When I Stop Praying (Poem)

 

When I Stop Praying

When I stop praying - my whole life falls apart,
No joy thrills my soul, no peace fills my heart,
My compassion soon dies and my desires are not met,
The future seems uncertain, and there's no end of debt.

When I stop praying - it is obvious, the Lord I have not sought,
I have not seen Him work in my life and heart as I ought,
The things that I loathe about myself are still there,
And the plans that I am making are castles built on the air.

When I stop praying - I have let reign fear and doubt,
I have taken the reins of my life and left the Master out;
To other Christians and the world, I have let it be known
That I am prideful and think I can do it all on my own.

When I stop praying - it's obvious to the Lord that I fell
From my own steadfastness while others are on their way to Hell,
I am not standing in the gap, nor caring for the lost,
I am not plucking brands from the fire, nor counting the cost.

When I start praying again - the reverse is quite true,
I have moved my eyes off of myself and put them back upon You,
Claiming God's promises, seeing hearts and lives truly changed,
With a burden for souls, my priorities are rearranged.

When I start praying - answered prayers are only part of the story,
Now my mind is transformed, and I am living for God's glory,
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the word on my lips,
And my soul is grieved when I let an opportunity slip.

When I start praying - Jesus is precious to my soul,
My heart is no longer broken, but perfectly whole,
Fellowship with my Lord is wonderfully sweet
As my life is filled with victory instead of defeat.

When I start praying - there are riches that are waiting to be found,
Joy fills my heart, and the peace of God does abound,
The Word of God opens up like a bounteous treasure chest;
As the burdens are lifted, I am secure in my haven of rest.

December 24th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.
Charles Spurgeon

Fervency is the fire on the altar of your heart
that burns the incense of prayer
and sends the sweet-smelling savour up to God.
Jerry Bouey

I was not looking at the little in hand, but at the fullness of God.
George Mueller, when his needs were great and the supply small

I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all;
but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.
Martin Luther

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
William Carey

All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God
because they reckoned on His being with them.
Hudson Taylor

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Jude 22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

Tell The World About Jesus (Song)

 

Tell The World About Jesus

The light is shining in the darkness,
but can this lost world see?
Can they see the glorious light
of Jesus Christ shining through me?
We are the light of this dark world,
but is our light still glowing bright,
Are we separated from the darkness,
do we stand out in the night?

(Chorus)
Let's tell them all about Jesus
and His love for their precious souls;
Let's tell them how He died,
and how through faith they can be made whole;
Let's tell them He arose in triumph,
victorious over the grave;
Let's tell them all about the Saviour,
for the debt's already been paid.

Are we the salt of this world,
do we create a thirst for Him?
Do we still offer the solution
to the souls scarred from sin?
Can they really see the difference
that Jesus Christ has made in me?
Have you told others about the Saviour
who died to make them free?

Let's tell the world about Jesus,
let's tell them the Gospel story;
Let's bring this message to the lost,
let's tell them for our Father's glory;
Let's love our neighbours sincerely,
and love the Lord with all our heart;
Let's love others by sharing the Gospel -
that's the only place to start!

May 19th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

And He said unto them,
Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15

For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

The Road - A Story In Four Parts (Poem)

Here is one of my earlier Christian poems told in the form of a story or allegory. Perhaps it will cause someone else to think about what road they are on in life: the Broad Way or the Narrow Way. If you are not sure you what road you are on, please make sure you are on the Narrow Road by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

The Road - Part One
The Rearview Mirror

There's a little Narrow Road that leads to life.
You drive on past and say, "This is nice.
This wide eight-laned Highway is just great!"
Shifting gears, you speed on past the Narrow Gate.

You head off into the distance,
Down this winding Highway;
On the roadside a sign is posted -
What does it say?

"Destruction Ahead."
Boy, you think, someone can't spell.
This road is paved much too smoothly
To lead anyone to Hell.

You glance quickly into your rearview mirror,
But the Narrow Road can no longer be seen.
With your foot on the gas pedal,
You pour on the power to this pleasure machine.

This is so perfect - this life, you think,
Giving no thought to Him,
So many roadside attractions
Catering to your every whim...

The Road - Part Two
The Crash

So many drug-filled days
And pleasure-filled nights,
You're so blinded by the darkness,
You can't even see the Light.

You've been on this Highway so long,
But the days are all the same,
You sample more perverse pursuits
To try to deaden the pain.

Suddenly, on the side of the road
You see an awful flash.
One of those pleasure mobiles
Has started to crash.

A terrible ball of fire,
An intense wave of heat,
Then a bright vehicle pulls over -
So shiny and sleek.

