TO WRITE FOR THEE
JESUS CHRIST is LORD of ALL,
BUT,
Have YOU Made Him Lord of Your Life?
JESUS CHRIST is LORD of ALL,
BUT,
Have YOU Made Him Lord of Your Life?
 |
TO WRITE FOR THEE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
1996
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
1996
Ruling King For Now and Ever
Holy Savior God of Love
Keep me safe as here I journey
fed with Manna from above
Wash me Mold me Test me Use me Holy Savior God of Love
Keep me safe as here I journey
fed with Manna from above
for Thy Service Mighty King
Grant to me Thy Holy Power
that to the world Thou I might bring
Grant to me a steady pen hand
Grant I Pray Thy Vision Sight
Grant I ask Thy Holy Talent
that for Thy Kingdom I may write
Words of Judgment and Assurance
Words of Peace and Joy Divine
Words to Move and Break a Hard Heart
to let Each Know That They are Thine
Holy Master Risen Savior
Lord do Grant these things I Pray
That All who Hear May Come To Know Thee
That I Might Hear, "Well Done", Someday.
_________________________________________________
In my Poetry and Sermons, I strive to reach into the hearts, souls and minds of every reader with the words given to my by my Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Living God has shown me many things as I have lived through events in my life that have literally taken me beyond the realm of our limited physical reality and into the Realm of the Living God.
Why I have been allowed to see, to hear and to experience these things I do not know. I am sure there are others which are certainly much better qualified than I am to fulfill this calling but until I am told by my Lord and Savior to stop, I shall continue to write for Him. I write what I have been allowed to see and experience and I shall do my best to reach every soul I can in whatever time I have left on this earth.
I Pray the Spirit of the Living God will reach into your minds and hearts, into your very soul with the words in the pages which follow. Please do not turn Him away when He calls to you for He Loves you so deeply that He Suffered the Greatest Pain of all just to make a way for mankind to return to Him. I will end this introduction now with the following:
The Words you will read are not mine to claim even though they come from my pen and from my fingers on the keyboard of my computer.
They are from the Spirit of the Living God, written just for YOU, that in reading or in hearing you might reach out to God through Jesus
and accept the Greatest Gift that has ever been offered:
His Life and His Blood which He Freely Gave up in exchange for your Eternal Soul, for my soul so that in Believing we may Live Forever with HIM.
Everyone is going to live forever!
However;
The choice we make in this life will determine
where that will be.
Choose to accept Christ Jesus and Live Forever in the Presence of the Living God.
Reject Jesus by not choosing to accept Him or by choosing to live a sinful life
and you will place yourself in the Lake of Fire that God created for Lucifer
and the other foolish angels who rebelled against Him.
.
The Choice is Yours and Yours Alone!
Rev. S.R. Elwood, Divinitatis Doctor (D.D.)
___________________________________________________________
Each step we take along the path of life could be our last;
Make sure to take each step with Christ Jesus and Live.
_________________________________________________
I am but a Single Voice Amongst A Body Of Many,
Telling the Whole World About JESUS CHRIST,
One Click of the Mouse at a Time.
Telling the Whole World About JESUS CHRIST,
One Click of the Mouse at a Time.
Thousands of Christian hymns & Gospel songs from many denominations—lyrics, MIDI files, scores, pictures, history & more. Searchable, advanced Autoplay feature, free downloads. New entries every week. User friendly. Biggest site of its kind on the Internet.
_________________________________________________
SevenServices-Mayville Computers
Seven Services in Mayville, Michigan has been a big help to this ministry. Check them out and let them know that The-Masters-poet sent you.
* * *
Seven Services Mayville Computers 6061 S Fulton St, Mayville, Michigan 48744
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
SevenServices-Mayville Computers
Seven Services in Mayville, Michigan has been a big help to this ministry. Check them out and let them know that The-Masters-poet sent you.
* * *
Seven Services Mayville Computers 6061 S Fulton St, Mayville, Michigan 48744
_________________________________________________
Thumb Area Construction
Where Building is at Its Best
(Licensed & Insured) Roofing, siding, additions, new homes, log homes, decks, pole barns, flooring, windows, doors, cabins, custom cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, framing, etc.
* * * * * * *
The Owner is a Born Again Christian and I can tell you from experience that he is the very best contractor you could ever have.
He put a roof on our home in November of 2007 and went above and beyond what was asked and/or expected.
He and his crew worked through gale force winds and extreme cold to make sure we would be dry, warm and safe.
I will not hesitate to call Thumb Area Construction again when the Lord provides the funds to have the rest of the old house done.
If you live in Michigan and are looking for a Good, Honest licensed Builder then click on his link above and get in touch with him.
This is not a paid advertisement just a statement of fact by a grateful customer, me. Rev S.R. Elwood
_________________________________________________
Where Building is at Its Best
(Licensed & Insured) Roofing, siding, additions, new homes, log homes, decks, pole barns, flooring, windows, doors, cabins, custom cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, framing, etc.
* * * * * * *
The Owner is a Born Again Christian and I can tell you from experience that he is the very best contractor you could ever have.
He put a roof on our home in November of 2007 and went above and beyond what was asked and/or expected.
He and his crew worked through gale force winds and extreme cold to make sure we would be dry, warm and safe.
I will not hesitate to call Thumb Area Construction again when the Lord provides the funds to have the rest of the old house done.
If you live in Michigan and are looking for a Good, Honest licensed Builder then click on his link above and get in touch with him.
This is not a paid advertisement just a statement of fact by a grateful customer, me. Rev S.R. Elwood
_________________________________________________
CROSSROAD CHAPEL
On-Line Ministry
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Where the Truth of Scripture is written for the World to read;
All are Welcome to enter in and partake of the Glorious Mercy of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of the Living God.
The Doorway to the Kingdom of God, (Christ Jesus) gave His life upon the Old Rugged Cross that Sets Forever atop Old Mount Calvary where He became Our Atonement as He Shed His Holy Blood for Everyone who will Believe and Accept His Wonderful Free Gift of Eternal Life.
The Path to the Father leads from the Cross of Jesus to the Empty Tomb. From the Tomb the path leads to the Mount of Olives where Christ Jesus Ascended up into Heaven to the Throne of God where Christ Jesus sits on the Fathers Right Hand intercedes for Everyone that Believes upon Him.
To get a clear picture of just who 'The Father' is, read the Old Testament and notice just how many times nations and even entire cultures were completely wiped out because of sin and rebellion.
Christ Jesus intercedes between those that Accept Him as Lord, Savior and King and reminds His Father that we are Bought by His Blood and His Holy Blood protects us from the wrath of God that is going to judge those that refuse to accept Jesus as Christ, Lord and King.
Once the Rapture takes place and the Believers are gone from the earth, there will be no one interceding for those left on the earth and they will face the Wrath of the God of the Old Testament!
Without Christ Jesus, you have no hope for the future and only a promise of Eternal Pain and Torment.
Choose Christ Jesus today if you have not done so yet and be certain of your place in The Kingdom of The Living God!
OR,
Take your chances with whatever or whomever you think can keep you safe from the God that Created Everything. The God Who is going to Judge and Destroy Everything and Everyone Not Covered by
The Holy Blood of Jesus Christ.
Here Is Something To Think About.
Don't forget to Smile in everything you do because
Christ Jesus Is Watching!
He is Recording Everything You Think,
Everything You Say and Everything You DO!
Every Minute of Every Day His Eyes and Ears
are Tuned in on each and every one of us.
_________________________________________________
On-Line Ministry
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Where the Truth of Scripture is written for the World to read;
All are Welcome to enter in and partake of the Glorious Mercy of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of the Living God.
The Doorway to the Kingdom of God, (Christ Jesus) gave His life upon the Old Rugged Cross that Sets Forever atop Old Mount Calvary where He became Our Atonement as He Shed His Holy Blood for Everyone who will Believe and Accept His Wonderful Free Gift of Eternal Life.
The Path to the Father leads from the Cross of Jesus to the Empty Tomb. From the Tomb the path leads to the Mount of Olives where Christ Jesus Ascended up into Heaven to the Throne of God where Christ Jesus sits on the Fathers Right Hand intercedes for Everyone that Believes upon Him.
To get a clear picture of just who 'The Father' is, read the Old Testament and notice just how many times nations and even entire cultures were completely wiped out because of sin and rebellion.
Christ Jesus intercedes between those that Accept Him as Lord, Savior and King and reminds His Father that we are Bought by His Blood and His Holy Blood protects us from the wrath of God that is going to judge those that refuse to accept Jesus as Christ, Lord and King.
Once the Rapture takes place and the Believers are gone from the earth, there will be no one interceding for those left on the earth and they will face the Wrath of the God of the Old Testament!
Without Christ Jesus, you have no hope for the future and only a promise of Eternal Pain and Torment.
Choose Christ Jesus today if you have not done so yet and be certain of your place in The Kingdom of The Living God!
OR,
Take your chances with whatever or whomever you think can keep you safe from the God that Created Everything. The God Who is going to Judge and Destroy Everything and Everyone Not Covered by
The Holy Blood of Jesus Christ.
Here Is Something To Think About.
Don't forget to Smile in everything you do because
Christ Jesus Is Watching!
He is Recording Everything You Think,
Everything You Say and Everything You DO!
Every Minute of Every Day His Eyes and Ears
are Tuned in on each and every one of us.
_________________________________________________
TIS THE TIME TO SING
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Tis the time of our recalling
Tis the time we're going home,
For the blood of Christ's upon us
and we never more shall roam.
Reach your hands up to the heavens
Touch the face of Christ the King,
For tis Him we will be meeting
As we're raptured all shall sing.
We shall sing of our Redeemer
We shall praise His Holy Name,
For today we're soaring Homeward
We're heading Home for Christ has came.
On the earth lost souls are weeping
Left behind no hope in store,
No more worries for the Faithful
Now in sight tis Heaven's Shore.
There our knees will bend before Him
On our faces we shall sing,
Kneeling down before our Savior
Evermore His Praise we'll sing.
Prepare your souls while there's still preaching
Before the trumpet of the King,
Resounds its note so long awaited
And all the Saints begin to sing.
We'll sing the song of all the ages
The song twas written on the tree,
The song so sweet the song so precious
We'll sing the song of Souls Set Free.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SORROW BEGINS THE DAY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When morning dawns and sorrow reigns
When pain invades your shell of clay,
Remember Christ did suffer too
And rules in all you give Him sway.
When life seems not it's worth the price
Open up the word and read,
Remember as you read and learn
Upon the cross The Lord did Bleed.
He shed His Blood upon that tree
He gave to us His All,
That if we read and learn His Word
Upon Him through our faith we call.
And when we kneel before that cross
And there we cast our woes,
Through us there before that tree
His Healing Shed Blood Flows.
So weep not for your pain my friend
Cast it to the cross,
And when we give to Him our cares
He will save us from all loss.
Pain is just a frame of mind
And though we hurt we cannot fall,
If we Believe upon His Word
And in that faith upon Him Call.
_________________________________________________
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Tis the time of our recalling
Tis the time we're going home,
For the blood of Christ's upon us
and we never more shall roam.
Reach your hands up to the heavens
Touch the face of Christ the King,
For tis Him we will be meeting
As we're raptured all shall sing.
We shall sing of our Redeemer
We shall praise His Holy Name,
For today we're soaring Homeward
We're heading Home for Christ has came.
On the earth lost souls are weeping
Left behind no hope in store,
No more worries for the Faithful
Now in sight tis Heaven's Shore.
There our knees will bend before Him
On our faces we shall sing,
Kneeling down before our Savior
Evermore His Praise we'll sing.
Prepare your souls while there's still preaching
Before the trumpet of the King,
Resounds its note so long awaited
And all the Saints begin to sing.
We'll sing the song of all the ages
The song twas written on the tree,
The song so sweet the song so precious
We'll sing the song of Souls Set Free.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SORROW BEGINS THE DAY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When morning dawns and sorrow reigns
When pain invades your shell of clay,
Remember Christ did suffer too
And rules in all you give Him sway.
When life seems not it's worth the price
Open up the word and read,
Remember as you read and learn
Upon the cross The Lord did Bleed.
He shed His Blood upon that tree
He gave to us His All,
That if we read and learn His Word
Upon Him through our faith we call.
And when we kneel before that cross
And there we cast our woes,
Through us there before that tree
His Healing Shed Blood Flows.
So weep not for your pain my friend
Cast it to the cross,
And when we give to Him our cares
He will save us from all loss.
Pain is just a frame of mind
And though we hurt we cannot fall,
If we Believe upon His Word
And in that faith upon Him Call.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SHADOWS CEASE TO BE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Within the light of holiness
Shadows fade away,
As does the shadows of the night
Within the light of day.
We live within a shadowed world
With darkness all around,
These can't be seen with eyes of dust
Nor can we hear their sound.
But they exist in everything
Where Christ does not abide,
There are some within the church
With darkness deep inside.
They can fool all those around
Unless by Christ revealed,
In darkness they do wander
Unto eternal death they are sealed.
Servants of the evil one
Within the church of Christ,
Spreading discontentment
Among those bought with such a price.
But one day soon when Christ returns
To rapture all those free,
He shall show them to the world
When Shadows Cease To Be.
_________________________________________________
PRAISE MEDLEY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Joyful joyful Christ victorious
Holy Savior Mighty King,
All mankind shall bow before thee
of Thy Great power Thy angles sing,
Jesus Lord my Great Redeemer
on the Cross You Bled and Died
But death and hell could not restrain You
forever with Thee I'll abide,
King of Kings Great God Almighty
for my soul You paid the price,
When nothing else could buy my pardon
Your Holy Blood did quite suffice,
When standing on the shores of glory
when life on earth is finally o'er,
I'll lift my voice and sing Your praises
Redeemed and free forever more.
To be used as a poem or as a song sung to the tune of Handles Messiah
_________________________________________________
Christmas Round the Tree
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When Christmas comes around each year
Each family finds a tree,
Yet many do not know the truth
That it is the tree that set us free.
Though it represents to us
A holiday so grand,
We seem to never recognize
For just what the tree does stand.
It stands not for the Santa Clause
Nor the presents underneath,
It stands not for shiny stars
Nor the decorated wreaths.
It stands for One so long ago
Who upon a Tree did die,
It stands for Jesus Christ the King
That Arose for you and I.
