Follow On (Hymn)

Hymn for Thursday

Follow On
(Words: William O. Cushing; Music: Robert Lowry)

Down in the valley with my Savior I would go,
Where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow;
Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on,
Walking in His footsteps till the crown be won.

Chorus:
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Anywhere, everywhere, I would follow on!
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Everywhere He leads me I would follow on!

Down in the valley with my Savior I would go,
Where the storms are sweeping and the dark waters flow;
With His hand to lead me I will never, never fear,
Danger cannot fright me if my Lord is near.

Down in the valley, or upon the mountain steep,
Close beside my Savior would my soul ever keep;
He will lead me safely in the path that He has trod,
Up to where they gather on the hills of God.

God Leads Us Along (Hymn)

God Leads Us Along
(George A. Young)

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Chorus:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Isaiah 43:1-2 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.

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Fear not... I will be with thee.
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.
Lo, I am with you alway.
For the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee.

It's In The Valleys I Grow (Poem)

It's In The Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

By Jane Eggleston

The Lily Of The Valley (Hymn)

Lord willing, this week I would like to post poems and songs about the Valleys we go through in our Christian walk. Valleys are those times of trial and heartache, those tough or sorrowful times, those times where we seem to be surrounded by gloom and there seems to be no hope - until we look up to the Lord our God and remember the promises in His Word. In Song of Solomon 2:1, Jesus made this much loved statement: "I Am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys." He is the Lily in all our valleys, He is always there beside us, and He has promised to bring us out of the valleys again in His perfect timing.

The Lily Of The Valley
(Words: Charles W. Fry; Music: William S. Hays)

I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.

Chorus:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where the rivers of delight shall ever roll.

The Bible (Poem)

Poem for Sunday

The Bible

The Bible reveals the mind of God,
the state of man,
the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners,
and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy,
Its precepts are binding,
its histories are true,
and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you,
food to support you,
and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map,
the pilgrim's staff,
the pilot's compass,
the soldier's sword,
and the Christian's charter.
Here, too, Paradise is restored,
Heaven is opened,
and the gates of Hell disclosed.

The Lord Jesus Christ is its grand subject,
our good its design,
and the glory of God its end.

Let it fill the memory,
rule the heart,
and guide the feet.
Read it slowly,
frequently,
prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth,
a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life,
will be opened at the judgement,
and be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labor,
and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Owned, it is riches;
studied, it is wisdom;
trusted, it is salvation;
lived, it is character;
and obeyed, it is power.

Priscilla Howe

From Genesis To Revelation (Poem)

From Genesis To Revelation

From Genesis to Revelation
Lies hid one vast rich treasury,
And the wealth of its Godly wisdom
Is revealed in Jesus Christ, its key.

There is milk for spiritual children,
For the mature, there is bread and meat;
And all who will taste of its promises
Will find pure honey - wonderfully sweet.

For the soldier, there is armour,
For the farmer, seed to sow,
For the pilgrim, there's a compass,
And a map, showing where to go.

But the richest of all its treasures,
Lies in finding the Pearl of Great Price;
For the joy of life's truest blessings
Are found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

January 20th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

...and the leaves of the tree
were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:2

And as the leaves of the Tree of Life
are for the healing of the nations,
so likewise are the leaves of the Bible
(The Word of Life)
for the healing of our souls.

The Anvil Of God's Word (Poem)

The Anvil Of God's Word

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
When looking in, I saw upon the floor,
Old hammers worn with beating years of time.

"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"To wear and batter these hammers so?"
"Just one," said he; then with a twinkling eye,
"The anvil wears the hammers out, you know."

And so, I thought, the anvil of God's Word,
For ages, skeptics blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed - the hammers gone.

John Clifford

I have also read two additional lines to this poem, but am not sure of the original source:

Hammer away, ye rebel bands!
Your hammers break, God's anvil stands!