A heavenly being slowly steps out;
He seems to be glowing from within.
He pulls open the door of the wreckage,
And takes the shaking driver with him.

For a second, you glimpse the driver's face,
But you can't understand the awful look of fright.
The heavenly being was so beautiful -
Who could ever be afraid of an Angel of Light?

You hear a hoarse scream
As they drive out of sight,
Disappearing forever
Into the darkest night.

The Road - Part Three
The Stranger

Somehow, this life doesn't fill you -
It leaves you hungry and cold;
Thirsting for something more,
Yet feeling empty and old.

You've tried everything life has to offer,
But nothing really satisfies;
Vanity of vanities,
This whole world is filled with lies!

Without hope, you drive slower...
It's hard to steer with these tears in your eyes.

Ahead, you see a Man standing by the roadside,
Shouting, "Come, buy and eat. Living Water for sale."
Your mind screams to drive on by,
But the aching hunger prevails.

When you approach The Stranger, He says,
"What I offer is free." In His hand is a glass.
But before you can sip the cool liquid,
He has something to ask.

"Are you willing to come to Me,
And from evil refrain?
If you drink this cup that I give you,
You need never thirst again."

"For this Water of Life
Someone had to die.
It was bought with a price -
That price was I."

"If you take My yoke upon you,
You'll find that My burden is light.
You must depart from your sinful ways,
And turn away from the night."

In your mind's eye you can see
Three crosses standing on a hill;
And hear the middle Man shouting,
"It is finished!" and then all is still.

Three dark days later,
In the early morning gloom,
You see that the stone is rolled away
From Jesus' empty tomb.

"He is not here... He is risen,"
A voice suddenly cries;
You then turn to meet The Stranger
With a startled look of surprise.

The Road - Part Four
The Narrow Gate

You accept The Stranger's offer,
Trusting in His sacrifice by faith;
Believing He alone is the Saviour,
And that He died in your place.

His blood has cleansed you forever,
And wiped all your sin away;
Out of gratitude and love,
You start down the Narrow Way.

You leave the Broad Highway -
Now it no longer beckons to you.
As you walk through the Narrow Gate,
You see a wonderful view:

Not a Road strewn with roses;
Instead, it's filled with trials and pain,
But there's hope in the midst of it all,
Peace and joy again.

You look for the Lord Jesus,
And see He is walking there beside you.
You grasp His nail-scarred hands,
And whisper, "Thank you."

August 31, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 

Inexpressible (Poem)

 

Inexpressible

Inexpressible, formless, unutterable...
What my heart wants to say to You.
Inside, the words aren't flowing right,
I offer You a glimpse - the barest view.
What Your love means to my heart,
I can only share the smallest part.

Inexpressible, formless, unutterable...
To my heart - these words are priceless,
But I can't reach inside to pull them out;
What I'm feeling so real, I can't express.
Oh Your love for me means so very much -
When I try to grasp these words ...
They slip right out of touch.

Inexpressible - the very words I long to say...
Formless - they don't come together the right way...
Unutterable - I can only offer You my heart,
And let Your Spirit read each and every part...

Maybe my heart can reveal the prayer
That is locked deep within;
This prayer I send to You.
The love that You gave to me,
I long to share;
I long to give these words to You.

Inexpressible, formless, unutterable...

August 20th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:16

And hope maketh not ashamed;
because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts
by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:5

I Love You, Lord (Poem)

 

I Love You, Lord

I love You, Lord -
Oh help me to see
How infinitely precious
I am to Thee.

Help me to rest
In Your tender care;
Believing in faith,
And trusting in prayer.

Help me say "no" to myself
And "yes" to Your will;
My mind totally yielded,
My heart quiet and still.

Change me, Oh Lord,
Tame what is wild;
Transform my life,
Grant me faith like a child.

January 23, 1997
Jerry Bouey

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

I Know (Poem)

 

I Know

I get up each morning and I start each day
I think about You and I start to pray
And I know, I know
Everything’s going to work out fine.

I shower and dress with my mind above
I know You’re near and I feel Your love
I believe, I believe
You are in control.

I put on Your armour to face the foe
I don shoes of peace and I start to go
I follow, follow You
You will light my way.

I head out the door upon my way
Oh Lord God, what can I say?
I know, I know
I’m resting in Your arms.

I persevere even if the day seems dark
Because in my heart I can feel the spark
Of Your love, Your love
Fills me more each day.

May 5th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Ephesians 6:13-18 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

God's Everlasting Token (Poem)

God’s Everlasting Token

Adopted into God’s family, you are precious and close to His heart;
You’ve been graven upon His very hands; He will never leave you nor depart.
Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, with ink that can never fade away.
You were bought with the spotless blood of Christ, you are kept preserved until that day.