And on this day we celebrate
The day that twas His Birth,
That's why upon this Holy Day
The Christmas Tree has worth.
Merry Christmas from the Elwood Family
To friends both near and far,
Merry Christmas to Those Close and Dear
Who know just who they are.
May this season be so Glorious
And be also free from fear,
As we wish the very best to you
In the Brand New Coming Year.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SORROW'S FALL
by
Rev S.R. Elwood D.D.
When sorrow's all around us
And the Master we can't see,
When troubles do assail us
Like a terrible raging sea.
When with sickness we're afflicted
And it seems that we shall die,
If we but lift out eyes towards Jesus
He shall heal us bye and bye.
Though healing isn't always
a touch within our flesh,
But when we turn to Jesus
And with His will we mesh.
He will always give us healing
If we only seek His Face,
But sometimes that sweet healing
Is just His Never Ending Grace.
To live with pain and misery
And still give Christ the praise,
Will touch those all around us
And teach them all to raise;
Their hands upward towards Heaven
Where the King of Kings abides,
And we'll be blessed and be made worthy
By our faith and Holy cries.
Healing is not just in our flesh
But deep within our soul,
Just Trust within the Gift of God
And He will make you whole.
So when sorrows fall upon you
And it seems you've naught but loss,
Keep in sight the Risen King
And hold tight His Rugged Cross.
_________________________________________________
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Within the light of holiness
Shadows fade away,
As does the shadows of the night
Within the light of day.
We live within a shadowed world
With darkness all around,
These can't be seen with eyes of dust
Nor can we hear their sound.
But they exist in everything
Where Christ does not abide,
There are some within the church
With darkness deep inside.
They can fool all those around
Unless by Christ revealed,
In darkness they do wander
Unto eternal death they are sealed.
Servants of the evil one
Within the church of Christ,
Spreading discontentment
Among those bought with such a price.
But one day soon when Christ returns
To rapture all those free,
He shall show them to the world
When Shadows Cease To Be.
_________________________________________________
PRAISE MEDLEY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Joyful joyful Christ victorious
Holy Savior Mighty King,
All mankind shall bow before thee
of Thy Great power Thy angles sing,
Jesus Lord my Great Redeemer
on the Cross You Bled and Died
But death and hell could not restrain You
forever with Thee I'll abide,
King of Kings Great God Almighty
for my soul You paid the price,
When nothing else could buy my pardon
Your Holy Blood did quite suffice,
When standing on the shores of glory
when life on earth is finally o'er,
I'll lift my voice and sing Your praises
Redeemed and free forever more.
To be used as a poem or as a song sung to the tune of Handles Messiah
_________________________________________________
Christmas Round the Tree
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When Christmas comes around each year
Each family finds a tree,
Yet many do not know the truth
That it is the tree that set us free.
Though it represents to us
A holiday so grand,
We seem to never recognize
For just what the tree does stand.
It stands not for the Santa Clause
Nor the presents underneath,
It stands not for shiny stars
Nor the decorated wreaths.
It stands for One so long ago
Who upon a Tree did die,
It stands for Jesus Christ the King
That Arose for you and I.
And on this day we celebrate
The day that twas His Birth,
That's why upon this Holy Day
The Christmas Tree has worth.
Merry Christmas from the Elwood Family
To friends both near and far,
Merry Christmas to Those Close and Dear
Who know just who they are.
May this season be so Glorious
And be also free from fear,
As we wish the very best to you
In the Brand New Coming Year.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SORROW'S FALL
by
Rev S.R. Elwood D.D.
When sorrow's all around us
And the Master we can't see,
When troubles do assail us
Like a terrible raging sea.
When with sickness we're afflicted
And it seems that we shall die,
If we but lift out eyes towards Jesus
He shall heal us bye and bye.
Though healing isn't always
a touch within our flesh,
But when we turn to Jesus
And with His will we mesh.
He will always give us healing
If we only seek His Face,
But sometimes that sweet healing
Is just His Never Ending Grace.
To live with pain and misery
And still give Christ the praise,
Will touch those all around us
And teach them all to raise;
Their hands upward towards Heaven
Where the King of Kings abides,
And we'll be blessed and be made worthy
By our faith and Holy cries.
Healing is not just in our flesh
But deep within our soul,
Just Trust within the Gift of God
And He will make you whole.
So when sorrows fall upon you
And it seems you've naught but loss,
Keep in sight the Risen King
And hold tight His Rugged Cross.
_________________________________________________
WHEN SHADOWS FALL
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When the shadows fall across me
And the sun I cannot see,
I will lift my eyes towards heaven
Where tis Christ who died for me.
I will glimpse the streets of glory
Through the shadows bleak and dark,
For tis heaven I am bound for
And I refuse to miss my mark.
When dark shadows cloud my vision
Of the Cross on Calverys hill,
I will hold onto the Scriptures
And from their waters drink my fill.
For from the waters of the Scripture
Come the words that bring me life,
And come the soothing words of Jesus
That calms my fear and all my strife.
I will journey towards the Cross Road
Where His Holy Blood does flow,
Where I will kneel within its cleansing
And be washed as white as snow.
Then someday when that sweet trumpet
Calls us up into the sky,
I'll be ready for the meeting
Of my Savior bye and bye.
And when looking back from heaven
Where the shadows are no more,
No more peering through the darkness
In Christ's presence ever more.
_________________________________________________
FORGIVENESS GUARANTEED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When the shadows fall across me
And the sun I cannot see,
I will lift my eyes towards heaven
Where tis Christ who died for me.
I will glimpse the streets of glory
Through the shadows bleak and dark,
For tis heaven I am bound for
And I refuse to miss my mark.
When dark shadows cloud my vision
Of the Cross on Calverys hill,
I will hold onto the Scriptures
And from their waters drink my fill.
For from the waters of the Scripture
Come the words that bring me life,
And come the soothing words of Jesus
That calms my fear and all my strife.
I will journey towards the Cross Road
Where His Holy Blood does flow,
Where I will kneel within its cleansing
And be washed as white as snow.
Then someday when that sweet trumpet
Calls us up into the sky,
I'll be ready for the meeting
Of my Savior bye and bye.
And when looking back from heaven
Where the shadows are no more,
No more peering through the darkness
In Christ's presence ever more.
_________________________________________________
FORGIVENESS GUARANTEED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Edited and Revised 3-7-2008
I am a creature of failure.
I was created to be perfect and to be a companion to my Creator.
I was, for a very short time, perfect.
I was, for a very short time, a companion to my Creator.
I for a very short time had everything.
Then came the day that for a taste of something different,
Something forbidden, I threw it all away.
I hid from my Creator thinking that by hiding
I could make everything all right:
I was wrong.
My descendants have been hiding ever since and still have not learned
they cannot hide from the Living God.
I am confused at the outcome of things.
I should have been destroyed for my disobedience, but I wasn't.
My descendants should have been destroyed for theirs but they weren't.
Instead, the Creator who made me, who made us in His Image chose to make Himself into our likeness; then He died upon a Rugged Cross so He could buy back with His own Blood that which was stolen through treachery and disobedience.
His Blood flowed down that Rugged Cross and ran into the pits of hell where the deceiver sat on a throne made from the secret selfish desires of mankind.
As the Holy Blood of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of the Living God ran into the throne room of Lucifer; it separated the very fabric that held the evil kingdom together and hell began to crumble as Lucifers power was DESTROYED.
Three days Jesus preached His message of Salvation and Forgiveness within the confines of hell, then as the sun rose on the third morning, The SON AROSE and Took All who Believed and Accepted Him and departed into Eternal Glory.
Satan is Defeated
and the
Holy Blood of Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of The Living God
Guarantees Forgiveness to All who Believe, and Accept Him as Savior, Lord and King; FOREVER!
_________________________________________________
WHEN WE SAY THINGS WRONG
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When words we never meant to say
Escape our lips into the air,
When folks we never meant to hurt
Cry in deep despair.
When tears from loving eyes do flow
Because of words we spoke,
When tears are streaming down the face
When our loved one's hearts we've broke.
When desperation clouds our minds
As before our Lord we've laid,
When before His Throne we bare our souls
Because of what was said.
O Lord why do I say the things
That sometimes leaves my lips,
Lord though I want to say what's right
There exits selfish quips.
And though I know what I should say
Sometimes it comes out wrong,
Yes though I know I should shut up
I speak words that don't belong.
Lord touch my lips with Holy Fire,
Remove my feet from lifes deep mire,
Lord give to me Thy White Attire,
Washed clean by Thy Dear Blood.
And grant dear Lord Thy Words of Love,
That I might guide souls up above,
That I'll be harmless as a dove,
As I stroll this pilgrims land.
Then when my time on earth is done,
A crown of glory I'll have won,
For I've preached the Fathers Holy Son,
To this world so full of sin.
O woe is me, I'll no more say
As I stand redeemed that coming day,
When myself down at His feet I lay,
Eternal Safe Before My King.
_________________________________________________
THE GIFT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Golden silence breaks the dawn
The morning Christ our Lord was born,
As cattle, sheep and donkeys lay
In silent wonder on the hay.
They stare in wonder at the thought
That their creator life has brought,
To this old world so full of sin
This Lamb of God to live within.
Then wise men come to homage pay
And at the manger gifts to lay,
Before the King their gifts they give
He who brings new life to live.
Just beyond their vision sight
Lays ahead another night,
When in the tomb this child would lay
As for mankind the price to pay.
Rejoice, rejoice, all peoples rise
And lift your voices to the skies,
Praise the Lamb born long ago
To wash our sins as white as snow.
* * * *
Merry CHRISTmas to all
May the Peace of our Lord and Savior be upon
You and yours this Joyous Season
and throughout the coming year.
_________________________________________________
I am a creature of failure.
I was created to be perfect and to be a companion to my Creator.
I was, for a very short time, perfect.
I was, for a very short time, a companion to my Creator.
I for a very short time had everything.
Then came the day that for a taste of something different,
Something forbidden, I threw it all away.
I hid from my Creator thinking that by hiding
I could make everything all right:
I was wrong.
My descendants have been hiding ever since and still have not learned
they cannot hide from the Living God.
I am confused at the outcome of things.
I should have been destroyed for my disobedience, but I wasn't.
My descendants should have been destroyed for theirs but they weren't.
Instead, the Creator who made me, who made us in His Image chose to make Himself into our likeness; then He died upon a Rugged Cross so He could buy back with His own Blood that which was stolen through treachery and disobedience.
His Blood flowed down that Rugged Cross and ran into the pits of hell where the deceiver sat on a throne made from the secret selfish desires of mankind.
As the Holy Blood of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of the Living God ran into the throne room of Lucifer; it separated the very fabric that held the evil kingdom together and hell began to crumble as Lucifers power was DESTROYED.
Three days Jesus preached His message of Salvation and Forgiveness within the confines of hell, then as the sun rose on the third morning, The SON AROSE and Took All who Believed and Accepted Him and departed into Eternal Glory.
Satan is Defeated
and the
Holy Blood of Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son of The Living God
Guarantees Forgiveness to All who Believe, and Accept Him as Savior, Lord and King; FOREVER!
_________________________________________________
WHEN WE SAY THINGS WRONG
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
When words we never meant to say
Escape our lips into the air,
When folks we never meant to hurt
Cry in deep despair.
When tears from loving eyes do flow
Because of words we spoke,
When tears are streaming down the face
When our loved one's hearts we've broke.
When desperation clouds our minds
As before our Lord we've laid,
When before His Throne we bare our souls
Because of what was said.
O Lord why do I say the things
That sometimes leaves my lips,
Lord though I want to say what's right
There exits selfish quips.
And though I know what I should say
Sometimes it comes out wrong,
Yes though I know I should shut up
I speak words that don't belong.
Lord touch my lips with Holy Fire,
Remove my feet from lifes deep mire,
Lord give to me Thy White Attire,
Washed clean by Thy Dear Blood.
And grant dear Lord Thy Words of Love,
That I might guide souls up above,
That I'll be harmless as a dove,
As I stroll this pilgrims land.
Then when my time on earth is done,
A crown of glory I'll have won,
For I've preached the Fathers Holy Son,
To this world so full of sin.
O woe is me, I'll no more say
As I stand redeemed that coming day,
When myself down at His feet I lay,
Eternal Safe Before My King.
_________________________________________________
THE GIFT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Golden silence breaks the dawn
The morning Christ our Lord was born,
As cattle, sheep and donkeys lay
In silent wonder on the hay.
They stare in wonder at the thought
That their creator life has brought,
To this old world so full of sin
This Lamb of God to live within.
Then wise men come to homage pay
And at the manger gifts to lay,
Before the King their gifts they give
He who brings new life to live.
Just beyond their vision sight
Lays ahead another night,
When in the tomb this child would lay
As for mankind the price to pay.
Rejoice, rejoice, all peoples rise
And lift your voices to the skies,
Praise the Lamb born long ago
To wash our sins as white as snow.
* * * *
Merry CHRISTmas to all
May the Peace of our Lord and Savior be upon
You and yours this Joyous Season
and throughout the coming year.
_________________________________________________
CROSS ROAD
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I stumbled
through life
in darkness,
Trying so hard
to find my way.
Then followed the path to the Cross Road of life,
and
there
all
my
burdens
did
lay.
I knelt at the feet of Him suffering
engulfed in the force of the flood,
Washed clean by the flow everlasting
Redeemed by the Power of Blood.
Enhanced by His Spirit's renewing
changed by Rebirth in His Name
Alive unto Life Everlasting
Secured by Christ's Blood, no blame.
I'm free to walk in His Presence
Free to serve Him with Joy,
Bought, now once and Forever
His Promises to Freely Employ.
Ushering souls to His Kingdom
telling them of His Great Love,
Guiding them to the foot of His Cross
pointing them to Glory above.
Then on the 'morrow when Jesus I see
Eternity in Glory Begun,
"Welcome my child," to me He'll say
"Welcome my child, well done."
_________________________________________________
WHAT IF WE WERE WRONG?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
All the peoples of this world
Believe in many different things
It seems that some do worship trees
And maybe some do worship strings,
Some worship Allah or Buddha
And just who knows what else
Some claim to serve Christ Jesus
With a Bible upon a dusty shelf.
I worship the Holy Trinity
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
But which one of these is right?
Who has the right to boast?