Show Me Christ (Poem)

Poem for Thursday

Show Me Christ

Open up your Word to me, Lord
Help me to understand
Show me what you're teaching me, Lord
And guide me by your hand.

Show me the treasures in your Word
Reveal them to my heart
Open up my eyes to see, Lord
Show me where to start.

Teach me by your living Word
Examples of how to live
Teach me how to die to myself
And then reach out and give.

Show me Christ in all the pages
Show me the wisdom of the ages
Show me the end of all that's to be
Show me the future laid up for me.

Help me always to see you, Lord
In each and every book
In all sixty-six - I know you're there
Please show me how to look.

Teach me, oh Lord, your will each day
Tell me how to live your perfect way
Lord, I want to be pleasing to you
Show me how to be faithful and true
Show me how to be just like you.

May 23rd, 1995
Jerry Bouey

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,
He expounded unto them in all the scriptures
the things concerning Himself.
Luke 24:27

Search the scriptures;
for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of Me.
Jesus in John 5:39

Open Thou mine eyes,
that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.
David's prayer in Psalm 119:18

How Firm A Foundation (Hymn)

How Firm A Foundation
(George Keith)

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

The Bible Stands (Hymn)

Somehow I had missed a day completely... Hymn for Tuesday

We first sang this song in our church at our Bible conference about 1 1/2 years ago, and it has since become one of our favourites. It certainly has an excellent message! This is one where our hymnal has every stanza, so that is a blessing to me.

The Bible Stands
(Words and Music: Haldor Lillenas)

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
’Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.

Chorus:
The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.

The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can.

The Bible stands and it will forever,
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given,
All its precepts I will obey.

The Bible stands every test we give it,
For its Author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it,
And to prove and to make it mine.

Life's Instruction Manual (Poem)

This week I want to focus on poems or songs on the Word of God. The first one is one of my favourites. In it. I attempt to present the Bible as the cure for all our problems in life - from a different perspective. Perhaps you will appreciate it.

Life's Instruction Manual

This machine was broken and empty,
All my parts were in such a mess.
Nothing seemed to be working quite right -
How to repair it was anyone's guess.

So I peered within for instructions,
Some sort of clue to this bitter strife,
But what was inside was no help at all;
I found no real answers to this life.

All of my components were worthless:
My blackened heart was void of Love.
No solution presented itself…
Except one soul Manual from above.

So I opened the Bible with caution,
And to my surprise, there was a guarantee:
"Just call on the Creator for assistance,
And He can remake your model for free."

It was Good News to know that the Author
Had my very own frame in mind.
When I went to Him for restoration,
His touch was so tender and kind.

Jesus Christ reached down with compassion,
And lifted my soul out of the mire,
He replaced my old heart with a new one,
And then He kindled the fire…

The fire of devotion and purpose -
Now it burned hot in my breast.
And instead of sharp pain and sorrow,
I found that the Lord gave sweet rest.

Now my machine works even better,
I'm shining so much brighter each day,
As I read the Creator's instructions,
And I let Him have His perfect way.

So if you are troubled and anguished,
And your machine is burdened with sin,
Ask Jesus the Saviour to save you,
And let Him do His repair work from within.

April 9th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Basic
Instructions
Before
Leaving
Earth

Lent By The Lord (Poem)

Poem for Sunday

I met a family last spring. They were one of the customers at the Hotel where I work at. They had an adopted son who was handicapped - he had to come to Kelowna for some treatment. I learned that the parents, and even this son, were believers. I shared some poetry with them, and talked a little with them about some things regarding their son's situation. Last October, when I came back from my Mom's memorial, I found out that this family was staying at the hotel again, so I looked them up. It turns out that their son had passed away during the summer. There were some complications with his death (it was believed that he was given the wrong medication by the hospital staff) - so the father was struggling with anger, not only over the loss but the possibility that it should never have happened humanly speaking). I did my best to remind them from the Bible that God was still in control, and sought to comfort them by sharing the comfort the Lord had given me over the loss of my Mom. Then that night I wrote this poem, as an attempt to remind them to focus on where their son now is - and how he is, what he will be like the next time they see him. In Heaven, all his problems are gone, all his disabilities are removed forever.