You are a new creature in Christ Jesus, born again by the Spirit of God;
Changed by His grace into a vessel of honour, justified and washed in His blood.
Held tightly by the Father and the Son - nothing can pluck you out of their hands.
Safe and secure in the Lord Jesus Christ; He is the sure Rock on which you stand.

Jesus shed His sinless blood for you - on Calvary, the price has been fully paid;
Sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, the downpayment has already been made.
You have an inheritance and riches saved - in Heaven, reserved and kept in store;
Everything you could ever want is in Jesus - all your deepest needs and more.

Continuing the work begun in you, nothing can separate you from His love.
The only life God gives is eternal - He declares that from His throne above.
You will never perish, nor be cast aside - He gives you this everlasting token:
He will keep each promise made to you - tested and tried, His Word cannot be broken!

November 19th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Part of my 2024 Christmas Project.
Dedicated to Craig.)

Following are many of the main passages that teach eternal security for the born again believer who has placed their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation. I have basically posted them below in the order each idea or passage is referred to in the poem. If you are unsure what the Bible says about whether salvation is eternal or not, please prayerfully read through this long list and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through His Word. Let your doubt drive you to the Word of God, so you can be sure of your salvation.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary gives the following as one of its definitions of token:
A memorial of friendship; something by which the friendship of another person is to be kept in mind.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Isaiah 43:1-4  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:35, 38-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

2 Corinthians 1:18-20 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

John 10:35b …the scripture cannot be broken;

While I tried to mainly give only one passage of the Bible on each idea or theme covered above, there are so many more passages of Scripture about how the Lord Jesus Christ saves and keeps His own. Search the Scriptures and see. If you are a believer and have trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, believe His promises by faith - put on the helmet of salvation (which guards your mind), and use the shield of faith (which protects you from Satan's fiery darts).

Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:16-17  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Don't let the Devil steal away or cast doubt on what the Lord has said in His Word. God is true, and that old Serpent is a liar!

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Choose to believe and trust in the Lord God and His Word, and receive that assurance that only the Holy Spirit can give to you as you walk with Jesus and abide in His Word!

John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

A Bruised Reed (Poem)

 

A Bruised Reed

I feel so bruised and so battered;
These burdens are too much for me.
Weighed down and heavy laden with struggles,
I’m overwhelmed by the darkness I can see.

My fire seems to flicker and falter,
At times I am afraid it may go out.
This pain inside seems so strong today -
Oh, why must I stumble and doubt?

There’s a mustard seed of faith in my heart.
At times it doesn’t seem to reach God’s throne above;
But when I cry out from the depths in desperation,
A still small voice inside whispers of Your love.

When I’m sinking, Your arms reach down towards me;
In gentleness, You rescue my soul from the mire.
You lift me up and set my feet upon solid ground again;
In Your lovingkindness, You lift me up even higher.

Though I’m a bruised reed, You will not break me.
Your mercy and compassion heal my soul.
Though this smoking flax seems to almost be quenched,
By Your tenderness and grace, You make me whole.

You gently lead me in the paths of Your Word;
In righteousness and truth, You light my way.
When my strength falters and feels so weak inside,
You remind me, Your strength is renewed day by day.

When all I can do is weakly murmur, “Help, Lord!”
I know from the depths of my heart, You hear my cry.
There’s a stirring of simple hope in this soul of mine,
I know You’ll lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!

November 13th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Psalms 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

Matthew 12:17-21 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Psalms 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Is Your All On The Altar? (Hymn)

 Is Your All On The Altar?
(Lyrics by Elisha A. Hoffman)

You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Chorus:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Like A River Glorious (Hymn)

Like A River Glorious
(Lyrics:Frances Havergal)

Like a river glorious, is God s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Open Doors (Poem)

 

Open Doors

In every person’s life, we find so many doors opened or closed;
The True Light shines out amongst us, which the darkness has always opposed.
Jesus is the only Saviour - He is the Way to Heaven’s shore.
For all the lost and scattered sheep, Jesus says, “Behold, I Am the Door.”

All we like sheep have gone astray, but the price has been fully paid;
On the cross of Calvary, all our iniquities on Him were laid.
Today is the day of salvation; oh, sinner, what are you waiting for?
The Saviour still is pleading - behold, He is knocking at your heart’s door.

Open doors and open windows, filled with many blessings from above.
“See how I will pour you out a blessing so there will always be enough.
Test Me now, and try Me, my child, claim all of these promises so true.
As you walk through these doors of ministry, know I will always be with you.”