I claim the Holy Scriptures
Which proclaim the Only Begotten Son of God,
Who came here as a baby boy
To this earth, this old piece of sod.
I believe completely in Jesus
My Lord, my Savior, my King,
Of Jesus my blessed Savior
I will write and preach and sing.
I tell all the souls who will listen
And I write for all that will read,
How He Died upon Mount Calvary
And then from tomb He was Freed.
I tell how He Is Risen
And that He Reigns now on high,
On the right hand of God The Father
Far Beyond this blue sky.
But, you believe what you want to
What ever shall be your choice,
This gift we have been given
So lift up now your voice.
But someday so soon coming
Each human on earth will find,
If the choice that they've been living
Was insightful or stupid and blind.
If I am wrong and you're right
And time my friend will soon tell,
If there really isn't a heaven
And if there really isn't a hell.
But what if I'm right and you're wrong
And you have believed in a lie?
In Hell you will forever be burning
While I am at home in the sky.
Consider now and be thoughtful
On all that is written above,
Take time and rethink your choices
Consider the cost of Gods Love.
Christ Jesus is there for the asking
If you will but believe,
Call right now upon Jesus
And Life Forever Receive.
Or stay upon your pathway
And hope for the very best,
But do you really want my friend
To fail life's final test?
_________________________________________________
YOUR LIFE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Your life is what you make it
Nothing more and nothing less,
Be it fine and oh so grandeur
Or a bad disheveled mess.
No one can make you happy
No one can make you sad,
Tis but your own perception
That makes you sad or glad.
We worry much o'er things of waste
That we don't really need,
And suffer just within our heads
Because of selfish greed.
But if you turn your eyes away
From self and look around,
Many out there need your help
And they are easily found.
If happy you want your life to be
Then aid someone in need,
Then happy is your frame of mind
For your unselfish deed.
So choose each day when you get up
Just what you wish to be,
Happy? Sad? Or all stressed up?
Give help and you'll be free.
The very best that we can give
Is that for Jesus Christ we live,
That in the way we live our life
We ease Other's pain and strife.
For this life is not about us
So why the worry and the fuss?
Give yourself a gift today
Find one in need and give away.
_________________________________________________
WHERE WILL YOU BE?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
To walk across unending space
To soar so bold and free,
And twill someday because the Blood
Of Christ has flowed on me.
To praise The Lamb eternally
To shout His praise aloud,
To worship with the throng of saints
In Heavens redeemed crowd.
And as my life on earth below
Starts to dim and fade,
I know that soon beneath His Wings
I'll bask in glorious shade.
Within the presence of The King
Who died upon the tree,
Within the robes so pure and white
Which God prepared for me.
Prepared upon the day I met
The Man, Gods Son Divine,
All because I wear His Blood
Eternal Life is mine.
Where will you be when time here has ended?
Have you on knee before His Cross bended?
Have your desires and thoughts been yet blended?
With Jesus the Son of God?
Where will you be when your name is called?
With Angels of God or by demons mauled?
Where will you be when time is no more?
In fire and brimstone? Or on Heavens gold shore?
_________________________________________________
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I stumbled
through life
in darkness,
Trying so hard
to find my way.
Then followed the path to the Cross Road of life,
and
there
all
my
burdens
did
lay.
I knelt at the feet of Him suffering
engulfed in the force of the flood,
Washed clean by the flow everlasting
Redeemed by the Power of Blood.
Enhanced by His Spirit's renewing
changed by Rebirth in His Name
Alive unto Life Everlasting
Secured by Christ's Blood, no blame.
I'm free to walk in His Presence
Free to serve Him with Joy,
Bought, now once and Forever
His Promises to Freely Employ.
Ushering souls to His Kingdom
telling them of His Great Love,
Guiding them to the foot of His Cross
pointing them to Glory above.
Then on the 'morrow when Jesus I see
Eternity in Glory Begun,
"Welcome my child," to me He'll say
"Welcome my child, well done."
_________________________________________________
WHAT IF WE WERE WRONG?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
All the peoples of this world
Believe in many different things
It seems that some do worship trees
And maybe some do worship strings,
Some worship Allah or Buddha
And just who knows what else
Some claim to serve Christ Jesus
With a Bible upon a dusty shelf.
I worship the Holy Trinity
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
But which one of these is right?
Who has the right to boast?
I claim the Holy Scriptures
Which proclaim the Only Begotten Son of God,
Who came here as a baby boy
To this earth, this old piece of sod.
I believe completely in Jesus
My Lord, my Savior, my King,
Of Jesus my blessed Savior
I will write and preach and sing.
I tell all the souls who will listen
And I write for all that will read,
How He Died upon Mount Calvary
And then from tomb He was Freed.
I tell how He Is Risen
And that He Reigns now on high,
On the right hand of God The Father
Far Beyond this blue sky.
But, you believe what you want to
What ever shall be your choice,
This gift we have been given
So lift up now your voice.
But someday so soon coming
Each human on earth will find,
If the choice that they've been living
Was insightful or stupid and blind.
If I am wrong and you're right
And time my friend will soon tell,
If there really isn't a heaven
And if there really isn't a hell.
But what if I'm right and you're wrong
And you have believed in a lie?
In Hell you will forever be burning
While I am at home in the sky.
Consider now and be thoughtful
On all that is written above,
Take time and rethink your choices
Consider the cost of Gods Love.
Christ Jesus is there for the asking
If you will but believe,
Call right now upon Jesus
And Life Forever Receive.
Or stay upon your pathway
And hope for the very best,
But do you really want my friend
To fail life's final test?
_________________________________________________
YOUR LIFE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Your life is what you make it
Nothing more and nothing less,
Be it fine and oh so grandeur
Or a bad disheveled mess.
No one can make you happy
No one can make you sad,
Tis but your own perception
That makes you sad or glad.
We worry much o'er things of waste
That we don't really need,
And suffer just within our heads
Because of selfish greed.
But if you turn your eyes away
From self and look around,
Many out there need your help
And they are easily found.
If happy you want your life to be
Then aid someone in need,
Then happy is your frame of mind
For your unselfish deed.
So choose each day when you get up
Just what you wish to be,
Happy? Sad? Or all stressed up?
Give help and you'll be free.
The very best that we can give
Is that for Jesus Christ we live,
That in the way we live our life
We ease Other's pain and strife.
For this life is not about us
So why the worry and the fuss?
Give yourself a gift today
Find one in need and give away.
_________________________________________________
WHERE WILL YOU BE?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
To walk across unending space
To soar so bold and free,
And twill someday because the Blood
Of Christ has flowed on me.
To praise The Lamb eternally
To shout His praise aloud,
To worship with the throng of saints
In Heavens redeemed crowd.
And as my life on earth below
Starts to dim and fade,
I know that soon beneath His Wings
I'll bask in glorious shade.
Within the presence of The King
Who died upon the tree,
Within the robes so pure and white
Which God prepared for me.
Prepared upon the day I met
The Man, Gods Son Divine,
All because I wear His Blood
Eternal Life is mine.
Where will you be when time here has ended?
Have you on knee before His Cross bended?
Have your desires and thoughts been yet blended?
With Jesus the Son of God?
Where will you be when your name is called?
With Angels of God or by demons mauled?
Where will you be when time is no more?
In fire and brimstone? Or on Heavens gold shore?
_________________________________________________
An earthly 'father' is to be an example of our Heavenly Father. As you will see from the following poem I had the best example of all!
This poem I wrote has become a Real Tribute of Memory for on 7-12-2008
my Daddy went HOME to be with Jesus.
It was a blessed weekend with all of us kids and Mom gathered around Dad's bed.
I was holding his right arm, comforting him and telling him how Beautiful Heaven is.
(I have died twice and was allowed to see Heaven. Its Beauty is beyond Beautiful and Everything is ALIVE!)
He was holding on to the last dregs of his life when we all told him it was all right to go.
I gently squeezed his arm and said, "It's alrignt Dad,
when you hear Jesus call your name, go ahead and go to Him.
He gasped once more for air then he stepped across the river of death and into the waiting arms of Jesus.
I hope everyone reading this knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior for without Him there is only Eternal Death and Everlasting Torment. God paved the path to Eternal Life with the Blood of His Only Begotten Son.
The hard part has been done for me and for you. Please Don't take your walk across that river alone.
Ask Jesus right now to forgive your sins and come into your hear and life to be your Savior and Lord.
If anyone reading this gets to Heaven before I do, Please look up my Daddy and tell him I Love Him.
I told him all my life and so many times those last days but, oh how I would love to tell him one more time, Thanks.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I REMEMBER
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I remember as a child,
Times were hard and sometimes wild,
Yet through it all throughout each day,
No frets no fears just kids at play.
My dad, an honest working man,
Was laid off more times than he was on,
Yet food was always in the house,
For all us kids and crumbs for mouse.
I remember looking back
Not seeing it back then,
Daddy filling all our plates
Then just a touch for him.
Eating slow just nibbled bites
He watched us eat our meal,
Then patting stomach like as full
Left the table with empty feel.
What greater Love is there to know?
What greater gift could Daddy show?
What better legacy to bestow?
Yes, I remember.
As kids we were the envied ones
Though little that we had,
Because we had what they had not
A truly Loving Dad!
This is dedicated to my Daddy, Harvey Elwood
Who so lovingly and selflessly bestowed upon us the greatest gift
Anyone can give,
Unconditional Love.
_________________________________________________
The difference between a Mother
And a Mommy
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
If they are healthy and able
Any woman can be a Mother,
They can give birth
Just like any other.
Any woman can raise a child,
No special rules
For some
Resulting in a juvenile, wild.
But:
A Mommy is a woman who
Through Love,
Raises their young
With help from above.
They give freely of their time
Though time is a rare,
Even when it seems
There is no time to spare.
Mommies aren't perfect, but always in reach
Except in the eye�s of a very small; or grown child; looking back,
They make mistakes, errors, as do all,
For they learn as they teach.
A Mommy is Love
No matter what she has gone, or is going through,
And as Christs
Her Love is true.
I Love you Mommy.
For all the Love you've shown
For all the joy we've known.
At the very beginning, before I was born you was a Mother, as any woman can be
But over the years of teaching, learning and Loving
You became and you'll always be MOMMY TO ME.
All my LOVE, Steve.
_________________________________________________
COME ON IN
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Silver and gold
I have but little
Compared to most
Just a pence and piddle,
But such as I have
Give I to thee
In the Name of Jesus
Be thou free!
Upon His Name
If thou but call
Upon your knees
Before Him fall
Lift up your voice
Confess your sin
Just ask Him now
To Come On In.
Within your heart
He'll come today
For all time
To Eternal stay
That by His Blood
Upon the tree
Forever clean
Your heart will be.
It is but such a simple thing
To ask Him in your heart,
The old all gone and all things new
You'll have a brand new start.
_________________________________________________
DEAR CHILD
(Letter from God)
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I stand upon the edge of eternity and weep.
I look backward and forward, seeing all, Knowing all.
The tears I shed are for all that have disregarded My Prophets,
My disciples, My Apostles:
And are now and forever engulfed within the fires of Eternal Punishment.
Within those flames are many that pretended to follow Me,
Yet within themselves they worshiped other gods;
Money, Power, Sex and others.
Self-will deluded their thinking until they perceived their will as Mine,
They were wrong!
Many there led souls to Me
and yet lost their own because of Self-Will.
Most though chose not to accept My Son
and in not accepting Him rejected Eternal Life in Pure Peace and Joy.
Most of these believed by ignoring Me they could and would
Negate My existence: They Too Were Wrong!
I see some of you in fire's future. Burning Eternal, screaming in unquenchable agony.
But there Is Still Time!
If you still have life and breath you can change My vision of your future
by doing one simple thing.
Accept the Gift I gave to the world. Accept My Son as Lord and Savior.
Believe He is My Only Begotten Son who Died, Arose
And Lives Forever!
Please change your future now.
I want to wrap My arms around you and hold you forever.
I have no desire to see you burn.
Please?
You decide where you will spend Eternity.
The choice is yours and yours alone.
All My Love, God.
_________________________________________________
MY ENDING
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
9/23/2002
Heb 9:27 - 28
27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
(KJV)
My time too shall come, lest within my ordained lifetime The Father orders the Trumpet to sound and I rise to meet Him in the air.
If I should die, as all humans are appointed to do
and the world continues on for a period of time;
I pray my words will continue to be read and heard
Until Christ Jesus Returns.
For all these words which I have written, these lines of poetry which
have touched the hearts and souls of so many
are not mine to claim.
They were placed within me to write.
To write was not a choice, but a must, for these words were alive within me and fought their way out through my pen to be seen by the eyes that God would direct to see them.
Remember me not as a poet nor as a man of words,
Nay, remember me as a man of God who but chose to follow His Command to write.
SWEET PEACE
Weeping endures but for a moment
Pain endures but for a day,
Glory exists in all my tomorrow's
In Christ's presence forever I'll stay.
Heartache lasts but for a second
Sorrow's a vapor in time,
But Joy is eternal, forever unending
At Rest, in Heaven Sublime.
_________________________________________________
BLOOD BOUGHT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
My soul knows not tomorrow
But this day is all I see
I can't see beyond the sunset
And the sunrise may not be.
I can't borrow from my yesterdays
I can't grab tomorrows sun
But I know who holds my future
For I'm Blood Bought By Gods Son.
I don't know if all the hours
Of this day twill yet be mine
But with Holy Blood upon my soul
Leaving soon will be just fine.
For as I leave this life behind me
And I walk through Glory's door
I'll be walking with my Jesus
Upon Heavens golden shore.
My hand within the Masters
As I walk through this old life
My hand upon the rugged cross
Where He Paid for sin and strife.
And as death gives way to victory
When on Heavens shore I stand
My hand still in the Masters
Eternal safe with Christ I AM.
_________________________________________________
SUCH LOVE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Such wondrous Love bestowed to man
Such selfless love, Salvations Plan
Oh what a gulf the bridge does span,
This bridge Golgothas Tree.
Such pain He suffered on this tree
As there He hung for you and me
As there His Blood flowed Pure and Free,
On this bridge Golgothas Tree.
Such anguish felt through time and space
As God The Father turned His Face
From His Son who hung there in Our place,
On this bridge Golgothas Tree.
And still this cross does stand today
In those God calls their all to lay
Down at its foot where Christ did pay,
The Price for all their sin.
