This portfolio of poems, songs, writings, and visual imagery communicates the blessings of God's benevolence and uncovers the wonders God has placed on our plate. In The Wonder of it All, author Roger Goodman shares the rewards and reveals the fruits of seeking God's attention. The Wonder of it All reflects Goodman's life journey as he traveled from spiritual negativism and depression, to hope, and to greater understanding of God's wondrous gifts and life's true purpose. The journey took him from frustration and confusion to confidence in his faith. Through poems, hymns, and scriptures, this compilation provides insight into faith, prayer, sin, salvation, forgiveness, redemption, love, blessings, the wonders of nature, and peace. Accented with colorful stained glass art created by Goodman, The Wonder of it All serves to inspire a deep gratitude for God's creative genius and celebrates Christ's redemptive grace. Through words and pictures Goodman instills a sense that there is hope for all on the horizon. Through Christ there is everlasting hope.

The Wonder of it All

By Roger A. Goodman

Trafford Publishing

Copyright © 2011 Roger A. Goodman
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4269-2318-0

Contents

Free As An Eagle To Praise God................................vThe Winds Of The Spirit.......................................vDedication....................................................viiAcknowledgments...............................................ixWhere Is The Money Going?.....................................ixPREFACE WHY THIS BOOK.........................................xixCHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.......................................1CHAPTER 2: SEARCHING PASSAGE..................................11CHAPTER 3: GOD. THE INVISIBLE ONE.............................20CHAPTER 4: SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION...............................46CHAPTER 5: IN THE WOODS WITH GOD'S GIFTS......................63CHAPTER 6: HURRAY ! IT'S SPRING TIME..........................85CHAPTER 7: FAITH..............................................93CHAPTER 8: LORD HEAR MY PRAYERS...............................113CHAPTER 9: APPROACHING SALVATION..............................129CHAPTER 10: CHRIST JESUS REDEMPTIVE POWER.....................149CHAPTER 11: THE GREATEST GIFT EVER............................183CHAPTER 12: LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH.......................199CHAPTER 13: A GLORIOUS SUNSET.................................213CHAPTER 14: AS A MAN THINKETH.................................237CHAPTER 15: THE END-CLOSING THOUGHTS..........................261CHAPTER 16: THE GIFT OF SCIENCE...............................306REFERENCES: BOOKS AND AUTHORS.................................313

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

As we look through the window of "The Wonder of it all" we discover many things about God's creative genius, His love and mercy through the grace of His redemptive powers. Our intuition should make us aware of the fact that there exists an author greater than us and that a spirit emanates from that source influencing our daily lives. The mind is made for exploration as evidenced by a look at history, educational systems and the development of people with ideas revealing their genius. The human mind has and always will have the desire to probe into God's Creation and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Out of such exploration emerges greater insight to "The Wonder of it all." One must engage in order to encounter that which surrounds us as well as that which is invisible, seeking, searching, probing or exploring the vastness of God's Domain. Out of this is a path leading to trust and faith in God's forecast for a promised land. God gave us our mind, body, heart and soul to be programmed as an investment to reveal and spread God's message. Scripture: John 4:48 "Jesus said, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will in no way believe". Christ is the body of the church, however, without us the church could not function. That challenge and responsibility has been assigned to Christians to magnify and glorify His sovereignty. Through us the church is active in the world. It is our responsibility to open "The Book of Life." Such inquires require a quiet place, patience, and the ability to focus and concentrate on God's gifts. Even prayer enters the picture, opening the heart and mind to embrace the "Wonders of it all." Rather than let dictums govern our thinking, incorporate the practice of imagination. Imagination brings into play and view a more realistic interpretation of God's creative genius and His redemptive grace, thereby serving as cohesive elements to bind the various aspects of faith together. It solidifies and weaves the fabric of faith as a pathway to follow and cross the bridge into the out stretched arms of our Lord. It is a walk through reality, yet, it guides us like a compass as we travel through our episodes of life on earth.

We were made in the image of God. To infuse that into our daily living, not only requires exploration, but imagination as well. Self image as well as robbing ourselves in an image to please our maker. He gave birth to our image. Reflection on how we become that image and how that image transforms us takes shape over time. Jesus made us aware that our thinking processes are integral to establishing a positive relationship with the Father of our being. The 1st commandment gives us a clue to one of the most important ingredients to satisfy God's expectations needed in our devotional life. The commandments tell us to love thy God and love thy neighbor as they self. This sets the stage and essentially says " If you love me, receive my grace and tell your neighbors." To become a genuine Christian, requires a transformation of values and attitude, including modification of ones self image. A mind that is willing to be molded to become Christ like. The key is willingness, taking the initiative to open the mind, heart, and soul to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us permitting God to perform His work. It is not an immediate injection of mature faith, for like any discipline it is acquired in stages. God knows that and sympathizes with our struggles. An Olympic runner doesn't run a world record the first time he steps on the track to compete. A teacher, lawyer, or doctor doesn't become a certified professional until his mind has been trained to perform his specialty. In God's eyes, Christians are His elect, however, there is a preparedness necessary to take on the assignment of Christianity. It is the infusion of a spirit outside ourselves that transforms us so that we may think and conduct ourselves like Christ. Such characterization and actions are revealed through our thoughts and actions on a daily basis. Ideas that are grounded in what God offers us through His word, discovery of gifts granted through His creative genius and the realization (revelation) of redemption through the spiritual power of His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, do not be afraid to engage the freedom of imagination as it applies to God's wonders, for it holds promises for all the tomorrows. Until a person becomes aware of God and His providence for each of us, our soul will decay and wither into a useless body not worthy of God's attention. Bones will simply dry white, rather than a creation wrapped in worthiness to be granted that which Jesus proclaimed as our birth right and be crowned with his glory for eternity. The final episode of "The Wonder of it All". It is to reap the harvest of God's grace, love, mercy and freedom to live eternally in peace. Wow! To live forever in the Kingdom of God. What a grand vision full of great expectations. Hopefully, this will help you to scan the panoramic view of God's works.

Each person has the same unadulterated right to accomplish what has been presented in this re'sume' of thoughts. Let your mind explore God's gifts. Lay captive each clue God whispers through "The Wonder of it All" for it will eventually yield the true nature of God. Lay claim to what is your birthright. As evidenced in this collection of thoughts there are several ways by which we can explore the mastery of God's ways. Don't be afraid to set pen to paper letting God know your most intimate thoughts. Whether it be scribed in words, composed in a song, the rhythm of a poem, or letting the hands speak by fabricating stained glass images to reveal visionary ideas, God will listen, he will acknowledge and appreciate knowing you as an individual. He will not cast you out, nor should any faithful Christian brother/sister. The more we explore, the more we'll discover ourselves as well as Jesus Christ.

There is a reason for the resurrection of our Lord. It is free, claim...