One day soon, there’ll be a voice like a trumpet, and in the twinkling of an eye,
We will hear, “Come up hither,” and see our Saviour coming in the clouds of the sky;
We will be caught up together with Him and rise through Heaven’s open door -
Hallelujah, what glorious rapture to be forever with the Lord.

Praise the Lord for open doors.

November 3rd, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Faith Baptist Church,
for our 40th Church Anniversary)

Jesus Is The Door Of The Sheep

John 10:7, 9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep… I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

The Open Door Of Faith

Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

The Open Door To Ministry

1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Revelation 3:7-8 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

The Open Door To Preaching

2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

Colossians 4:2-4 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

The Open Door To Heaven (The Rapture)

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

The Open Door To Jesus’ Return

James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Matthew 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Going Through The Door (Poem)

 

Going Through The Door

I'm dying now, he thought, there's no one here to hold my hand -
No one but my Saviour, though I know He understands.
Times have sure been lonely, and my friends have gone away,
I sit here in my easy chair, waiting for the end of day.

My chest is hurting more now and the pain seems awful strong,
But there's a peace within me and on my lips a whispered song.
I try to reach for the phone now, but it seems too far away.
I want to call out to my wife but all I can do is pray.

There are no words coming forth, but my thoughts are racing fast;
In sweet silent meditation, I look back over my past.
Short of breath, I stop to wonder, "Was my life worth it all?"
Then I think of Jesus, and His loving Gospel call:

How He came to me and saved me, changed my heart from within,
How He purchased my full redemption and took away my sin.
Through many years of service, no, I've no regrets,
Because I have a home in Heaven that still awaits me yet.

A sudden sharp pain pricks me, and I slump down to the floor -
Now I can see all my loved ones that I knew had gone on before.
Look there is my beloved daughter, whom the fever took years ago,
And my precious little brother, who had that awful accident in the snow.

Oh, they look so bright and cheerful, how can this vision be true?
Then I remember that Jesus, my Saviour, was their Saviour too.
I reach out for my daughter and she stretches forth her hand,
And says, "Daddy, let's go see Jesus, and walk through Heaven's land."

I look all around me, but this old world seems mighty dim,
And then I see my Jesus, and my soul is awed by Him.
As I stand up to receive Him, into His arms I flee,
And the pain is gone forever, as my strength returns to me.

Dressed in robes of purest white, through pearly gates I walk along
Into the land of forever, with a joyous heart-felt song,
And see multitudes around me, praising and calling out His name,
With love in their hearts flowing, and their souls kindled flames.

I think about my darling wife now, and I know she will be home soon,
When she has finished running her course, for the Lord has prepared her room.
Face to face at last with Jesus, what a beauty our eyes can see,
And I am overwhelmed anew by the love my Saviour has for me.

December 13th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

(This poem is dedicated to my Dad. I miss you and know we will see each other again in glory.)

This is one of the few fictional poems I have written as a believer. Most are written to share Bible promises, to exhort others to trust the Lord in their trials, to express what I am going through, to put in emotional words what I am learning from God's Word - but this is one of the few that was just written as a "what if?" type of poem, sharing ideas I had read about that some other believers were going through at the end of their lives.

In April 2006, my relatives adapted this poem to be read at my Dad's memorial. They removed the fictional family references, but basically kept the rest. My Dad got saved about a year or two before he passed away. Part of this poem fits him - he passed away in another room by himself, stopped breathing, one second he was here, the next he was in glory. I am sure Jesus took him through the door to Heaven.

God Is So Gracious (Poem)

 

God Is So Gracious

God is so gracious, so good and so true;
Our eternal Father, He loves me and you.
He will bless us and keep us near Him forever -
Nothing on earth from His love can sever.

His praises ring out, joyous and free;
Removes the scales and helps us to see;
Filling us with peace, our minds and our hearts -
Love enters in, and sin soon departs.

Now a new creation through Jesus, the Son;
No more false idols, He's the only one.
A sacrificial Lamb, the Creator of love,
All gifts and true blessings He sends from above.

Jesus is Lord of all, through eternity,
Holy and mighty and righteous is He.
Through Him we live, our sins atoned,
Glory to Him who sits on the throne.

December 22, 1993
Jerry Bouey

Romans 8:35, 37-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

God Is In Control (Poem)

 

God Is In Control

God is in control;
Sometimes it’s hard to see.
It’s time we faced his reality.
God is supreme
In His sovereignty;
He is in control of eternity.

We reach for Him,
We try to grasp His hand;
He has made a way
Just like He planned.
His Son died for the sins of man;
He is our only sacrificial Lamb.

He paid the price;
He bore all our shame.
He gives life to those who
Believe on His name.
Take the free gift of God,
It’s yours to claim.
He will change your heart;
You will never be the same.