All who hear the Spirit's Voice
Within their souls must make this choice
Choose life, call now with lifted voice,
Ask Jesus in your heart.
Before this bridge from so long ago
Where still Gods Holy Blood Does Flow
Wash your sins now white as snow,
Such Love, Such Wondrous Love.
_________________________________________________
This poem I wrote has become a Real Tribute of Memory for on 7-12-2008
my Daddy went HOME to be with Jesus.
It was a blessed weekend with all of us kids and Mom gathered around Dad's bed.
I was holding his right arm, comforting him and telling him how Beautiful Heaven is.
(I have died twice and was allowed to see Heaven. Its Beauty is beyond Beautiful and Everything is ALIVE!)
He was holding on to the last dregs of his life when we all told him it was all right to go.
I gently squeezed his arm and said, "It's alrignt Dad,
when you hear Jesus call your name, go ahead and go to Him.
He gasped once more for air then he stepped across the river of death and into the waiting arms of Jesus.
I hope everyone reading this knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior for without Him there is only Eternal Death and Everlasting Torment. God paved the path to Eternal Life with the Blood of His Only Begotten Son.
The hard part has been done for me and for you. Please Don't take your walk across that river alone.
Ask Jesus right now to forgive your sins and come into your hear and life to be your Savior and Lord.
If anyone reading this gets to Heaven before I do, Please look up my Daddy and tell him I Love Him.
I told him all my life and so many times those last days but, oh how I would love to tell him one more time, Thanks.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I REMEMBER
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I remember as a child,
Times were hard and sometimes wild,
Yet through it all throughout each day,
No frets no fears just kids at play.
My dad, an honest working man,
Was laid off more times than he was on,
Yet food was always in the house,
For all us kids and crumbs for mouse.
I remember looking back
Not seeing it back then,
Daddy filling all our plates
Then just a touch for him.
Eating slow just nibbled bites
He watched us eat our meal,
Then patting stomach like as full
Left the table with empty feel.
What greater Love is there to know?
What greater gift could Daddy show?
What better legacy to bestow?
Yes, I remember.
As kids we were the envied ones
Though little that we had,
Because we had what they had not
A truly Loving Dad!
This is dedicated to my Daddy, Harvey Elwood
Who so lovingly and selflessly bestowed upon us the greatest gift
Anyone can give,
Unconditional Love.
_________________________________________________
The difference between a Mother
And a Mommy
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
If they are healthy and able
Any woman can be a Mother,
They can give birth
Just like any other.
Any woman can raise a child,
No special rules
For some
Resulting in a juvenile, wild.
But:
A Mommy is a woman who
Through Love,
Raises their young
With help from above.
They give freely of their time
Though time is a rare,
Even when it seems
There is no time to spare.
Mommies aren't perfect, but always in reach
Except in the eye�s of a very small; or grown child; looking back,
They make mistakes, errors, as do all,
For they learn as they teach.
A Mommy is Love
No matter what she has gone, or is going through,
And as Christs
Her Love is true.
I Love you Mommy.
For all the Love you've shown
For all the joy we've known.
At the very beginning, before I was born you was a Mother, as any woman can be
But over the years of teaching, learning and Loving
You became and you'll always be MOMMY TO ME.
All my LOVE, Steve.
_________________________________________________
COME ON IN
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
Silver and gold
I have but little
Compared to most
Just a pence and piddle,
But such as I have
Give I to thee
In the Name of Jesus
Be thou free!
Upon His Name
If thou but call
Upon your knees
Before Him fall
Lift up your voice
Confess your sin
Just ask Him now
To Come On In.
Within your heart
He'll come today
For all time
To Eternal stay
That by His Blood
Upon the tree
Forever clean
Your heart will be.
It is but such a simple thing
To ask Him in your heart,
The old all gone and all things new
You'll have a brand new start.
_________________________________________________
DEAR CHILD
(Letter from God)
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood D.D.
I stand upon the edge of eternity and weep.
I look backward and forward, seeing all, Knowing all.
The tears I shed are for all that have disregarded My Prophets,
My disciples, My Apostles:
And are now and forever engulfed within the fires of Eternal Punishment.
Within those flames are many that pretended to follow Me,
Yet within themselves they worshiped other gods;
Money, Power, Sex and others.
Self-will deluded their thinking until they perceived their will as Mine,
They were wrong!
Many there led souls to Me
and yet lost their own because of Self-Will.
Most though chose not to accept My Son
and in not accepting Him rejected Eternal Life in Pure Peace and Joy.
Most of these believed by ignoring Me they could and would
Negate My existence: They Too Were Wrong!
I see some of you in fire's future. Burning Eternal, screaming in unquenchable agony.
But there Is Still Time!
If you still have life and breath you can change My vision of your future
by doing one simple thing.
Accept the Gift I gave to the world. Accept My Son as Lord and Savior.
Believe He is My Only Begotten Son who Died, Arose
And Lives Forever!
Please change your future now.
I want to wrap My arms around you and hold you forever.
I have no desire to see you burn.
Please?
You decide where you will spend Eternity.
The choice is yours and yours alone.
All My Love, God.
_________________________________________________
MY ENDING
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
9/23/2002
Heb 9:27 - 28
27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
(KJV)
My time too shall come, lest within my ordained lifetime The Father orders the Trumpet to sound and I rise to meet Him in the air.
If I should die, as all humans are appointed to do
and the world continues on for a period of time;
I pray my words will continue to be read and heard
Until Christ Jesus Returns.
For all these words which I have written, these lines of poetry which
have touched the hearts and souls of so many
are not mine to claim.
They were placed within me to write.
To write was not a choice, but a must, for these words were alive within me and fought their way out through my pen to be seen by the eyes that God would direct to see them.
Remember me not as a poet nor as a man of words,
Nay, remember me as a man of God who but chose to follow His Command to write.
SWEET PEACE
Weeping endures but for a moment
Pain endures but for a day,
Glory exists in all my tomorrow's
In Christ's presence forever I'll stay.
Heartache lasts but for a second
Sorrow's a vapor in time,
But Joy is eternal, forever unending
At Rest, in Heaven Sublime.
_________________________________________________
BLOOD BOUGHT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
My soul knows not tomorrow
But this day is all I see
I can't see beyond the sunset
And the sunrise may not be.
I can't borrow from my yesterdays
I can't grab tomorrows sun
But I know who holds my future
For I'm Blood Bought By Gods Son.
I don't know if all the hours
Of this day twill yet be mine
But with Holy Blood upon my soul
Leaving soon will be just fine.
For as I leave this life behind me
And I walk through Glory's door
I'll be walking with my Jesus
Upon Heavens golden shore.
My hand within the Masters
As I walk through this old life
My hand upon the rugged cross
Where He Paid for sin and strife.
And as death gives way to victory
When on Heavens shore I stand
My hand still in the Masters
Eternal safe with Christ I AM.
_________________________________________________
SUCH LOVE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Such wondrous Love bestowed to man
Such selfless love, Salvations Plan
Oh what a gulf the bridge does span,
This bridge Golgothas Tree.
Such pain He suffered on this tree
As there He hung for you and me
As there His Blood flowed Pure and Free,
On this bridge Golgothas Tree.
Such anguish felt through time and space
As God The Father turned His Face
From His Son who hung there in Our place,
On this bridge Golgothas Tree.
And still this cross does stand today
In those God calls their all to lay
Down at its foot where Christ did pay,
The Price for all their sin.
All who hear the Spirit's Voice
Within their souls must make this choice
Choose life, call now with lifted voice,
Ask Jesus in your heart.
Before this bridge from so long ago
Where still Gods Holy Blood Does Flow
Wash your sins now white as snow,
Such Love, Such Wondrous Love.
_________________________________________________
THE ROSE ARBOR
by
Rev. S.R. ELWOOD
At The Bottom Of The Arbor,
A Rose Bush Starts To Grow
It Grows And Blooms More Every Year,
It's Beauty To Bestow
It Grows Until It Reaches Top,
And Then Back Down It Goes
It Looks To Be A Wall Of Red
And In The Breeze It Flows
The First Rose Arbor To Be Built,
Was Placed Upon A Hill
And There The Rose Of Sharon,
His Holy Blood Did Spill
The Arbor Was The Cross Of Christ,
The Rose God's Holy Son
And With The Hanging Of This Rose,
The Holy Battle Won
Now The Rose Upon The Arbor,
Each Fall Does Fade And Die
But In Spring They're Like The Son Of God,
They Rise Up For The Sky
Next Time You See An Arbor,
Of Red Roses Growing Free
Remember The Holy Rose Of God,
That Hung There Just For Thee.
_________________________________________________
REVIVAL
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I feel a strange sensation
Stirring in my heart
I can feel that something big
Is just about to start
We Christians have been praying
For revival in the land
I now can sense the moving
Of God's Almighty Hand
Lost souls are all around us
The field's of harvest, white
We need to pray around the clock
For we must do this right
Pray ye without ceasing
I hear the Master's call
Remember children, for the lost
I did give My all
I am coming very soon
I hear the Saviour say
You have so very little time
Today could be the day
It's not my will that one should die
Lost souls now you must save
Revival in the land we need
God's Holy sweeping wave
Change my heart, oh Precious Lord
Help me now to see
Revival in the world today
And that it starts with me.
_________________________________________________
SOUL WINNERS PRAYER
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Most Holy God, of purest love
Thy mercy now I need
Upon my life Thy cleansing touch
For Thy Spirit Lord I plead
Oh hear my cry most Holy One
For love and peace I pray
That I might guide souls to Thy cross
Each and every day
Grant I pray Thy loving touch
Thy call I might fulfill
Thy strength I need, for Mine is gone
Lord come and shape my will
To win lost souls, my great desire
To bring souls to Your tree
That all might see You Lord, as God
That all souls might be free
To someday stand before Thy throne
To hear You say well done
To finally see You face to face
To know our battle won.
_________________________________________________
MY KING
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
The rising moon, in sky above
engulfed in shroud of night
Hangs high above the darkened earth
and bathes it with its light
Shadows soft, in moon lit glow
the stars come out to play
A heavenly path across the sky
winds the milky way
Oh Lord Creator, King of Love
Thy handiwork I see
But Thy best work oh Prince of Peace
is what You did in me
Great God above, Forever True
You came to earth to die
That we could each, upon You call
and meet You in the sky
Thy Holy Blood, the Cleansing Flow
that Washes Free from sin
Oh Holy Lamb, My Risen King
Thy Presence is within
Inside my heart You now Reside
upon Thy Holy Throne
I am Your child You are my King
Praise be, I am Thine Own.
_________________________________________________
HOME AT LAST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Some preachers lead their sheep astray
Defeat, the angles cry
The Son who died and gives us power
Looks down from up on high
He gave His life that all might live
He arose to set us free
He gives us power through His name
To bring souls to His tree
To heal the sick and raise the dead
Baptize the re-born soul
To not rejoice for our great power
But for our name upon the roll
Oh Holy day, Messiah, Lamb
Eternal Mighty King
When I shall stand before Thy throne
My gift of souls to bring
To stand redeemed on Heavens shore
All pain and fear now past
To hear well done, come in My child
Forever Home at last.
_________________________________________________
IN WEAKNESS IS GREAT JOY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I lift my voice in praise oh Lord
though eyes are filled with tears
Though pain invades my shell of clay
Your Presence calms my fears
And though my steps are faltered here
my future seems a loss
I look at life through Blood Stained eyes
You Gave me at The Cross
I look not at this shell of clay
but of the coming day
To when this shell shall matter not
when I shall fly away
My ears strain to hear the note
of that trumpet sweet
To when the Bride You Call Away
when we shall finally meet
So though the waves of pain do roll
this flesh is naught but loss
My goal lies not within this flesh
but in Thy Blood Stained Cross
And as You Rose so long ago
I too someday shall rise
And meet You as the Trumpet Sounds
Within Sweet Heavens Skies.
_________________________________________________
BE WASHED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
1996
As I walk through the valley of shadows
the essence of death I do hear
But Jesus my Savior goes with me
and shadows of death I'll not fear
He is my strength and my fortress
my Armor my Shield and my Light
His Blood has Washed my soul guiltless
for me there is now no night
I'll stroll through Heavens grand gardens
with Jesus my Lord and my King
Forever in splendor and beauty
I'll lift up my voice and there sing
I'll sing a song of Great Mercy
how Jesus did die on the cross
I'll sing how He Rose up Victorious
I'll sing of no sorrow nor loss
Oh sinner come kneel at the fountain
the Blood of Christ that does flow
Come drink of Life Everlasting
be Washed, yes Whiter than Snow.
_________________________________________________
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
What child is this, the stanza echo's
swaddled in a manger bleak
Amid the straw so peaceful sleeping
the Son of God so frail and meek
Rough worn hands, from timber hewing
learning here his "fathers" trade
While unbenounced to all around him
His path through life in Love is laid
Carpenter, by "fathers" training
fisherman beside the sea
Savior, King, among men walking
this gentle man from Galilee
Then one day beyond the city
on a hill on hand hewn tree
This cooing baby from a manger
Gave His Life for you and me
Angels weep as Christ is suffering
silence reigns as there he dies
Then eternal shouts of Victory
as He Rises through the skies
What child is this? the stanza questions
Risen Lamb from rugged tree
Tis Jesus Christ my Lord and Master
By Whose Blood I Am Set Free.
_________________________________________________
BUT FOR THE CROSS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
But for the Cross I knew not mercy
Nor the darkness of sins stain,
Nor the burden of depression
Nor the deepness of God's pain.
I had not known the shadows
But by the light upon the ground,
As His Light He Shined Eternal
With the hammers ringing sound.
I had not known His sadness
But for His mothers flowing tears,
As she cried on old Golgotha
Amongst the wicked jeers.
I had not known sweet sorrow
But for the breaking of the day,
As his followers so helpless
In helpless fear did pray.
I had not known the sunrise
Nor the joyful sounds of spring,
Lest the Cross was placed upon that hill
Eternal Life to us to bring.
That Cross so cruel and final
Just the prelude to the grave,
Marked the greatest gift that's given
As God's Son there freely gave.
But then there came another gift
The best for us you see,
Christ Arose Up From the Dead For All
And Eternal Set Us Free.
