my soul
In life and death He’s in control
His love and mercy has no end
He is an everlasting Friend
He is my strong-hold; He helps me stand
He is my Rock; He is my right hand
He is my Shield, my Fortress, my Stay
More precious than gold, unfailing always
Do you know him? He who will bless
The seekers of His righteousness

He is my Shepherd; I am His sheep
He is my Comforter when I weep
He is the Vine; He is Salvation
The Beginning, the End, the God of Creation
From everlasting to everlasting
The Living Bread within my fasting
He is the Way, the Truth, the Life
He is Hope within my strife
He is a Father, kind and tender
Do you know Him?
My soul’s defender

He is my Deliverer; He is my King
He is my boasting; He is my Wing
He is my Refuge, my Strength, my Song
My help in trouble, my Corner-stone
He is Holy, He is Judge
And His decree will never budge
He is the Lion and the Lamb
Alpha, Omega, the great I AM
He is Thunder, He is a dove
Do you know this God of Love?

He is my Defense, He is my Light
He is Day within my night
He is my Healer; He is Grace
He is the Reaper we all will face
He is Humility, Glory and Power
He is undefeated in His darkest hour
Conqueror, Victor, He is Head
Of both the living and the dead
He is the bright and Morning Star
Do you know Him? This dear Savior

Do you know the One who died?
The One with pierc-ed hands and side
Do you know the One who bore
The whole world’s sins whilst He wore
Upon His brow a thorny crown
As crimson love and tears flowed down?
Do you know the One who cried
“It is finished” as He died
To set the captive sinner free
And give us life abundantly?

Do you know Him? This Holy One
Jesus Christ, God’s precious Son
Do you know this Friend of sinners
Who transforms losers into winners?
Do you know this God of love?
He’s down below, He’s up above
He holds the world within His hand
Do you know His love so grand?
Do you know Him in all you do?
I dearly hope so, for He knows you

All Rights Reserved
-Janet Martin-

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
The end, the First and the Last……..Rev.22;13

I am the root and off-spring of David,
and the bright and morning star. Rev 22:16

Surely I come quickly…..Rev.22:20 KJV

And this poem scarcely BEGINS to remind us of all that
HE IS!!!!!!but I was thinking about it yesterday
as I worked at the fall-cleaning(washing walls
an' stuff gives a person A LOT of 'thinkin' time)
He truly is the ALL IN ALL!!!!!!

In One Accord

Come worship the Lord in spirit and truth
In one sweet accord come aged and youth
Cast aside all your differences now we will sing
With joyful voice thankful praise to the King

His grace has no limit so our gratitude
With selfish desire must not be subdued
For God seeks the worshipper doing his part
To worship sincerely with all of his heart


His grace is sufficient for the young and the old
So lift up your voices and let us be bold
Bold for His glory and bold for His name
Truthful worship has one stage and one claim

And our claim is Jesus most Faithful One
Blessed Redeemer, Father, Spirit and Son
United we’ll gather with one accord
United we’ll worship our Savior and Lord

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

Our oldest two daughters,
Emily and Melissa just got back from
an 'Acquire the Fire' week-end...
a week-end of music and worship
in a stadium of ten thousand people.
They said it was absolutely INCREDIBLE
to sing and worship where everyone shouted
praises to God.
Can you imagine heaven?????

Give unto the Lord
the glory due His name.
Worship the Lord
in the beauty of holiness. Ps.29:2 KJV

Down in the Valley

Down in the valley
Out in the cold
In fear’s dark alley
Demons run bold
Merciless scheming
Where victims abound
Weeping and screaming
Upon the cold ground

There at their banquet
They call us to dine
Offering goblets
Of poisonous wine
Will we drink blindly?
Slaves of their tomb
Marching unkindly
To hell’s endless doom

Down in the valley
Out in the cold
A shepherd is searching
For lamb’s from His fold
Demon’s run trembling
At His holy tread
Ruler of Heaven
Of living and dead

There at His banquet
He calls us to dine
Fruit of the spirit
For He is the vine
Will we come gladly?
Out of sin’s doom
For at His great table
There always is room

All Rights Reserved
Janet Martin

Then Jesus told them this parable,
Suppose one of you has a hundred
sheep and loses one of them,
Does he not leave the ninety and nine
in the open country and go after
the lost sheep until he finds it?
And when he finds it he joyfully
puts it on his shoulders and goes home.
Then he calls his friends and neighbors
together and says, Rejoice with me;
I have found my lost sheep. Luke15:3-6

Who Took My Place?

Bound by sins dark chains
Condemned and doomed stood I
No chance of hope to gain
As Justice raised her cry
“Only, only death for thee
No hope, no hope to be set free,”
But then came One with head bowed low
He said to Justice “let her go”
Oh, who is this who took my place?
With crimson teardrops on His face

The King of kings and Lord of lords
No higher title could there be
When Justice raised her angry sword
Someone took my place for me
Oh, my Lord, who could he be?
Who cared enough to set me free?
I raised my head to hear these words
The King of kings and Lord of lords

I fell upon the ground
As Justice screamed her plea
No reason could be found
That I should be set free
“Guilty, guilty,” was her cry
Her lone verdict “she must die,”
But then came One with head bowed low
He said to Justice “let her go”
Tell me tell me who could this be
Who would take my place for me?

The King of kings and Lord of lords
No higher throne will ever be
To describe, there are no words
To paint this holy deity
King of kings and Lord of lords
Oh my Savior can it be
The King of kings and Lord of lords
Who paid my debt to set me free?

King of kings and Lord of lords
The best that ever there will be
The King of kings and Lord of lords
Has paid the price to set me free

All Rights Reserved Sept.1, 2009

Here is your king, Pilate said to the Jews.
But they shouted,Take Him away! Take Him away!
Crucify Him!
Shall I crucify your King? Pilate asked...John 19:14-15