Lent By The Lord

Lent by the Lord - for such a little time -
This heritage to treasure, this beloved child of mine.

You brought us love, you touched our hearts,
You gave us joy in so many parts;
In so many reasons, and in so many ways,
We miss you now and will always.

You left us so suddenly - but the Lord was in control,
Though your departure from us leaves us with an empty hole:
In our hearts and our lives, in our home - in every space,
But by faith we know that you are now in a better place.

Though we are grieving and our hearts are wounded and bare,
There is coming a day when we will meet you in the air;
A time of reunion that nothing on earth could sever -
When you will be with us, and with Jesus, forever.

As we imagine that day and think of you with tears,
And we face the future with its unknown fears,
We will rejoice in the fact that you are now made whole -
Running and laughing in Heaven, rejoicing in your soul.

We look forward to that day - when no sorrow will remain -
Oh Lord, come again, and heal our hearts of this pain!
And remind us of Heaven, where we will see our loved one there -
Walking and talking with Jesus with no more worries or care.

Oh Lord, haste the day!

October 7th/05
Jerry Bouey

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:
and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Psalm 127:3

He Gathers His Lilies (Poem)

Poem for Saturday

This poem was written for a couple who are involved in Rock Of Ages Prison Ministry. They sometimes visit our church on their way through to the prison in Kamloops, BC. The last time they had come through, they were grieving over the loss of their son, who had gone home to be with the Lord the year before. This poem was written to comfort them based on several passages out of Song of Solomon.

Various places in Scripture, believers are compared to lilies. In Song of Solomon 2:1-2, Jesus is THE Lily of the Valleys, and believers are like (or as) the Lily in this world. In this song - inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by King Solomon, we are referred to as lilies, and the King feeds (ie. fellowships) among the lilies. And then one day He gathers His lilies and takes them home where He may enjoy them forever. This poem is a reminder of the value God places upon His saints (His born again children, those who have placed their complete faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone to save them), and how precious in the sight of the Lord is their death - when He gathers them gently and carries them home to dwell forevermore in His presence.

Yesterday, I was reading several chapters in this poetic book, and came across the verses again (that I have listed below). I was reminded where my Mom was again - and though it made me somewhat sad that she was gone, it was also a strength to remember how important she is to my Lord and to think upon where she is.

He Gathers His Lilies

The Lily of the Valleys, oh the savour of His name,
The blessed Rose of Sharon, age to age still the same.

Like the Lily of the Valleys, so are His children here,
Precious to the heart of God, beloved and so dear.

Jesus feeds among His lilies - the fellowship is sweet,
In the garden of their hearts, where they so often meet.

Scattered throughout this darkened field, their colours are so bright,
Bearing the savour of Christ, they sing songs in the night.

Jesus gathers His lilies, and with joy He takes them home,
This precious harvest of souls arrayed around His throne.

Oh the glory of these lilies, clothed in robes of purest white,
Growing in their Saviour's presence, flourishing in His light.

October 7th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The field is the world.
Matthew 13:38
I Am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys.
Like the Lily among thorns, so is My love among the daughters.
Song of Solomon 2:1-2
My Beloved is mine, and I am His: He feedeth among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 2:16
My Beloved is gone down into His garden, to the beds of spices,
to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.
Song of Solomon 6:2

"To gather lilies, wherewith he is pleased to entertain and adorn himself. He picks the lilies one by one, and gathers them to himself; and there will be a general harvest of them at the great day, when he will send forth his angels, to gather all his lilies, that he may be for ever glorified and admired in them." - Matthew Henry.