May 2nd, 1994
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah prophesying about the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Isaiah 53:1-6
Who hath believed our report?
and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of a dry ground:
he hath no form nor comeliness;
and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Acts 17:26-28a And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being…

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Freely Forgiven (Poem)

 

Freely Forgiven

Freely forgiven - Jesus counted the cost.
He loves you so much, even though you are lost.
Freely forgiven - Jesus paid the price,
Suffered in your place, He is your sacrifice.

Freely forgiven - But the price was so high.
Freely forgiven - The Son of God came to die.
Freely forgiven - Forgiveness won't cost you a thing.
Freely forgiven - Because, for you, Jesus gave everything.

Freely forgiven - Jesus gave His life for you.
He suffered for your sins - What will you do?
Freely forgiven - But it cost Jesus all.
He died to redeem you - Will you answer His call?

August 18th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Luke 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. 

Contend For The Faith (Poem)

 

Contend For The Faith

When this lost world wants to bring you down,
When the error of the wicked everywhere abounds,
Hold fast what you have, that no man take your crown.
Contend for the faith - you're standing on holy ground.

For the unsaved that God places in your path each day -
For the prodigal sons that have wandered astray -
Put on your Gospel Armour and enter the fray.
Contend for the faith - and fervently pray.

For the lost in a world that is reaching its end - contend!
For the precious souls of your loved ones and friends - contend!
Against a society that doesn't dare to "offend" - contend!
For the Truths on which eternal life depends - contend!

June 19th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 17-19 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Jerusalem - The City Of The Great King (Poem)

 

Jerusalem - The City Of The Great King

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
It’s the city of our Lord, where one day He will reign in majesty.
Though we do not see it now, this future will soon come to be -
So pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

When all things will be fulfilled, what glorious beauty will we behold;
Let us go to the city of our God, which He has chosen from of old.
We long to see your walls called salvation, and your gates called praise -
Where the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour, will rule and reign always.

A beautiful city not forsaken, where righteousness and truth abides;
A city filled forever with God’s presence, where His glory continually resides.
Jerusalem - peace flows like a river in this city of rejoicing;
All my springs are in you, oh Zion, the city of the Great King!

October 20, 2024
Jerry Bouey

There are so many promises in the Scriptures about Jerusalem, the city of God, and how it will be transformed during the Lord Jesus Christ's Millennial kingdom, when He is ruling from the throne of Israel, and when righteousness, truth and peace dwell within its walls. I can't wait to see the city of Jerusalem in that day!

Isaiah 2:1-5 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Micah 4:1-4 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

Psalms 48:1-2 A SONG AND PSALM FOR THE SONS OF KORAH. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Psalms 78:68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

Psalms 87:1-3 A PSALM OR SONG FOR THE SONS OF KORAH. His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

Psalms 87:5-7 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Psalms 122:6-7 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Isaiah 62:6-7 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

Isaiah 62:11-12 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Isaiah 65:17-25 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

Ezekiel 5:5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her.

Zechariah 8:3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

My Beloved Child (Poem)

 

My Beloved Child

Comfortless? Abandoned? No, I would never leave you that way.
You’re My child, and I love you. I’m watching over you each day.
Forsaken? Defenseless? Impossible - that could never be.
I’m with you every moment; oh, My dear child, can’t you see?

I will never leave you, nor forsake you - you have that promise from My heart.
You are walking close beside me, from you I will never, ever depart.
I will carry you safely in my arms, and beside you I will stand;
I could never leave you; oh, My child - you are graven upon my hands!

Though you struggle in the darkness, troubled at the trials you see,
I could never leave you comfortless; oh, My child, you matter to Me.
You are precious in My sight - I will never leave you alone;
I saved you by My might, and I will bring you safely home.

You are My child - that’s a promise, from that instant you knelt to pray;
When you received My Son as your Saviour, I adopted you that day.
Comfortless? Abandoned? No - from that moment on you were with Me.
I’m your Father - when you became My child, I adopted you for eternity!

October 17th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Christmas Project 2024,
Dedicated to Jen)

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Comfortless here is the Greek word orphanos. God will never leave you comfortless like a parent without a child.

Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Ephesians 1:4-6 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Romans 8:15-16 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Abba means “Daddy.” When you trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, believing that He shed His blood for you on the cross, that He died and rose again, God becomes your heavenly Father and adopts you as His child. Then He becomes your Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:4-6 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

God Is Still Upon His Throne (Poem)

 

God Is Still Upon His Throne

I know that there's a reason for the brokenness in me:
There's a purpose, there's a plan for all the things I see.
When I'm ready to give up and feel abandoned on the shelf,
Sometimes it's only just a matter of getting past myself.

