"God Our Refuge"
Written: Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023
By: Matthew Krogstad / Song: "Leaving Earth" By: Jordan Critz
Book: "Kiss the Wave" By: Dave Furman

Dark clouds fill my room,
my place of sojourning a tomb.
Held by warped schemes,
yet, from heavens bosom His love streams.

Removed was my nearest friend,
I, an object of loathing to them.
Deserted I have been,
lo, not taken; this peace within.

My frame weary from this chamber,
sunshine is void in this pit of danger.
Yet, His new mercies are my dawn,
Thine blessed presence has not gone.

What day is it? When will I know?
Tis this the door to my Father`s abode?
Take ye care of my wife and young,
tell them of Whom I am among.

This cup is set before thy servant,
thy love begets His called to be fervent.
Therefore, I drink with gladness,
in pain, yet, not a slave to sadness.

This prison is my banquet of bliss,
these wave of affliction I can only kiss.
Received from the hand of Divine Love,
my lot to mold for thy world above.

Signed in walls of preparation,
ye, near the day of seeing my Salvation.
Locked in by bars surrounding,
yet, I hear the Hosts` victory call resounding!

"Salvation Belongs to the Lord"
Written: December 18th, Monday, 2023
By: Matthew Krogstad / Song: "Eclipse" and "A Ripple in Time" By: Jordan Critz

From the deep, my cry goes forth in distress,
believing my sight shall soon be restored.
Day and night this world gives me no rest,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

I call your Name while waves confine,
O God, your steadfast love I implore.
Waves of distress sent to refine,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

In darkness my life was ebbing away,
yet, remembering You, my prayer soared.
From Your temple You did not delay,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

In Him, my soul finds redemption`s claim,
the anthem of my heart, forevermore.
The deep bars no longer hold my frame,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

In the darkest night, where fears tarry,
my hope in the steadfast Anchor was stored.
Birthed was the song my soul will carry,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

Amidst the tempest, Your works performed.
In your likeness my soul is adorned,
and in this truth my heart now warmed,
"Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

"Praise in All Things"
Written: December 28th, Thursday, 2023
By: Matthew Krogstad / Songs (used with permission):
"Fairest Lord Jesus" By: Poor Bishop Hooper and "A Ripple in Time" By: Jordan Critz

Under the cloud of night, a courage unfurls,
a refuge found, supplying precious pearls.
Though the dark is sown from night to dawn,
from His word, a greater light doth spawn.

Outside these bars are the noises of hell,
lifted aloud is the wicked`s brutish yell.
Nearer still the Voice that doth declare,
"there`s victory even in the darkest lair."

The storms rage, hearing sounds of doom,
yet, within these walls there`s a sacred room.
Decked with praise, hear the prison resound,
its members see His glory and astound!

In the face of torment, trials, and pain,
our joy is the word of the Lord who reigns.
Praise will arise, no matter what befalls,
He is worthy, even amidst prison walls.

Behind the bars of despair`s cruel cell,
are mysteries of grace left for us to tell.
"I will never leave thee nor forsake,"
this unwavering love is ours to partake.

Within these walls lies a solace tune,
a whisper telling: "you`ll be home soon."
No telling what this darkness brings,
yet, in it we learn to praise in all things.

"A Voice is Heard Throughout the Land"
Written: December 15th, Friday, 2023
By: Matthew Krogstad

A voice is heard throughout the land,
'Heaven to earth was brought!'
Come see, ye, people! Take my hand,
behold your Christ, whom the Father begot.

Tis this the Joy for all the people?
Glory to God! He`s here! He`s here!
Rise up cold heart; go to the steeple!
Hear the choir proclaim with cheer!

My God and my Savior, come as a child!
A righteousness hid now made manifest,
this day God to man has smiled.
From His bosom came Heaven`s Rest.

The Bright Morning Star in faithfulness came,
promised to us from long days ago.
His hand of love toward us to claim,
an eternal beacon of mercies overflow!

This Gift profound, a timeless exchange,
heaven and earth have met in this place.
Hearts to ponder this Love so strange,
the manger sings songs of celestial grace.

In this hallowed moment, hearts unite,
a loud symphony of grace and mirth.
Bathed in the glow of Heaven`s Light,
a serenade of Love`s miraculous birth.

Joy is born, a heavenly decree,
righteousness and peace come together.
Worship, rejoice, and let every knee,
bow in praises to Christ the King, forever.

"Heaven and All Its Host Stood Silent"
Written: May 9th, Tuesday, 2023
By: Matthew Krogstad / Song: "lles" By: Jordan Critz

Heaven and all its host stood silent,
wonder of wonders before their sight.
Mockers stand enraged and violent,
As heavens Light is thrown into night.

Heaven grew faint as He climbed the hill,
The Father`s Delight approaching the curse.
All the angels stand silent and still,
As Judgment`s shadow is sent to immerse.

Heaven`s host gazing down and mute,
its Prince hanging below its view.
All their eyes watching the Father impute,
eternal wrath upon the Faithful and True.

Heaven is stilled seeing the Silent Lamb,
willfully embrace condemnations reward.
Revealed that day was the Father`s plan,
Christ, in the gap of Judgment`s sword.

Heaven once silent now stands to rejoice,
for the Fountain of Life died not in vain.
Oh, all you redeemed lift up your voice,
Christ is raised, thus we believe in His name!

Wickedness looms high in my view,
Where, oh, where are you tears?
Shadows deepen, and troubles new,
Where, oh, where are you tears?

My soul bowed down in the cold of the morn,
Where, oh, where are you tears?
Full to the brim, infinite sorrows borne,
Where, oh, where are you tears?

My soul is bowed low for a weak love of Thee,
Where, oh, where are you tears?
Sorrows grow as my heart’s vanity I see,
Where, oh, where are you tears?

O, the bottomless depth of deceit,
Where, oh, where are you tears?
Where infinite sin and dry eyes meet,
Where, oh, where are you tears?

Words falter, as my guilt doth grow,
Where, oh, where are you tears?
A language strained, uttering woe!
Where, oh, where are you tears?

Yet, from the valley I see a hill,
Whilst seeing flowers bud all around;
Twas in this moment my heart went still,
Beholding One there who sin hath crowned.

Ah! The green valley of humiliation,
Tis the place leading to The Tree;
I felt one tear cry, “behold, Thy Salvation!”
Another tear cry, “He died for me.”

Though tears were found, I saw my fault,
Relying on them for hope to impart;
Sorrow and tears, no place to exalt,
Only a strong hold on my Savior’s heart.