_________________________________________________
WHEN ALL SEEMS LOST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
2002
When trials of live come crashing in
And life seems at its worst,
I think of Christ upon the Cross
And know He suffered first.
My thoughts go back to Abraham
Back to his battle won,
When through his faith he offered up
His precious loving son.
I think of those throughout the years
Who suffered too, like me,
Yet strong they stood upon the Rock
Tis Christ who sets us free.
I think of Paul in Scriptures old
Who prayed for sweet release,
But found instead in suffering
Through Christ there's Holy Peace.
When weak I'm strong through Jesus' Name
On self I can't rely,
When all seems lost I look above
Towards my home up in the sky.
When all seems lost I grasp His Cross,
And know He'll keep me from all loss,
As at His Feet my all I toss,
Sheltered by His Hand.
Free from fear I worship Thee,
O Christ my King who set me free,
Upon my knees before Thy Tree,
Redeemed Forevermore.
_________________________________________________
SHADOWS of DEATH
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
2002
In bed one night, surrounded by sterility,
amid the presence of specialized medical professionals and the whimpering of some who knew death was waiting just beyond their last breath; I saw the shadows appear upon my wall.
They whispered jokingly as they waited for me to begin, as were some of the others, the whimper of anticipated dreaded demise.
"How long do you think he has?" one shadow whispered to the other, eying me as if I were a prize just waiting to be collected.
"Not long I'm sure," the other said a little louder as it grinned to reveal dripping shadowed fangs, "no, not long at all."
I was fully aware of my surroundings and yet I was, though in extreme pain, unusually calm and at peace. Death I knew was not to be feared for it was as much a part of life as was birth. Yet I must admit that after a while the shadows began to have an affect on my mind.
They seemed so real and yet I knew they were only figments of my imagination and so knowing this I drifted off to sleep.
I awoke with a start as I felt a touch of coldness, deep and terrifying, on my hand.
"I told you he wasn't ready yet," a shadow laughed shriekingly as the other stumbled away from my bedside.
My heart pounded as if it were trying to escape its jail of ribs and my head spun as the reality settled upon me that these shadows were real.
With thoughts spinning out of control I sought to find something within my memory that would or could confront these terrifying shadows of death.
Then I remembered something I had learned early in life and gradually I was able to recall the entire text.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV)
* * *
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
* * *
That is what I had been searching for deep in my mind and suddenly all of my fear melted away as full memory came flooding back and I knew who I was.
I looked at the shadows and motioned for them to come closer.
"What was that?" one of them asked the other, shocked. "Was he motioning to us?"
"I'm not sure," replied the other, edging away, unsure of what to make of someone who would actually motion death to come closer.
I prayed silently but then heard in my mind what I had always taught to others.
"Though it is true God always hears us when we pray silently, we must always speak out loud when we are praying for something to happen or when we take a stand against the forces of satan. We see into the physical world but we speak into the spirit world and it is through the spoken word of faith that we have power over the enemy!"
"Jesus," I whispered, trying to speak louder but more volume was beyond my hardest exertions.
"Jesus please help me. Grant me peace in the midst of this storm."
Over against the wall the shadows jumped as if struck with a bolt of lightening as I said the name of Jesus, then they laughed and started coming closer.
"They always cry out for help right at the end," they both chorused, knowing they were about to feast on my soon departing soul.
"This one's Mine!" the one to my left said, snarling at the other.
"No! You had the last one, He's Mine!"
Suddenly they both screamed in terror as the light of creation split the darkness of death and Christ Himself stood at my bedside.
He turned to face the shadows of death as he placed His hand upon me and ever so softly said,
"Actually he's Mine!"
A strangling scream split the air as His Eternal Holiness penetrated every inch of space and the shadows dissipated back into the depths of hell from where they had come.
Strength surged back into me as I opened my eyes. Had this been a dream I wondered? The room looked the same; no signs of the brief one-sided battle that my mind said had taken place.
I snuggled back into the warmth of the blankets and as I closed my eyes I saw His face and heard His voice.
"I am always with you my child, now sleep for soon the morning comes and there is much yet to be done, sleep."
_________________________________________________
by
Rev. S.R. ELWOOD
At The Bottom Of The Arbor,
A Rose Bush Starts To Grow
It Grows And Blooms More Every Year,
It's Beauty To Bestow
It Grows Until It Reaches Top,
And Then Back Down It Goes
It Looks To Be A Wall Of Red
And In The Breeze It Flows
The First Rose Arbor To Be Built,
Was Placed Upon A Hill
And There The Rose Of Sharon,
His Holy Blood Did Spill
The Arbor Was The Cross Of Christ,
The Rose God's Holy Son
And With The Hanging Of This Rose,
The Holy Battle Won
Now The Rose Upon The Arbor,
Each Fall Does Fade And Die
But In Spring They're Like The Son Of God,
They Rise Up For The Sky
Next Time You See An Arbor,
Of Red Roses Growing Free
Remember The Holy Rose Of God,
That Hung There Just For Thee.
_________________________________________________
REVIVAL
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I feel a strange sensation
Stirring in my heart
I can feel that something big
Is just about to start
We Christians have been praying
For revival in the land
I now can sense the moving
Of God's Almighty Hand
Lost souls are all around us
The field's of harvest, white
We need to pray around the clock
For we must do this right
Pray ye without ceasing
I hear the Master's call
Remember children, for the lost
I did give My all
I am coming very soon
I hear the Saviour say
You have so very little time
Today could be the day
It's not my will that one should die
Lost souls now you must save
Revival in the land we need
God's Holy sweeping wave
Change my heart, oh Precious Lord
Help me now to see
Revival in the world today
And that it starts with me.
_________________________________________________
SOUL WINNERS PRAYER
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Most Holy God, of purest love
Thy mercy now I need
Upon my life Thy cleansing touch
For Thy Spirit Lord I plead
Oh hear my cry most Holy One
For love and peace I pray
That I might guide souls to Thy cross
Each and every day
Grant I pray Thy loving touch
Thy call I might fulfill
Thy strength I need, for Mine is gone
Lord come and shape my will
To win lost souls, my great desire
To bring souls to Your tree
That all might see You Lord, as God
That all souls might be free
To someday stand before Thy throne
To hear You say well done
To finally see You face to face
To know our battle won.
_________________________________________________
MY KING
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
The rising moon, in sky above
engulfed in shroud of night
Hangs high above the darkened earth
and bathes it with its light
Shadows soft, in moon lit glow
the stars come out to play
A heavenly path across the sky
winds the milky way
Oh Lord Creator, King of Love
Thy handiwork I see
But Thy best work oh Prince of Peace
is what You did in me
Great God above, Forever True
You came to earth to die
That we could each, upon You call
and meet You in the sky
Thy Holy Blood, the Cleansing Flow
that Washes Free from sin
Oh Holy Lamb, My Risen King
Thy Presence is within
Inside my heart You now Reside
upon Thy Holy Throne
I am Your child You are my King
Praise be, I am Thine Own.
_________________________________________________
HOME AT LAST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Some preachers lead their sheep astray
Defeat, the angles cry
The Son who died and gives us power
Looks down from up on high
He gave His life that all might live
He arose to set us free
He gives us power through His name
To bring souls to His tree
To heal the sick and raise the dead
Baptize the re-born soul
To not rejoice for our great power
But for our name upon the roll
Oh Holy day, Messiah, Lamb
Eternal Mighty King
When I shall stand before Thy throne
My gift of souls to bring
To stand redeemed on Heavens shore
All pain and fear now past
To hear well done, come in My child
Forever Home at last.
_________________________________________________
IN WEAKNESS IS GREAT JOY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I lift my voice in praise oh Lord
though eyes are filled with tears
Though pain invades my shell of clay
Your Presence calms my fears
And though my steps are faltered here
my future seems a loss
I look at life through Blood Stained eyes
You Gave me at The Cross
I look not at this shell of clay
but of the coming day
To when this shell shall matter not
when I shall fly away
My ears strain to hear the note
of that trumpet sweet
To when the Bride You Call Away
when we shall finally meet
So though the waves of pain do roll
this flesh is naught but loss
My goal lies not within this flesh
but in Thy Blood Stained Cross
And as You Rose so long ago
I too someday shall rise
And meet You as the Trumpet Sounds
Within Sweet Heavens Skies.
_________________________________________________
BE WASHED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
1996
As I walk through the valley of shadows
the essence of death I do hear
But Jesus my Savior goes with me
and shadows of death I'll not fear
He is my strength and my fortress
my Armor my Shield and my Light
His Blood has Washed my soul guiltless
for me there is now no night
I'll stroll through Heavens grand gardens
with Jesus my Lord and my King
Forever in splendor and beauty
I'll lift up my voice and there sing
I'll sing a song of Great Mercy
how Jesus did die on the cross
I'll sing how He Rose up Victorious
I'll sing of no sorrow nor loss
Oh sinner come kneel at the fountain
the Blood of Christ that does flow
Come drink of Life Everlasting
be Washed, yes Whiter than Snow.
_________________________________________________
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
What child is this, the stanza echo's
swaddled in a manger bleak
Amid the straw so peaceful sleeping
the Son of God so frail and meek
Rough worn hands, from timber hewing
learning here his "fathers" trade
While unbenounced to all around him
His path through life in Love is laid
Carpenter, by "fathers" training
fisherman beside the sea
Savior, King, among men walking
this gentle man from Galilee
Then one day beyond the city
on a hill on hand hewn tree
This cooing baby from a manger
Gave His Life for you and me
Angels weep as Christ is suffering
silence reigns as there he dies
Then eternal shouts of Victory
as He Rises through the skies
What child is this? the stanza questions
Risen Lamb from rugged tree
Tis Jesus Christ my Lord and Master
By Whose Blood I Am Set Free.
_________________________________________________
BUT FOR THE CROSS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
But for the Cross I knew not mercy
Nor the darkness of sins stain,
Nor the burden of depression
Nor the deepness of God's pain.
I had not known the shadows
But by the light upon the ground,
As His Light He Shined Eternal
With the hammers ringing sound.
I had not known His sadness
But for His mothers flowing tears,
As she cried on old Golgotha
Amongst the wicked jeers.
I had not known sweet sorrow
But for the breaking of the day,
As his followers so helpless
In helpless fear did pray.
I had not known the sunrise
Nor the joyful sounds of spring,
Lest the Cross was placed upon that hill
Eternal Life to us to bring.
That Cross so cruel and final
Just the prelude to the grave,
Marked the greatest gift that's given
As God's Son there freely gave.
But then there came another gift
The best for us you see,
Christ Arose Up From the Dead For All
And Eternal Set Us Free.
_________________________________________________
WHEN ALL SEEMS LOST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
2002
When trials of live come crashing in
And life seems at its worst,
I think of Christ upon the Cross
And know He suffered first.
My thoughts go back to Abraham
Back to his battle won,
When through his faith he offered up
His precious loving son.
I think of those throughout the years
Who suffered too, like me,
Yet strong they stood upon the Rock
Tis Christ who sets us free.
I think of Paul in Scriptures old
Who prayed for sweet release,
But found instead in suffering
Through Christ there's Holy Peace.
When weak I'm strong through Jesus' Name
On self I can't rely,
When all seems lost I look above
Towards my home up in the sky.
When all seems lost I grasp His Cross,
And know He'll keep me from all loss,
As at His Feet my all I toss,
Sheltered by His Hand.
Free from fear I worship Thee,
O Christ my King who set me free,
Upon my knees before Thy Tree,
Redeemed Forevermore.
_________________________________________________
SHADOWS of DEATH
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
2002
In bed one night, surrounded by sterility,
amid the presence of specialized medical professionals and the whimpering of some who knew death was waiting just beyond their last breath; I saw the shadows appear upon my wall.
They whispered jokingly as they waited for me to begin, as were some of the others, the whimper of anticipated dreaded demise.
"How long do you think he has?" one shadow whispered to the other, eying me as if I were a prize just waiting to be collected.
"Not long I'm sure," the other said a little louder as it grinned to reveal dripping shadowed fangs, "no, not long at all."
I was fully aware of my surroundings and yet I was, though in extreme pain, unusually calm and at peace. Death I knew was not to be feared for it was as much a part of life as was birth. Yet I must admit that after a while the shadows began to have an affect on my mind.
They seemed so real and yet I knew they were only figments of my imagination and so knowing this I drifted off to sleep.
I awoke with a start as I felt a touch of coldness, deep and terrifying, on my hand.
"I told you he wasn't ready yet," a shadow laughed shriekingly as the other stumbled away from my bedside.
My heart pounded as if it were trying to escape its jail of ribs and my head spun as the reality settled upon me that these shadows were real.
With thoughts spinning out of control I sought to find something within my memory that would or could confront these terrifying shadows of death.
Then I remembered something I had learned early in life and gradually I was able to recall the entire text.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV)
* * *
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
* * *
That is what I had been searching for deep in my mind and suddenly all of my fear melted away as full memory came flooding back and I knew who I was.
I looked at the shadows and motioned for them to come closer.
"What was that?" one of them asked the other, shocked. "Was he motioning to us?"
"I'm not sure," replied the other, edging away, unsure of what to make of someone who would actually motion death to come closer.
I prayed silently but then heard in my mind what I had always taught to others.
"Though it is true God always hears us when we pray silently, we must always speak out loud when we are praying for something to happen or when we take a stand against the forces of satan. We see into the physical world but we speak into the spirit world and it is through the spoken word of faith that we have power over the enemy!"
"Jesus," I whispered, trying to speak louder but more volume was beyond my hardest exertions.
"Jesus please help me. Grant me peace in the midst of this storm."
Over against the wall the shadows jumped as if struck with a bolt of lightening as I said the name of Jesus, then they laughed and started coming closer.
"They always cry out for help right at the end," they both chorused, knowing they were about to feast on my soon departing soul.
"This one's Mine!" the one to my left said, snarling at the other.
"No! You had the last one, He's Mine!"
Suddenly they both screamed in terror as the light of creation split the darkness of death and Christ Himself stood at my bedside.
He turned to face the shadows of death as he placed His hand upon me and ever so softly said,
"Actually he's Mine!"
A strangling scream split the air as His Eternal Holiness penetrated every inch of space and the shadows dissipated back into the depths of hell from where they had come.
Strength surged back into me as I opened my eyes. Had this been a dream I wondered? The room looked the same; no signs of the brief one-sided battle that my mind said had taken place.