Even through my trials, there’s a purpose in God’s plan:
There’s a higher will at work that does not depend on man.
When I bow to Your will, Father, all things fall into place.
One day at a time, running with patient hope in this race.

Putting my eyes back on the Lord, looking to Jesus alone.
Trusting fully in my Saviour; He’s made all my cares His own.
There’s a peace within my soul, for God is still upon His throne,
And I am secure in Him forever; my heart is safely home.

October 15th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Christmas Project 2024,
Dedicated to Craig Watson)

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Part of this poem was originally written on January 29th, 2010, but I found it saved in a folder on October 15th, 2024, and decided to use and adapt it as the first poem for this year's Christmas Project. May the finished poem be a blessing to you.)

How's Your View? (Poem)

 

How's Your View?

Have you taken a look at the Saviour?
Have you thought about His claims?
Have you peered within at your own sin,
And reflected upon His name?
"Thou shalt call His name Jesus,"
The angel Gabriel had proclaimed,
"He shall save His people from their sins" -
And they will never be the same.

Have you felt emptiness in your own life,
And realized there must be more?
Have you hungered for some meaning,
Wondering what the future held in store?
Like many lost souls searching,
Seeking in the Apostles' day,
"I would see Jesus" -
Is that what your heart would say?

Have your eyes glimpsed Christ crucified?
Have you beheld this wondrous view?
Have you rejected your own righteousness,
And accepted His sacrifice for you?
Have you meditated upon the Gospel,
Pondered it with the eyes of faith?
Have you laid aside the weight of your sin,
And chosen to run the race?

Is your vision clouded by the world,
With fears and troubles everywhere?
Are you held by chains of darkness?
Are you overwhelmed with despair?
Then take another look at Jesus,
And cast on Him all your care.
Put your eyes back on the Lord,
And win the victory through prayer.

Are you awaiting the Saviour's return,
Or is your heart set on worldly treasures?
Are you seeking the things of Heaven,
Or is your faith choked by earthly pleasures?
Are you walking closely with Jesus,
Living and abiding in His Word?
Is your sight purified by the blessed hope?
Are you eagerly looking for the Lord?

How's your view? Looking up?

December 14th, 1999
Jerry Bouey

The following are the Scripture verses originally put next to each verse of this poem.

Verse 1: Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:26, 31; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Verse 2: John 12:20-21

Verse 3: Galatians 3:1; Isaiah 64:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 12:1-2

Verse 4: Hebrews 2:7-9, 14-18; 1 Peter 5:7

Verse 5: Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-2; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 2:28-3:3

How Do I Remain Faithful? (Poem)

 

How Do I Remain Faithful?

In a darkened world that is rapidly racing toward the end,
I see many Christians compromising like it's the latest trend;
I know for God's truth, I must earnestly contend,
But, my dear friend, how do I remain faithful?

As the signs become clearer for God's children to see,
Lukewarm believers rush madly towards apostasy,
And this world beckons so alluringly to you and to me -
One question remains, how do I remain faithful?

Soon we'll have a one-world economy, a one-world religion;
Tolerance is the byword - they say it's their decision;
As worldly Christians quickly lose all conviction,
Tell me again, how do I remain faithful?

The world follows doctrines of devils, deception's so strong;
Some believers are so blind, they say that nothing's wrong,
But God's Word rings out deeply like a resounding gong,
And I wonder, how do I remain faithful?

Inside, I have no intention of walking away -
But how come the battle seems so strong today?
This world is calling me - I must look away,
And find everything I need in Him.

"Come out of their midst, My people, and live righteously,
I, your God, have chosen you from all eternity;
Keep My Word, My children, awaken and be free;
Blessed are those faithful servants I find waiting for Me."

Only Jesus' blood can rescue from the bondage of sin;
Only God's power can stop us from giving in;
Only His Spirit can strengthen and purify within;
By His compelling love, I can remain faithful.

February 5th, 1997
Jerry Bouey

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Revelation 18:4-5 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Have Compassion, Making A Difference (Song)

 

Have Compassion, Making A Difference

I thought I was a good Christian, I thought I loved the lost;
I believed I was a giving soul - willing to count the cost.
But there was something that was missing, and it truly came clear to me:
If I wanted to make a difference, having compassion was the key.

Chorus:
Have compassion, making a difference,
Share the truth that will make them free -
From a heart stirred by the love of God,
Making a difference - eternally!

I thought I was so satisfied, serving from day to day;
But somehow I made no difference on the lost who came my way.
"Search my heart, oh God!" I cried, "Make me a vessel fit for Your use.
'Give me souls, or I die.' It's Your will alone that I choose."