Mother's Day In Heaven (Poem)

Because of my commitment to Christ, my Mom and I had been estranged for years. She was somewhat religious, but did not know Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour, until about two or three years before she died. As a result, there were many Mother's Days that went by without regular contact (or anything special done) - but last year, now that we were reconciled and she had become a believer, I wanted to do something really special for her. She had moved back up to Canada, so I was able to purchase an expensive flower arrangement for her and have it delivered to her - I had never done anything like that before, but it meant a whole lot to my Mom. A couple of months later, I was able to see my Mom for a couple of days and spend my Mom's and stepdad's 21st wedding anniversary with them (and my sister and her children - Lori had come up to help our Mom with her progressively failing health) - the last time I had seen My Mom was for a couple of weeks in 2000, and the time prior to that was about 10 years before that because of her moving down to the States, and then later because of our estrangement.

Due to her bad health (cancer - which had since been healed, but then failed kidneys and liver due to all the treatments, etc.), she had gone gone into a short coma and was hospitalized for about a month (she had spent about half of the year prior to this in the hospital too), but she was released the week that I came down, and for the three or four days I got to see her she was doing okay. But the day after I came back home, she went back in the hospital. That visit on her anniversary was the last time I was able to see her on earth.

In light of my Dad's death at the end of March, when Mother's Day came around this year, I was thinking a lot about where my Mom was, and though I desired so much to do something special for her again, I knew I could not. This poem was a result of the mixed emotions and thoughts at that time: gladness because she was in Heaven with her Saviour, pain free; and sadness because I would not see her until I got home to Heaven somewhere further down the road.

Mother's Day In Heaven
(Dedicated to my Mom -
I miss you, and look forward to seeing you again!)

It’s your first Mother’s Day in Heaven –
I'm so thankful that you're not alone;
As you behold the face of our Saviour,
And are blessed to worship at His throne.

Mom, I would love to send you flowers,
Though their fading glory could not compare
To the beautiful sights and sounds of Heaven,
And your very own mansion over there.

I never thought so much about Heaven,
As I have since you’ve gone home to that place –
Oh Mom, I miss you so very much,
And I long to see your precious face.

You see, this earthly home now seems more empty –
Its glitter and glamour can no more impress;
For Heaven is the place of God’s truest riches –
Where our Father only keeps the best!

Since you turned and trusted in the Saviour,
An amazing change has taken place;
Dwelling in the presence of Jesus now,
In Heaven - only because of His grace.

It’s your first Mother’s Day in Heaven –
With everlasting joy and peace up there.
Oh Mom, I miss you so much now,
But I know our reunion will be beyond compare.

May 8th/06
Jerry Bouey

If you are interested, please visit the link below to hear this poem presented in church:
(The audio recording is at the top of the page)

Mother's Day In Heaven

Through This Valley (Poem)

Poem for Thursday

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Through This Valley
(Dedicated to my Mom, with love)

There's a shadow looming over me, and the pain is often near;
There's a storm cloud on the horizon, and the thunder causes fear;
But in the midst of this uncertainty, MY LORD IS ALWAYS HERE!

Through this Valley, with these tears, walking onward I go,
Not running in a hurry, nor lagging behind too slow;
For there's a peace within my heart - MY LORD IS HERE - I KNOW!

The journey can't be much longer - oh, this body aches and moans;
Though just around another corner, ahead is my eternal home;
And I know within THIS Valley, I AM NOT WALKING ALONE!

There's a hand that I am holding,
though the path is rough and steep;
There's a promise that I can cling to,
that I know my Lord will keep -
FOR THE LORD IS STILL MY SHEPHERD,
AND I AM STILL HIS SHEEP!

Oh, what is that on the horizon? A glimpse of golden streets...
My heart's so filled with wonder - as face to face we meet -
Now with joy I can see Jesus - and I worship at His feet;
THROUGH THIS VALLEY, TO THE SAVIOUR,
and my journey is complete.