I snuggled back into the warmth of the blankets and as I closed my eyes I saw His face and heard His voice.
"I am always with you my child, now sleep for soon the morning comes and there is much yet to be done, sleep."
_________________________________________________
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Oh rising sun shine bright this day,
a day of such great worth
This is the day we celebrate,
the memory of Christ's Birth.
God came to earth a little child,
so frail and so weak
His childhood showed his coming life,
so Loving and so meek.
Creator God, Beloved Son,
Sweet cheerful baby boy
The Holy Purest Sacrifice,
to bring the world Joy.
Two thousand years ago You Came,
To Set The World Free
The BRIGHT and SHINING STAR UPON
A RUGGED CHRISTMAS TREE
_________________________________________________
STEPS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Fear, Sorrow, Despair, Hate:
Peace, Joy, Happiness, Love;
Opposite yet alike,
The same yet different.
Fear, Sorrow, Despair and Hate
Are the companions of anyone without Christ.
Peace, Joy, Happiness and Love
Are the companions of everyone with Christ.
Each is always trying to override its opposite,
Thus the constant tug of war between good and evil.
A bad person can appear to be good and a good person Can be bad.
We who know Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and King
Must walk so close to Him that we step on His heels.
He won't turn and glare angrily as we do when trod upon.
Instead He will smile and invite us even closer
Until our feet are within His and the footprints of two Become one.
When Jesus walked this earth in His physical form
He went where the sinners were, those He came to save.
Yet we who claim Him as Lord have for too long been
Hiding inside buildings we call "The Lords House"
And many have slipped into eternity without Christ,
Into eternal death; because we have been too busy to care.
Do you serve Christ Jesus as Lord and King?
Have you ever led a lost soul to His Blood stained Cross?
Do you serve Christ Jesus as Lord and King?
_________________________________________________
PRIORITIES
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Priorities are a big part of everyday living.
They dictate what we do and how we spend our time
as we journey through life.
You can tell how devoted a businessperson is to their company
by the amount of time they spend making it grow.
The more time spent usually means a healthy growing company.
On the other hand, someone who is in business for a hobby spends as
little time as possible working, and it usually shows.
This example can be used for every line of work and every project
that has ever been started and finished.
You can also tell by the amount of time a person spends reading God's
Word and in Prayer just how devoted they are to fulfilling
His Great Commission.
As a business is successful by long hours of sacrifice, so is the Christian's
Walk and The Battle For Lost Souls.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES
AND WHOM DO YOU SERVE?
_________________________________________________
LOVE'S SONG
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I stood near, waiting, reaching
As you cried but didn't call
I stood near, waiting, hoping
And then my child I watched you fall.
I knelt near, hoping, reaching
As my child, you cried in pain
I knelt closely, waiting, waiting
For you, my child, to call my name.
Yet, though you knew that I was there
You did not reach back
As I watched, bound by your will
While you were under attack.
Then one day it happened
With Faith you reached to me
And in less than a heartbeat
Your Faith had set you free.
For though I'm always waiting
To set All bound souls free
Each person here must freely choose
To kneel down at My Tree.
For at My Tree you see my child
I set All free from loss
For on this Tree I Shed My Blood
My Tree, The Rugged Cross.
And in the tomb I laid so still
As for your soul I fought
And then in hell I took your place
Then Arose and your soul Bought.
Now I sit on God's right hand
To intercede for thee
And wait for friends who know Me well
To lead souls to My Tree.
So if My Blood upon you rests
Please heed My Spirit's call
That I might not have died in vain
That I might Save Them All.
And when someday my child we meet
Your fight on earth now won
I can meet you with a smile
And say, "My Child Well Done!"
_________________________________________________
THE STORMY SEA'S OF LIFE
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
When storm clouds are around me and my Jesus I can't see
When buffeted by problems to and fro,
I cry, "Dear Jesus guide me, through the coming storm
And keep Thy faithful sheep Lord white as snow."
Then through the raging tempest with faith my eyes behold
My Savior on a stroll o'er troubled sea,
And I find that I am running, upon the crashing waves
Towards his open arms as my Savior beckons me.
Held tight by my Jesus my fear and worry gone
I see the stormy seas of life abate,
As together we are walking, upward hand in hand
Towards the goal I've been seeking, Heavens Gate.
So when the storms do buffet and by stormy seas you're tossed
Just look upon the Savior now today,
For He's nearer than a whisper, always within reach
And He's always just an arm length as you travel on your way.
Chorus
Always just a whisper, Always within reach
Always waiting close to hear your cry,
Always with the answer, Always in your storm
Always waiting closely to calm your troubled sky.
Chorus to be sung between verses or as background, or both.
_________________________________________________
OF SCARLET RED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Bleeding and haggard and wearing a robe
Kingly, of scarlet red
Hands bound before Him, whipped to the bone
Thorns crowning His precious head.
Knowing the reason He came here to die
Yet human and slightly confused
Born of a virgin, Fathered by God
His Purpose, for mankind be used.
Holy Sweet Offering Upon an Old Tree
By the Horn's of the Alter in space
Suspended between heaven and earth
Held by His Great Love, in place.
Bleeding and dying, family, friends crying
He died on the cross just for thee
"Father Forgive them," He cried from the cross
Then gave up the ghost and was free.
Dying for those in the image of God
Made in the likeness of man
Offering All, to those who believe
Fulfilling the work of God's Plan.
Call upon Jesus who died on the cross
Who Arose to set your soul free
Take Now upon you the Blood of The Lamb
And Forever our Savior we'll see.
_________________________________________________
CONTEMPLATION
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I stand on the edge of time,
Overshadowing eternity and wonder
"What might I have been?"
I had dreams and aspirations like any other.
I had fears and desires like the rest.
I was still in my prime when they took my life,
When they dragged me to the hilltop and raised me up for all to see.
What could I have accomplished if I had been left to live just a few more years?
Perhaps I could have sent ships racing across the seas before the wind.
Perhaps I could have sheltered many from the storms that rage.
Perhaps,
Perhaps,
No.
I have had many years to reflect upon my role in the fabric of time
And when I see myself, looking backwards:
I realize that of all the things I could have been,
I am content in my thoughts to have been the alter upon which my Creator,
My God gave himself that All of mankind might live.
I am no mere tree, to be hewn rotting and forgotten.
I am the Cross
and like you, because of His Blood that I wore
I live on still
FOREVER.
_________________________________________________
IN HIS PRESENCE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
In the presence of The Master
There is Joy and Peace Divine
In His Glorious Holy Presence
There is tranquil rest sublime.
There is Mercy for those needing
His Holy Saving Touch
For the Saved He Is A Hiding Place
Feeling Loved oh yes so much.
Ending life though well or sickly
By accident or age
In the Presence of The Master
Not the Ending, Turn the Page.
Death for humans, crying, weeping
Death for Christians Joy Divine
Though not death but just a passing
To a Home and Life so fine.
No more weeping there, no sorrow
No more sickness no more pain
End of life come on me quickly
For there's no loss but only gain.
In the Presence of the Master
In God's Throne Room up above
In His Presence ever kneeling
Ever more Within His Love.
_________________________________________________
ALL HAIL THE BLOOD
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
All Hail the Blood of God our King
That Flowed down Calvarys Tree
All Praise the Holy Son of God
That Died to Set All Free.
All Worship at His Nail scared Feet
Come Praise His Holy Name
Oh Worship at His Empty Tomb
Where lies all sin and blame.
Shout Forth Hosanna To the King
Who Is Alive and Free
Who Arose Up From the Dead As Lord
Gives New Life To thee.
Shout Forth thy loud Victorious cry
Yes All who Bear His Name
Stand tall; march strong, to battle go
Through Christ, there is no shame.
Command the enemy to flee
Sweep forth Oh Holy Flood
Immerse the souls you meet today
Within His Saving Blood.
Upon your face before His Throne
Let thy praises flow
Come one come all unto The Lamb
Be Washed As White As Snow.
_________________________________________________
HIS ARMOR
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Climbing hilltops from the valleys
Using faith to scale the slope
Clinging tight to what He offers
A Reaching Hand and Crimson Rope
Woven Droplets of His Shed Blood
From the Cross of Calvary
Reaching to the deepest valley
Just take a hold and you'll be free
As I climb I'm growing stronger
Feasting daily on His Word
Towards the top, the sound of victory
Heaven's Choir Can Be Heard
Once I'm up I go on forward
Till the time is right to see
Then once again into a valley
A brand new test designed for me
Every time the path is different
Learning with each step I take
Same mistakes are now less often
Less and less I fear and shake
Until someday I walk with Power
Treading through the depths with joy
Looking forward to the battle
His Mighty Armor To Employ.
_________________________________________________
COME FOR ME
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Across thy vast unending face
With brilliant stars so bright
I look on thee with wonderment
On every cloudless night,
Thy breathless beauty, awes my soul
Thy grandeur fills my mind
You were placed there just for us
By God, so true and kind,
From Adam's gasp, as he looked up
To Moses, old and wise
Until the day God scroll's you up
With awe men's voices rise,
Oh stellar view within my sight
Thy Beauty pure and true
God showed a fraction of His own
When He created you,
God's Glory bright, none can compare
Eternal Grace Divine
All Glory, Power, Honor, Love
Oh Lord is Truly Thine,
Someday I'll soar among the stars
When from this earth I'm free
Oh Holy Savior King Divine
When Thou shall come for me.
_________________________________________________
FOREVER A SONG
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Walking through fields
Laced with white
Harvesting souls
By Heaven's Pure Light
Spreading the gospel
Of Christ on the tree
Showing to All
He's Risen and Free
Living Forever
With Jesus our King
Over In Glory
Eternal We'll Sing
A song of Salvation
A song of Great Love
Forever Singing
To Christ up above
Kneeling In Heaven
To Never Know Loss
For on the earth
We Knelt At His Cross
Yes Caught In The River
Immersed In The Flood
Kneeling Forgiven
Washed Clean By His Blood.
_________________________________________________
This poem was inspired by a vision my Mother had.
One night in church, as the Holy Spirit moved with power, she saw what my feeble skills are attempting to describe.
IF NOTHING ELSE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Engulfed within the arms of God
While lost within His praise
Believer's joined to form a bond
To learn His Holy ways.
Prayers rising towards His Throne
Steps of praise ascend
Blessings flow down from above
And with the praises blend.
Waves of light are flowing deep
Like His mighty bow
From God's Throne unto His Saints
Praising Him below.
Rapturous Joy within our souls
In His Presence all fear melts
And I know that this would be enough
If forever, nothing else.
To bask within His sweet embrace
To see His face divine
To know that just because He Lives
Eternal life is mine.
To feel His touch within my soul
His Eternal Holy Hand
One second worth a Million Years
In Canaan's Holy Land.
_________________________________________________
THE GREATEST GIFT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
It started in the garden
Back in the days of old,
When Adam with a single bite
The souls of mankind sold.
Though he knew that it was wrong
He bit with great delight,
But as he chewed he felt the pain
As sin was born that night.
Cast out and made to till the earth
He labored night and day,
From God their contact was cut off
In sorrow they did lay.
Generations came and went
And God tried different plans,
But nothing worked to make it right
So God became a man.
Upon this earth He walked again
But not like as before,
His heart was heavy with each step
He knew what lay in store.
Raised upon on a rugged cross
By those He came to save,
Jesus Christ the Son of God
There His life then gave.
Three days in a borrowed tomb
He fought the battle well,
He took from satan all his keys
Then crashed the gates of hell!
Alive and well He Reigns On High
His Blood is your souls worth,
Oh come and kneel down at His Cross
Accept the second birth.
Be born again from death to Life
Beneath the cleansing flood,
Oh come accept the price He paid
Be covered by His Blood.
_________________________________________________
SOMEONE HOLY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Rugged cross, eternal loss
if on knee you do not kneel
Mournful weeping, bound chain keeping
for the lost, the bells do peal
Cauldrons boiling, bound mind toiling
to the beat of sinful drums
Demons teaming, in fear screaming
for Someone Holy, this way comes,
Knees upon the Holy ground
beneath the rugged cross
A touch from Holy nail pierced hand
that soul to not know loss
For just one drop would be enough
as Holy Blood Christ Shed
But my Dear Lord did Give It All
Then Rose Up From the Dead,
Trumpet sounding, saved heart pounding
as we meet Him in the air
Much tears seeping, lost souls weeping
on knees they sob, in great despair
Witness now, show them how
be the good and faithful ones
For you know, they'll go below
as Someone Holy, this way comes.
_________________________________________________
THE TEST
As I started to write this poem, I thought of all the people down through the years I have heard talk about what they are going to say when they stand before Almighty God.
I pictured in my mind all of the souls standing before His Throne, waiting for their chance to answer the question,
"WHY SHOULD I LET YOU IN?"
I saw Him in my mind, Fierce, Awesome, Holy and knew that no one on that day will be able to say anything.
What can a mere human say to God? What can a person who was born sinful flesh and who died sinful flesh, say to God?
Nothing!
Our terror and fear will be so great on that day that we will not be able to mutter anything but Guilty.
Then, as I saw myself standing there before Almighty God, cowering and literally scared to death, I felt something stir from deep within.
Slowly the Blood that Jesus Christ poured upon me the day I knelt at His Cross, made its way through my fear and spoke in my behalf.
Instead of the Judgment I deserve I was shown Mercy and Grace.
THE TEST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Summoned to the Holy throne
I slowly forward walk
All the Hosts that's gathered round
quickly cease their talk
Every eye upon my face
I strive to catch my breath
His Holiness so Fierce and Pure
I sense my coming death
"State Your Plea," His voice roars out
and burns within my soul
"Why should Heaven be your home?
To Hell You All should go."
I trembled weak, I could not stand
and fell upon my face
I tried to speak, but all my thoughts
were lost in deepest space
His Awesome Presence floods my mind
His Anger Ages Old
I felt the Verdict would be death
my hopes for life ran cold
Then deep inside I felt it grow
it swept out like a flood
My fear now gone, I spoke this phrase
"I'm Washed In Jesus' Blood.
I bear His marks upon my soul
I wear His Holy Name,"
I looked into the eyes of God
"In Christ I Have No Blame."
His rage abates as there I stand
"Well Done," He whispers low
"Enter In My Child, Well Done
Your Sins Are White As Snow."
