The Wood's Secret Garden

In Ezekiel 37:1-14, we are told of the vision given which speaks of the Israel of God as being like a valley of dry bones. The prophet is asked the question by the Almighty, "Son of man, can these bones live?" To which the prophet answered, "O Lord God You know." God, in His infinite wisdom, has given two kinds of sight to most of us whom He has raised from the dead. The first is of a natural order of which most are partakers of to see the beauty of the glory of God in creation and the ugliness of this fallen world. I say most, because some are born physically blind or lose their natural eye-sight in this life for the glory of God. The second is of a spiritual nature, to see beyond the natural into the realm of God Himself, of which all of His children are partakers of; so that even in objects which speak to most nothing but death and decay, He brings His Word to mind by the power of His Spirit, because of the finished work of Christ at Calvary, for the express purp...

O how good it is to giggle like a little child. Life is full of such simple delights. One can find joy in some of the seemingly silliest things--like frozen peas, for example. "Frozen peas? How can one find joy in frozen peas?" Well here is how. Approximately one year ago, I bought a couple dozen bags of frozen peas (they were on clearance at a grocery outlet store) and brought them to work. For some reason we all started eating peas for breakfast. After the first week I found myself singing a little "jingle" while my peas were in the microwave at work: Having peas for breakfast is very fun to do. Having peas for breakfast is very good for you. Having peas for breakfast--is very strange its true; But, having peas for breakfast is something you should do. Of course, in order to get the full picture, you have to imagine a 49 year old woman singing the above jingle (several times and with a Shirley Temple type voice) while swaying back and forth in front of the microwa...

"I used to know, years ago, a poor laboring man; he was a Methodist of the good old-fashioned school. I never met him, or spoke with him, without finding that, wherever he was, he was always singing. He was up in the morning at half-past five to get out to his farm work, and, he sang while he was dressing. He sang as he pulled on his corduroys, he sang as he put on his smock, he sang as he walked downstairs, he sang as he tramped off down the street, and he sang all day as he was at his work. He did not keep on singing while I was preaching, but he seemed almost as if he wanted to do that; and every now and then he would burst out with "Hallelujah!" or "Praise the Lord." He was so full of thanksgiving to God that he was obliged to give expression to his feelings sometimes even when it would have been more proper if he had kept quiet. He was one of the holiest men I ever knew, and I used to account very much for his simple gentleness, integrity, and happiness by...

No longer intrigued by this dark passing world, His banner of love, over me, He unfurled. Protecting my soul by His sovereign divide Through the blood of His cross, spilled forth from His side. Crucified in my Jesus; all glory to Him Who ransomed my soul from destruction and sin. The world cannot have me—I belong to my King, Therefore I will praise Him; therefore I will sing. No glory I find in one thing I can do; With wondrous affection, His mercies are new. And look to the day that my faith will be sight— My perfection is sure, to my Father's delight. He sees me in Jesus, in glory so bright; And hidden in Him, I’m concealed in His light. Chosen to be with my lover and friend; And give Him the glory—to this be my end. Michael E. Wood 05/12/2009

Enraptured by His Precious love I feel my love so small. And yet He bids me grace and peace, His Patience doth enthrall. Oh, for a heart to give to Him With every single breath, The glory due His Precious Name, The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. I dare not trust one single thought Of all that I might give, For nothing LORD compares to You, In love with You, we live. What great affections You doth stir, In this poor faltering mind, Through blessed servants of Your grace, In love with You we find; All hail the Pow'r of Jesus Name, We at Your feet doth fall, And humbled by Your matchless love With strength from You we call-- Oh, give to us more love For Thee, In every word and deed, To walk in every grace You give, To meet our every need. With joy we press more upward still, In light and love we stand; Provoke to all Your Immanence, To dwell in Canaan's land. (Jer.23:23,24 ; Col. 1:17) Michael E. Wood

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek . Psalm 27:8 Do you know what happens when we abide in Him and in His Word? Do you know what happens when we seek His face? This is what happens! At 7:37 am this morning, this is what the Lord gave to Michael as he was meditating on the Word of God. This is being "filled with the Spirit"" What precious gifts He gives those who seek His face. How oft we feel the weight of all The frailties of our flesh; The need for God to come and take The burden from our breast. We feel the smallness of our own Puny, paltry, quest; Those things that once did satisfy— No longer tops our list. We're drawn to things that are above; The quiet, peace, and rest. We struggle through our own hearts lust By grace, we're given this. Secured by sovereign mercy still; With bands of love He calls; Our Father's everlasting love, Recalls us to the Cross. Humbled by the death He died— Our strength for fl...