Chorus

I see the lost stumbling by, blindly on their way to Hell;
They need to know the Saviour - oh, who will go to them and tell?
Tell them of Jesus who died, so they can live eternally;
Moved with compassion, my heart's cry, "Here am I, Lord, send me!"

Chorus

Have compassion, making a difference,
Rescue souls that are bound by sin.
The Father's House is waiting,
For us to bring the prodigals in.

Chorus

Have compassion, making a difference...

January 8th, 2006
Jerry Bouey

And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;
hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude 1:22-23

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,
Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?
Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:8

"Give me souls or I die." - John Hyde, known as Praying Hyde.

The story is told about an old man, walking the beach at dawn, who noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Catching up with the youth, he asked what he was doing. The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.

"But the beach goes on for miles and miles, and there are millions of starfish," countered the man. "How can your effort make any difference?"

The young man looked at the starfish in his hand, and then threw it into the waves.

"It makes a difference to this one," he said.

The same goes for each effort put forth to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It may seem like a never-ending task, but it does make a difference in the lives of those who hear it and believe.

- Taken from a church bulletin.

Chosen In Christ Jesus (Poem)

 

Chosen In Christ Jesus

We deserved wrath, but God showed mercy;
We deserved judgement, but He gave grace;
Our sins excluded us from His presence -
Now reconciled, we can see God’s face.

We dwelt in the kingdom of darkness,
Enslaved by the chains of our sins;
We were dead in our vile trespasses,
Until the Lord Jesus Christ entered in.

Controlled by the prince of this world,
Marred by the depravity of our minds,
But God being rich in His infinite mercy,
Showed that He was so loving and kind.

Now He has made us a royal priesthood,
A holy nation to shew forth His praise,
A people for God’s own possession -
Chosen in Christ because of His grace.

Proclaim aloud His excellent greatness;
For He has called you from darkness to light;
We are seated with Jesus in heavenly places,
For our God has quickened us together with Christ.

December 12th, 1996
Jerry Bouey

Ephesians 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Break Free (Poem)

 

Break Free

Break free from the binds that drag;
Throw away those worthless rags.
Seek the Lord with all your heart and soul;
Precious Jesus - He will make you whole.
Let Him consecrate every part of you,
You'll be refreshed, your heart made anew.
Pray - don't let a day go by;
Today, let your spirit fly;
Sheltered in the wings of His love,
Worshipping the Holy Father above.
Let go of whatever holds you back -
With Jesus, you will never lack;
Providing your each and every need,
From sin, your soul will be freed.

So break free from the binds of old,
And let your heart, the Spirit enfold.
Give love so graciously;
You're changing, and everyone will see
What it is to be a saint -
All that you are, not what you ain't.
They will see Jesus, our Lord, through you,
And be amazed by all you can do
As you're filled with His strength and power -
He will be with you, each and every hour.
He will always be right by your side,
Because His love is so deep and wide.
His glorious grace will never end -
Trust in Jesus, He will be your Friend.

September 12/ 1993
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Dustin Purdy)

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

To Be With Christ Is Far Better (Poem)

 

To Be With Christ Is Far Better

To be absent from my earthly body
Is to be present forever with the Lord.
Here with you or at home in Heaven -
This dilemma seems a two-edged sword.

I want to be here with my loved ones, 
I want no sorrow to come their way -
But to be present with my Saviour
Is a desire that means more than I can say.

I’ve walked with Jesus for so many years,
Is it time now to leave this mortal domain?
Torn between two desires - which is better -
To depart for Heavenly shores or to remain?

The hope of a new body, oh to be glorified,
No more trials - gone forever - is it time?
There’s so many wonders to look forward to -
But, I will long for those I will leave behind.

Between the glories of eternity, and those who make me whole,
It’s a choice I cannot make - both appeal to my soul.
I’m in a strait between these two - but my spirit is at rest -
For I’m leaving the choice with my Father - He alone knows what is best.

“To depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.”

September 29, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Frances Johnson)

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Philippians 1:20-23 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Passing Through by Annie Johnson Flint (Poem)

Passing Through

“When thou passest through the waters,”
Deep the waves may be and cold,
But Jehovah is our refuge
And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord Himself hath said it,
He the faithful God and true:
“When thou comest to the waters,
Thou shalt not go down, but through.”

Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,
Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation
Sweeping over heart and brain,
They shall never overflow us,
For we know His Word is true;
All His waves and all His billows
He will lead us safely through.

Threatening breakers of destruction,
Doubt’s insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us
Out to ocean depths of woe;
For His promise shall sustain us,
Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down nor under,
He hath said, “Thou passest through.”