"Next," the Holy voice cries out
the waiting, sore are stressed
The next in line walks towards the Throne
to take the Holy Test
To pass or fail, prepare right now
Let Jesus Make You Whole
For Just The Blood of Christ Can Speak
that day, To Save Your Soul.
_________________________________________________
HOMEWARD BOUND
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
The sound of Old Been, our big leghorn rooster, penetrated my sleep laden brain and slowly pulled me awake.
"Good Morning Lord," I said looking out the window into the misty grayness of early dawn, "This could be the day."
The smell of bacon, eggs, toast and coffee drifted through the house and as I made my way to the kitchen I could hear the joyful sounds of my wife singing as she cooked. We sat together and as we slowly ate, we watched the Sun cast it's first rays over the eastern horizon.
"How beautiful," I said mesmerized by the glorious view, "Such beauty on earth, just think how glorious the sights of Heaven must be."
"I want to go home," my wife said, tears gently rolling down her face, "I want to go home so bad I can taste it."
"I know dear," I said placing my arm around her and drawing her close, "I want to go home to and soon we will, I'm sure."
After the breakfast dishes were washed dried and put away, we walked hand in hand along our little trail through the woods. We Walked into the clearing where our private chapel, (a magnificent silver maple with it's arms stretched up towards heaven), stood.
The Roots on the eastern side of the tree had grown above ground and formed a natural prayer bench, complete with a thick carpet of moss on which to kneel. We knelt as usual, hand in hand and began to pray for the lost souls who filled the world beyond our little piece of heaven.
Tears flowed freely as we mentioned those we knew by name and as we prayed for those we didn't, then as we lost ourselves in the presence of our Eternal King our souls leaped within us for joy.
The sound came from everywhere, piercing the very essence of time and space. Sounds of Rapturous Joy flooded from every corner of the planet as all the Redeemed Received New Bodies; and as the last echo of the Trumpet faded, we were Homeward Bound.
_________________________________________________
INTEREST COMPOUNDED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
A soul led to The Master
Sin's darkness washed away,
Angels sing a glorious song
As sinners here do pray.
An entry on your bank account
In heaven up above,
As you at the Cross of Jesus
Lead a sinner to Gods Love.
A sermon you are preaching
Though not a word you speak,
Your actions though, do shout aloud
And all the world does peek.
They see your silent gestures
Towards man or God above,
Your actions show your state of mind
And just how much you love.
Each soul you lead to Jesus' Cross
Draws interest of its own,
Each one that's led to Saving Grace
Twill gather round His Throne.
And someday when we stand before
The King who Set Us Free,
He'll hug us tight and say "Well Done"
Compounded interest from The King.
_________________________________________________
ODE TO A SCREAM
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
There are many types of screams heard all around the world.
Children scream for joy
They also scream for fear,
And then as all you parents know
If Bro. Or Sis. Is near.
Screams of pain around the world
Screams of hunger too,
Screams still fading by the tracks
Of departure "I love yous"
Roller coaster screams up high
And when they come back down,
Screams of laughter mixed with tears
While watching funny clowns.
But someday coming soon my friends
A different scream you'll live,
If in life to Jesus Christ
Your life you did not give.
Now today (could this be you?)
Many souls shall die,
They will find that they were wrong
And then for mercy cry.
But while you've breath, while still alive
Today you must now choose,
For without the Blood of Jesus Christ
Eternal Terror's Scream you'll loose.
Flames that sear your tortured soul
Forever you will burn,
As Horror's Scream escapes your lips
As in Torments Fire you churn.
And you will know it is your fault
You chose this to receive,
For on Jesus Christ The Risen Lamb
You did not believe.
Oh quench Eternal Torments Scream
Right now, Right Here, Today,
Accept the Gift that God did give
For sin Your Debt To Pay.
Pray, "Dear Jesus I believe
You're the Lamb, the Lord, my King,
I place myself before Your Cross
Here all my sins I bring.
Please wash sins stain of guilt away
Make me Lord brand new,
Help me Lord to bring the lost
Precious Lord to you.
Give me strength to stand against
The snares of worldly sin,
Keep me pure by Thy Blood
Lord wash me white within."
If you believe and ask The Lord
He'll wash you clean today,
Then Torments Scream you'll never know
In Christ's presence you shall stay.
But, if you refuse His Precious Gift
If His Holy Blood You Spurn,
You will remember every word
As Eternal friend, you burn.
_________________________________________________
AT THE CROSS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
At the cross where Jesus touched me
At His feet my sins I lay,
On that hill of terrible suffering
Where the Price for sin He paid.
On my face before my Master
Just one touch Oh Lord I plead,
Then His Holy Blood swept o'er me
Washed me clean and filled my need.
Guiding souls to old Mount Calvary
Where upon my Jesus Died,
On the Cross raised high and watching
My lost wretched soul He spied.
Then He called my name so sweetly
As with pain His Blood Did Flow,
There I knelt before my Jesus
And was Washed as White as Snow.
As His Holy Blood Swept Through me
Oh my Lord What Sweet Release,
As His Holy Blood Swept Through me
All my fear was turned to Peace.
Then I stood beside The Master
Outside the tomb so stark and bare,
Then I stood beside Him in Heaven
Forever Home, Eternal There.
___________________________________________________________
All the writings in the pages of this website are the creation and property of Rev. S.R. Elwood unless otherwise marked as used by permission from another author. They are protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States of America and International Copyright Treaties. The Poetry and Sermons may be copied for Personal Use ONLY.
Any musicical group wishing to use any of my poetry and/or songs my contact me for permission to do so.
With legal written permission, any group using my writing to spread the Gospel through song may charge admission and/or sell copies of any recordings they make. All money made is to be put back into that group (for expenses, equipment, and whatever else the group needs to complete its Ministry. 10% of any money made from the words I have been given by the Holy Spirit must be given to another group or Church for the purpose of reaching souls so the Ministry will receive an extra blessing for faithful use of money made from the permission of use) all money must be used for the sole purpose of reaching souls for Christ Jesus.
Any conversion of afore mentioned funds to self gain will constitute a breach which will nullify the permission of use. At that point the person and/or persons are stealing from the Kingdom of God and must explaine to the Father why they used words provided by the Holy Spirit that were meant to call the lost to Christ Jesus and instead used them to fill their pockets instead of the Kingdom of God.
___________________________________________________________
Jesucristo es Señor de todo, Pero, usted Lo ha hecho Señor de su vida
* * * * * *
Jésus Christ est le Seigneur de tout, Mais, vous L'avez fait le Seigneur de votre vie
* * * * * *
Ist Jesus Christus Herr von allen, Aber haben Sie Ihn Herr Ihres Lebens gemacht
* * * * * *
Christ di Jesus è il Signore di tutto il, Ma, lei L'ha fatto il Signore della sua vita
* * * * * *
Is jesus Christus Heer van alle, Maar hebt u aan Hem Heer van je leven gemaakt
* * * * * *
Jesus cristo é Senhor de todo, Mas, fezê-lO Senhor de seua vida
* * * * * *
Jesus Christ er Lord av all, But, har De laget Him Lord av Deres liv
* * * * * *
耶稣·基督是全部的勋爵，但是，你使了他成为你的生活的勋爵吗
* * * * * *
耶穌‧基督是全部的勛爵，但是，你使了他成為你的生活的勛爵嗎
___________________________________________________________
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Oh rising sun shine bright this day,
a day of such great worth
This is the day we celebrate,
the memory of Christ's Birth.
God came to earth a little child,
so frail and so weak
His childhood showed his coming life,
so Loving and so meek.
Creator God, Beloved Son,
Sweet cheerful baby boy
The Holy Purest Sacrifice,
to bring the world Joy.
Two thousand years ago You Came,
To Set The World Free
The BRIGHT and SHINING STAR UPON
A RUGGED CHRISTMAS TREE
_________________________________________________
STEPS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Fear, Sorrow, Despair, Hate:
Peace, Joy, Happiness, Love;
Opposite yet alike,
The same yet different.
Fear, Sorrow, Despair and Hate
Are the companions of anyone without Christ.
Peace, Joy, Happiness and Love
Are the companions of everyone with Christ.
Each is always trying to override its opposite,
Thus the constant tug of war between good and evil.
A bad person can appear to be good and a good person Can be bad.
We who know Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and King
Must walk so close to Him that we step on His heels.
He won't turn and glare angrily as we do when trod upon.
Instead He will smile and invite us even closer
Until our feet are within His and the footprints of two Become one.
When Jesus walked this earth in His physical form
He went where the sinners were, those He came to save.
Yet we who claim Him as Lord have for too long been
Hiding inside buildings we call "The Lords House"
And many have slipped into eternity without Christ,
Into eternal death; because we have been too busy to care.
Do you serve Christ Jesus as Lord and King?
Have you ever led a lost soul to His Blood stained Cross?
Do you serve Christ Jesus as Lord and King?
_________________________________________________
PRIORITIES
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Priorities are a big part of everyday living.
They dictate what we do and how we spend our time
as we journey through life.
You can tell how devoted a businessperson is to their company
by the amount of time they spend making it grow.
The more time spent usually means a healthy growing company.
On the other hand, someone who is in business for a hobby spends as
little time as possible working, and it usually shows.
This example can be used for every line of work and every project
that has ever been started and finished.
You can also tell by the amount of time a person spends reading God's
Word and in Prayer just how devoted they are to fulfilling
His Great Commission.
As a business is successful by long hours of sacrifice, so is the Christian's
Walk and The Battle For Lost Souls.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES
AND WHOM DO YOU SERVE?
_________________________________________________
LOVE'S SONG
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I stood near, waiting, reaching
As you cried but didn't call
I stood near, waiting, hoping
And then my child I watched you fall.
I knelt near, hoping, reaching
As my child, you cried in pain
I knelt closely, waiting, waiting
For you, my child, to call my name.
Yet, though you knew that I was there
You did not reach back
As I watched, bound by your will
While you were under attack.
Then one day it happened
With Faith you reached to me
And in less than a heartbeat
Your Faith had set you free.
For though I'm always waiting
To set All bound souls free
Each person here must freely choose
To kneel down at My Tree.
For at My Tree you see my child
I set All free from loss
For on this Tree I Shed My Blood
My Tree, The Rugged Cross.
And in the tomb I laid so still
As for your soul I fought
And then in hell I took your place
Then Arose and your soul Bought.
Now I sit on God's right hand
To intercede for thee
And wait for friends who know Me well
To lead souls to My Tree.
So if My Blood upon you rests
Please heed My Spirit's call
That I might not have died in vain
That I might Save Them All.
And when someday my child we meet
Your fight on earth now won
I can meet you with a smile
And say, "My Child Well Done!"
_________________________________________________
THE STORMY SEA'S OF LIFE
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
When storm clouds are around me and my Jesus I can't see
When buffeted by problems to and fro,
I cry, "Dear Jesus guide me, through the coming storm
And keep Thy faithful sheep Lord white as snow."
Then through the raging tempest with faith my eyes behold
My Savior on a stroll o'er troubled sea,
And I find that I am running, upon the crashing waves
Towards his open arms as my Savior beckons me.
Held tight by my Jesus my fear and worry gone
I see the stormy seas of life abate,
As together we are walking, upward hand in hand
Towards the goal I've been seeking, Heavens Gate.
So when the storms do buffet and by stormy seas you're tossed
Just look upon the Savior now today,
For He's nearer than a whisper, always within reach
And He's always just an arm length as you travel on your way.
Chorus
Always just a whisper, Always within reach
Always waiting close to hear your cry,
Always with the answer, Always in your storm
Always waiting closely to calm your troubled sky.
Chorus to be sung between verses or as background, or both.
_________________________________________________
OF SCARLET RED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Bleeding and haggard and wearing a robe
Kingly, of scarlet red
Hands bound before Him, whipped to the bone
Thorns crowning His precious head.
Knowing the reason He came here to die
Yet human and slightly confused
Born of a virgin, Fathered by God
His Purpose, for mankind be used.
Holy Sweet Offering Upon an Old Tree
By the Horn's of the Alter in space
Suspended between heaven and earth
Held by His Great Love, in place.
Bleeding and dying, family, friends crying
He died on the cross just for thee
"Father Forgive them," He cried from the cross
Then gave up the ghost and was free.
Dying for those in the image of God
Made in the likeness of man
Offering All, to those who believe
Fulfilling the work of God's Plan.
Call upon Jesus who died on the cross
Who Arose to set your soul free
Take Now upon you the Blood of The Lamb
And Forever our Savior we'll see.
_________________________________________________
CONTEMPLATION
By
Rev. S.R. Elwood
I stand on the edge of time,
Overshadowing eternity and wonder
"What might I have been?"
I had dreams and aspirations like any other.
I had fears and desires like the rest.
I was still in my prime when they took my life,
When they dragged me to the hilltop and raised me up for all to see.
What could I have accomplished if I had been left to live just a few more years?
Perhaps I could have sent ships racing across the seas before the wind.
Perhaps I could have sheltered many from the storms that rage.
Perhaps,
Perhaps,
No.
I have had many years to reflect upon my role in the fabric of time
And when I see myself, looking backwards:
I realize that of all the things I could have been,
I am content in my thoughts to have been the alter upon which my Creator,
My God gave himself that All of mankind might live.
I am no mere tree, to be hewn rotting and forgotten.
I am the Cross
and like you, because of His Blood that I wore
I live on still
FOREVER.
_________________________________________________
IN HIS PRESENCE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
In the presence of The Master
There is Joy and Peace Divine
In His Glorious Holy Presence
There is tranquil rest sublime.
There is Mercy for those needing
His Holy Saving Touch
For the Saved He Is A Hiding Place
Feeling Loved oh yes so much.
Ending life though well or sickly
By accident or age
In the Presence of The Master
Not the Ending, Turn the Page.
Death for humans, crying, weeping
Death for Christians Joy Divine
Though not death but just a passing
To a Home and Life so fine.
No more weeping there, no sorrow
No more sickness no more pain
End of life come on me quickly
For there's no loss but only gain.
In the Presence of the Master
In God's Throne Room up above
In His Presence ever kneeling
Ever more Within His Love.
_________________________________________________
ALL HAIL THE BLOOD
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
All Hail the Blood of God our King
That Flowed down Calvarys Tree
All Praise the Holy Son of God
That Died to Set All Free.