September 19th/05
Jerry Bouey

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23:6

Written about 2 days before my Mom went home to be with the Lord - this was written just before I left for work (for my graveyard shift) on the 19th of September, and my Mom passed away early in the morning on the 22nd.

Rising In The Arms Of Love (Poem)

This is the poem I wrote early last year to my Mom. This was when I first realized her health had declined so much because of her cancer and the complications arising from that. You can read a little more info on this poem (and the one for tomorrow - Through This Valley) here: Our Mom's Victory Through Faith. This was the eulogy of sorts I preached/read at my Mom's memorial to lost relatives (an attempt to reach my family with a clear presentation of the Gospel - I also had an opportunity to share written copies of this at my Dad's funeral this spring) and those who knew her (including the hospital staff that attended to her).

"She is sinking very fast," whispered an attendant in the dying chamber of a godly woman. "No, no," was the quick response of the departing saint, who had overheard the words; "no; I am not sinking; I am in the arms of my Saviour."

Taken from Our Daily Homily by F.B. Meyer

Rising In The Arms Of Love
(Dedicated to my Mom)

Oh, my friend, she is sinking so very fast!
No, she is only rising in the arms of Love!
But I thought that she would remain at last...
No, she is destined for greater things above!

But why would God completely take away her peace?
No, her Saviour has given her a more lasting kind!
Real joy isn't when all toil and troubles cease -
For when Jesus draws close, peace fills this heart of mine!

The fear, the unknown, it must be dreadful...
No, His blessed presence is so very near!
But, why did this tragedy have to happen at all?
Because He knew what I needed, and He is always here!

Why would He cause this affliction, why this trial?
He has a purpose, His ways are so much greater than mine!
I know these troubles are only for a little while,
And then I will dwell forever with Him in mansions sublime!

No, I am not sinking - I am rising -
Held gently by His arms of Love,
Sheltered safely under His wings,
Till I reach my Heavenly home above!

Rising, rising, in those arms of Love!

February 26th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

I love you, Mom!

The eternal God is thy refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27

Since Yesterday by Martha Snell Nicholson (Poem)

Perhaps this week could be set aside to post poems about Heaven or our pilgrimage there. This poem is one that had an impact on me last year, and was a tremendous source of comfort. A friend, who was influential in my starting to preach at the Gospel Mission over 2 1/2 years ago, went home to be with the Lord at the beginning of 2005 - then later, my Mom also went home to be with the Lord. This poem is a testimony of where they are now:

Since Yesterday

Along the golden streets
A stranger walks tonight
With wonder in his heart --
Faith blossomed into sight.

He walks and stops and stares,
And walks and stares again
At vistas of loveliness
Beyond the dreams of men.

He who was feeble, weak,
And shackled to a bed
Now climbs eternal hills
With light and easy tread.

He has escaped at last
The cruel clutch of pain;
His lips shall never taste
Her bitter cup again.

Oh never call him dead,
This bouyant one and free,
Whose daily portion is
Delight and ecstacy!

He bows in speechless joy
Before the feet of Him
Whom, seeing not, he loved
While yet his sight was dim.

Along the golden streets
No stranger walks today,
But one who, long homesick,
Is home at last, to stay!

~Martha Snell Nicholson~

Please also read this poem by the same author: Eternity

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.

Not Home Yet by Jan McIntosh (Poem)

This is one of my favourite poems, written by an online friend of mine, Jan McIntosh. Lord willing, I want to post more of her poetry here in the future. She used to have a website up with all her poems, but for some reason that is no longer available online, so I only have the few I saved (and some from an e-book she sent me). She has given me permission to use her poems. This poem, and another one of hers, is also available in my second poetry book, The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage.

If you are blessed by this (and other poems of hers), feel free to leave a comment here (I do not have a current email address for her), and perhaps if she someday visits this blog, she would be encouraged by the comments left by my visitors. Thanks Jan, for sharing your wonderful God-given talent with us. Your poems have been a blessing.