By Annie Johnson Flint

Isaiah 43:1-3  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Psalm 66:12  Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

The Valleys Of Life (Poem)

 

The Valleys Of Life

There are so many valleys in this life;
Times of sorrow, heartache, and strife.
In this vale of tears that you are passing through,
I know our Lord will carry you.

As you're walking in the shadow of death,
This troubled life seems but a breath.
When it appears all around you is night,
The Lord will be your lamp and light.

Though giants of distress are drawing near,
My friend, there is no cause for fear,
For the Lord above still rules from His throne;
He will never leave you alone.

When the valleys of trouble loom ahead,
Look to Jesus with faith instead.
Forget the doubts along life's storm-tossed way.
Let God's Word light your path today.

August 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

Jesus is the Lily in all our valleys.
He is there in all of the Valleys of Life we go through!

For a study on this theme:
The Lily Of The Valleys

The Sparrow Has Flown Home (Poem)

 The Sparrow Has Flown Home

She's just a little sparrow,
A weakened vessel made of clay;
Yearning for the day break,
When the shadows will flee away.

Looking for the Sun of Righteousness
To arise with healing in His wings.
As the Saviour waits with open arms,
This little sparrow begins to sing.

Her Heavenly Father numbers each little hair;
Not one of them can come to lasting harm.
Not a sparrow can fall apart from His will -
She is safely resting in His everlasting arms.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of one of His own.
Her Father waits to receive His child -
Into the loving arms of Jesus she has flown.

Now she is flying near God's Heavenly altar,
Forever to worship before His throne;
Dwelling in the Lord's presence -
This little sparrow has flown home.

August 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Carol Trenholm - now truly at Home with her Saviour)

Matthew 10:29-31  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7  Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Psalms 84:1-4 How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Selah.

The Father's Heart (Song)

 

The Father's Heart

The Father's heart is beating, pleading for the souls of men,
Yearning for His children to go and bring the lost ones in,
Crying out against the sin that plagues this darkened land,
The Father's heart is beating still - oh, can't you understand?

Chorus:
The Father's heart is beating for someone here to go,
To tell the prodigal child that He dearly loves them so;
The Father's heart is beating, yearning for the lost,
My child, are you willing to go and count the cost?

The Father's heart is beating, God is calling out your name;
If you listen to His pleading, you will never be the same;
Jesus Christ has paid the price, atonement has been made,
But the Father needs someone to tell them sin's debt has been paid.

The Father's heart is beating, pleading for the souls of men;
Hell is real, it is forever - go and plead with them!
The Father's heart is beating, His message rings loud and clear -
The sands of time are moving, there is no time for fear.

The Father's heart is beating, pleading from His throne,
Yearning for the shepherds to lead the lost sheep home,
The Holy Spirit's convicting, melting your heart of stone,
The Father's heart is beating - won't you make His heart your own?

Won't you make His heart your own?

The Father's heart is missions - won't you make His heart your own?

July 28th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 24:44-49 And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Full Assurance (Song)

 

Full Assurance

(To the tune of So Little Time)

Full assurance - we pray - of understanding
Is yours in Christ - you are complete in Him.
Riches above, are stored in Heaven waiting.
Rejoice, my friend, you're a child of the King.

Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our dear Lord supremely.
Let us be faithful, as we run this race.

Full assurance, stand fast in this your hope now.
Be diligent, be faithful to the end.
A crown of life, rewards for those who serve Christ -
Jesus remembers all that's done for Him.

Full assurance - steadfast is the eye of faith.
Approach God's throne, with boldness, plead for souls.
Let us draw near, give all our cares to Jesus;
Behold the prize - press on towards the goal.

2nd Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our Saviour supremely.
Brethren, be faithful, as you run this race.

January 22nd, 2004
Jerry Bouey

That their hearts might be comforted,
being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God,
and of the Father, and of Christ;
Colossians 2:2

And we desire that every one of you
do shew the same diligence to
the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 6:11

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22

Blessed Is That Man (Poem)

 

Blessed Is That Man

Blessed is that man whose trust is in the Lord,
Whose heart is wholly yielded to God's Holy Word,
Whose faith rests upon a solid foundation,
Who has trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Blessed is that man who delights himself in God's Word,
Who wields the same as a sharp double-edged sword,
Has a mind for the battle, is willing to fight,
That brave warrior who stands in the strength of His might.

Blessed is that man whose mind is on eternity,
Who stands faithfully in the gap for you and me,
Fighting spiritual battles in the whole armour of God,
Following in the footsteps that other saints have trod.

That good soldier of Christ, that mighty man of God,
Blessed is that man!

November 12th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to solid preachers of God's Word)

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust.
Psalm 40:4