All Worship at His Nail scared Feet
Come Praise His Holy Name
Oh Worship at His Empty Tomb
Where lies all sin and blame.
Shout Forth Hosanna To the King
Who Is Alive and Free
Who Arose Up From the Dead As Lord
Gives New Life To thee.
Shout Forth thy loud Victorious cry
Yes All who Bear His Name
Stand tall; march strong, to battle go
Through Christ, there is no shame.
Command the enemy to flee
Sweep forth Oh Holy Flood
Immerse the souls you meet today
Within His Saving Blood.
Upon your face before His Throne
Let thy praises flow
Come one come all unto The Lamb
Be Washed As White As Snow.
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HIS ARMOR
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Climbing hilltops from the valleys
Using faith to scale the slope
Clinging tight to what He offers
A Reaching Hand and Crimson Rope
Woven Droplets of His Shed Blood
From the Cross of Calvary
Reaching to the deepest valley
Just take a hold and you'll be free
As I climb I'm growing stronger
Feasting daily on His Word
Towards the top, the sound of victory
Heaven's Choir Can Be Heard
Once I'm up I go on forward
Till the time is right to see
Then once again into a valley
A brand new test designed for me
Every time the path is different
Learning with each step I take
Same mistakes are now less often
Less and less I fear and shake
Until someday I walk with Power
Treading through the depths with joy
Looking forward to the battle
His Mighty Armor To Employ.
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COME FOR ME
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Across thy vast unending face
With brilliant stars so bright
I look on thee with wonderment
On every cloudless night,
Thy breathless beauty, awes my soul
Thy grandeur fills my mind
You were placed there just for us
By God, so true and kind,
From Adam's gasp, as he looked up
To Moses, old and wise
Until the day God scroll's you up
With awe men's voices rise,
Oh stellar view within my sight
Thy Beauty pure and true
God showed a fraction of His own
When He created you,
God's Glory bright, none can compare
Eternal Grace Divine
All Glory, Power, Honor, Love
Oh Lord is Truly Thine,
Someday I'll soar among the stars
When from this earth I'm free
Oh Holy Savior King Divine
When Thou shall come for me.
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FOREVER A SONG
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Walking through fields
Laced with white
Harvesting souls
By Heaven's Pure Light
Spreading the gospel
Of Christ on the tree
Showing to All
He's Risen and Free
Living Forever
With Jesus our King
Over In Glory
Eternal We'll Sing
A song of Salvation
A song of Great Love
Forever Singing
To Christ up above
Kneeling In Heaven
To Never Know Loss
For on the earth
We Knelt At His Cross
Yes Caught In The River
Immersed In The Flood
Kneeling Forgiven
Washed Clean By His Blood.
_________________________________________________
This poem was inspired by a vision my Mother had.
One night in church, as the Holy Spirit moved with power, she saw what my feeble skills are attempting to describe.
IF NOTHING ELSE
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Engulfed within the arms of God
While lost within His praise
Believer's joined to form a bond
To learn His Holy ways.
Prayers rising towards His Throne
Steps of praise ascend
Blessings flow down from above
And with the praises blend.
Waves of light are flowing deep
Like His mighty bow
From God's Throne unto His Saints
Praising Him below.
Rapturous Joy within our souls
In His Presence all fear melts
And I know that this would be enough
If forever, nothing else.
To bask within His sweet embrace
To see His face divine
To know that just because He Lives
Eternal life is mine.
To feel His touch within my soul
His Eternal Holy Hand
One second worth a Million Years
In Canaan's Holy Land.
_________________________________________________
THE GREATEST GIFT
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
It started in the garden
Back in the days of old,
When Adam with a single bite
The souls of mankind sold.
Though he knew that it was wrong
He bit with great delight,
But as he chewed he felt the pain
As sin was born that night.
Cast out and made to till the earth
He labored night and day,
From God their contact was cut off
In sorrow they did lay.
Generations came and went
And God tried different plans,
But nothing worked to make it right
So God became a man.
Upon this earth He walked again
But not like as before,
His heart was heavy with each step
He knew what lay in store.
Raised upon on a rugged cross
By those He came to save,
Jesus Christ the Son of God
There His life then gave.
Three days in a borrowed tomb
He fought the battle well,
He took from satan all his keys
Then crashed the gates of hell!
Alive and well He Reigns On High
His Blood is your souls worth,
Oh come and kneel down at His Cross
Accept the second birth.
Be born again from death to Life
Beneath the cleansing flood,
Oh come accept the price He paid
Be covered by His Blood.
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SOMEONE HOLY
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Rugged cross, eternal loss
if on knee you do not kneel
Mournful weeping, bound chain keeping
for the lost, the bells do peal
Cauldrons boiling, bound mind toiling
to the beat of sinful drums
Demons teaming, in fear screaming
for Someone Holy, this way comes,
Knees upon the Holy ground
beneath the rugged cross
A touch from Holy nail pierced hand
that soul to not know loss
For just one drop would be enough
as Holy Blood Christ Shed
But my Dear Lord did Give It All
Then Rose Up From the Dead,
Trumpet sounding, saved heart pounding
as we meet Him in the air
Much tears seeping, lost souls weeping
on knees they sob, in great despair
Witness now, show them how
be the good and faithful ones
For you know, they'll go below
as Someone Holy, this way comes.
_________________________________________________
THE TEST
As I started to write this poem, I thought of all the people down through the years I have heard talk about what they are going to say when they stand before Almighty God.
I pictured in my mind all of the souls standing before His Throne, waiting for their chance to answer the question,
"WHY SHOULD I LET YOU IN?"
I saw Him in my mind, Fierce, Awesome, Holy and knew that no one on that day will be able to say anything.
What can a mere human say to God? What can a person who was born sinful flesh and who died sinful flesh, say to God?
Nothing!
Our terror and fear will be so great on that day that we will not be able to mutter anything but Guilty.
Then, as I saw myself standing there before Almighty God, cowering and literally scared to death, I felt something stir from deep within.
Slowly the Blood that Jesus Christ poured upon me the day I knelt at His Cross, made its way through my fear and spoke in my behalf.
Instead of the Judgment I deserve I was shown Mercy and Grace.
THE TEST
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
Summoned to the Holy throne
I slowly forward walk
All the Hosts that's gathered round
quickly cease their talk
Every eye upon my face
I strive to catch my breath
His Holiness so Fierce and Pure
I sense my coming death
"State Your Plea," His voice roars out
and burns within my soul
"Why should Heaven be your home?
To Hell You All should go."
I trembled weak, I could not stand
and fell upon my face
I tried to speak, but all my thoughts
were lost in deepest space
His Awesome Presence floods my mind
His Anger Ages Old
I felt the Verdict would be death
my hopes for life ran cold
Then deep inside I felt it grow
it swept out like a flood
My fear now gone, I spoke this phrase
"I'm Washed In Jesus' Blood.
I bear His marks upon my soul
I wear His Holy Name,"
I looked into the eyes of God
"In Christ I Have No Blame."
His rage abates as there I stand
"Well Done," He whispers low
"Enter In My Child, Well Done
Your Sins Are White As Snow."
"Next," the Holy voice cries out
the waiting, sore are stressed
The next in line walks towards the Throne
to take the Holy Test
To pass or fail, prepare right now
Let Jesus Make You Whole
For Just The Blood of Christ Can Speak
that day, To Save Your Soul.
_________________________________________________
HOMEWARD BOUND
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
The sound of Old Been, our big leghorn rooster, penetrated my sleep laden brain and slowly pulled me awake.
"Good Morning Lord," I said looking out the window into the misty grayness of early dawn, "This could be the day."
The smell of bacon, eggs, toast and coffee drifted through the house and as I made my way to the kitchen I could hear the joyful sounds of my wife singing as she cooked. We sat together and as we slowly ate, we watched the Sun cast it's first rays over the eastern horizon.
"How beautiful," I said mesmerized by the glorious view, "Such beauty on earth, just think how glorious the sights of Heaven must be."
"I want to go home," my wife said, tears gently rolling down her face, "I want to go home so bad I can taste it."
"I know dear," I said placing my arm around her and drawing her close, "I want to go home to and soon we will, I'm sure."
After the breakfast dishes were washed dried and put away, we walked hand in hand along our little trail through the woods. We Walked into the clearing where our private chapel, (a magnificent silver maple with it's arms stretched up towards heaven), stood.
The Roots on the eastern side of the tree had grown above ground and formed a natural prayer bench, complete with a thick carpet of moss on which to kneel. We knelt as usual, hand in hand and began to pray for the lost souls who filled the world beyond our little piece of heaven.
Tears flowed freely as we mentioned those we knew by name and as we prayed for those we didn't, then as we lost ourselves in the presence of our Eternal King our souls leaped within us for joy.
The sound came from everywhere, piercing the very essence of time and space. Sounds of Rapturous Joy flooded from every corner of the planet as all the Redeemed Received New Bodies; and as the last echo of the Trumpet faded, we were Homeward Bound.
_________________________________________________
INTEREST COMPOUNDED
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
A soul led to The Master
Sin's darkness washed away,
Angels sing a glorious song
As sinners here do pray.
An entry on your bank account
In heaven up above,
As you at the Cross of Jesus
Lead a sinner to Gods Love.
A sermon you are preaching
Though not a word you speak,
Your actions though, do shout aloud
And all the world does peek.
They see your silent gestures
Towards man or God above,
Your actions show your state of mind
And just how much you love.
Each soul you lead to Jesus' Cross
Draws interest of its own,
Each one that's led to Saving Grace
Twill gather round His Throne.
And someday when we stand before
The King who Set Us Free,
He'll hug us tight and say "Well Done"
Compounded interest from The King.
_________________________________________________
ODE TO A SCREAM
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
There are many types of screams heard all around the world.
Children scream for joy
They also scream for fear,
And then as all you parents know
If Bro. Or Sis. Is near.
Screams of pain around the world
Screams of hunger too,
Screams still fading by the tracks
Of departure "I love yous"
Roller coaster screams up high
And when they come back down,
Screams of laughter mixed with tears
While watching funny clowns.
But someday coming soon my friends
A different scream you'll live,
If in life to Jesus Christ
Your life you did not give.
Now today (could this be you?)
Many souls shall die,
They will find that they were wrong
And then for mercy cry.
But while you've breath, while still alive
Today you must now choose,
For without the Blood of Jesus Christ
Eternal Terror's Scream you'll loose.
Flames that sear your tortured soul
Forever you will burn,
As Horror's Scream escapes your lips
As in Torments Fire you churn.
And you will know it is your fault
You chose this to receive,
For on Jesus Christ The Risen Lamb
You did not believe.
Oh quench Eternal Torments Scream
Right now, Right Here, Today,
Accept the Gift that God did give
For sin Your Debt To Pay.
Pray, "Dear Jesus I believe
You're the Lamb, the Lord, my King,
I place myself before Your Cross
Here all my sins I bring.
Please wash sins stain of guilt away
Make me Lord brand new,
Help me Lord to bring the lost
Precious Lord to you.
Give me strength to stand against
The snares of worldly sin,
Keep me pure by Thy Blood
Lord wash me white within."
If you believe and ask The Lord
He'll wash you clean today,
Then Torments Scream you'll never know
In Christ's presence you shall stay.
But, if you refuse His Precious Gift
If His Holy Blood You Spurn,
You will remember every word
As Eternal friend, you burn.
_________________________________________________
AT THE CROSS
by
Rev. S.R. Elwood
At the cross where Jesus touched me
At His feet my sins I lay,
On that hill of terrible suffering
Where the Price for sin He paid.
On my face before my Master
Just one touch Oh Lord I plead,
Then His Holy Blood swept o'er me
Washed me clean and filled my need.
Guiding souls to old Mount Calvary
Where upon my Jesus Died,
On the Cross raised high and watching
My lost wretched soul He spied.
Then He called my name so sweetly
As with pain His Blood Did Flow,
There I knelt before my Jesus
And was Washed as White as Snow.
As His Holy Blood Swept Through me
Oh my Lord What Sweet Release,
As His Holy Blood Swept Through me
All my fear was turned to Peace.
Then I stood beside The Master
Outside the tomb so stark and bare,
Then I stood beside Him in Heaven
Forever Home, Eternal There.
___________________________________________________________
All the writings in the pages of this website are the creation and property of Rev. S.R. Elwood unless otherwise marked as used by permission from another author. They are protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States of America and International Copyright Treaties. The Poetry and Sermons may be copied for Personal Use ONLY.
Any musicical group wishing to use any of my poetry and/or songs my contact me for permission to do so.
With legal written permission, any group using my writing to spread the Gospel through song may charge admission and/or sell copies of any recordings they make. All money made is to be put back into that group (for expenses, equipment, and whatever else the group needs to complete its Ministry. 10% of any money made from the words I have been given by the Holy Spirit must be given to another group or Church for the purpose of reaching souls so the Ministry will receive an extra blessing for faithful use of money made from the permission of use) all money must be used for the sole purpose of reaching souls for Christ Jesus.
Any conversion of afore mentioned funds to self gain will constitute a breach which will nullify the permission of use. At that point the person and/or persons are stealing from the Kingdom of God and must explaine to the Father why they used words provided by the Holy Spirit that were meant to call the lost to Christ Jesus and instead used them to fill their pockets instead of the Kingdom of God.
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Jesucristo es Señor de todo, Pero, usted Lo ha hecho Señor de su vida
* * * * * *
Jésus Christ est le Seigneur de tout, Mais, vous L'avez fait le Seigneur de votre vie
* * * * * *
Ist Jesus Christus Herr von allen, Aber haben Sie Ihn Herr Ihres Lebens gemacht
* * * * * *
Christ di Jesus è il Signore di tutto il, Ma, lei L'ha fatto il Signore della sua vita
* * * * * *
Is jesus Christus Heer van alle, Maar hebt u aan Hem Heer van je leven gemaakt
* * * * * *
Jesus cristo é Senhor de todo, Mas, fezê-lO Senhor de seua vida
* * * * * *
Jesus Christ er Lord av all, But, har De laget Him Lord av Deres liv
* * * * * *
耶稣·基督是全部的勋爵，但是，你使了他成为你的生活的勋爵吗
* * * * * *
耶穌‧基督是全部的勛爵，但是，你使了他成為你的生活的勛爵嗎
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