Not Home Yet

The road is hard, the road is long

But, by God's grace, life goes on;

And though my face like flint is set,

I must remember... I'm not home yet.

And when life's storms toss me about,

When I'm overwhelmed with fear and doubt,

He's there to remind me, lest I forget,

I'm a stranger here... I'm not home yet.

I take great comfort when I hear Him say

In His most sweet and gentle way,

"Child, don't worry and don't you fret,

Remember this ... you're not home yet!"

©2001 Jan McIntosh

(Used With Permission)

"Do not, dear reader, look so much upon painful circumstances and difficult situations as unpleasant trials of faith which have to be endured, but rather thankfully regard them as golden occasions for you to prove afresh the sufficiency of Him who never fails those who fully trust Him." - Arthur Pink.

Under Thy Wings by Kate Plourde (Poem)

Poem for Sunday

Under Thy Wings

I find sweet comfort under Thy wings
No matter what difficulty or trial
As long as my eyes are focused on Thee
On the pages of my blessed King James Bible

A fountain of life for the thirsty soul
With refreshment along life's walk
Providing direction through valleys and hills
Giving warning when the enemy knocks

How I thank Thee, oh Shepherd of my soul
For protecting me from the enemy's snares
Under Thy wings I do safely abide
As I find peaceful rest in Thy care

Kate Plourde
July 20, 2006
(Used With Permission)

My Elijah Friends (Poem)

This poem on friendship is dedicated to those Christians who desire to be faithful to their Lord in this apostate society.

My Elijah Friends

God bless all my Elijah friends,
And give them comfort, Lord, tonight -
Those faithful few who will not compromise,
Who cling to You with all their might.

God bless those precious servants, Lord,
Who are so dear to Your own heart.
They walk alone in this world at times
When friend and foes alike do part.

Taking refuge there on Higher Ground,
In that cave, sheltered from the storm;
Listening to Your still small voice
That will soothe all fear and alarm.

Hidden in the cleft of the Rock -
Outside the tempest is fierce this hour.
Give them peace within their souls;
Keep them close and safe by Your power.

Under the shadow of Your wings,
Precious Jesus, there's no other place -
Held so close beside Your heart,
Where all else dims in light of Your face.

God bless all my Elijah friends,
There's not too many left, Lord, I know.
Grant them bright rainbows in their darkest nights;
Light the darkness in this world below.

January 10th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

"God's promises are rainbows in the night."

"The prospects are as bright as the promises of God." - Adoniram Judson

Higher Ground (Hymn)

Poem for Friday

Higher Ground
(Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr. Music: Charles H. Gabriel)

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Chorus:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till Heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

True Christian Friends (Poem)

This is dedicated to all my e-mail friends. Thanks for your friendship and God bless you.

True Christian Friends

True Christian friends are a blessing that are sent out by the Lord.
They come straight from Heaven (I'm sure that's where they're stored!)
They can touch your life with joy and make all the difference in the world.
They offer comfort and compassion when the storms of life are hurled.

True Christian friends are a blessing that are sent from God above.
They fill your life with wonder and crown it all with love.
They are there with the answers when you haven't got a clue,
And offer guidance and steadfastness when you don't know what to do.

True Christian friends are like poems, composed by the Son of God.
He made each one different, some may seem slightly odd,
But Christ is molding every one of them in His own special way.
Thank our Heavenly Father for each one He sends your way.

August 29th, 2000
Jerry Bouey

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

Lessons In The Valley (Poem)

Lessons In The Valley

"I have been through the valley of weeping,
The valley of sorrow and pain;
But the 'God of all comfort' was with me,
At hand to uphold and sustain.

"As the earth needs the clouds and sunshine,
Our souls need both sorrow and joy;
So He places us oft in the furnace,
The dross from the gold to destroy.

"When He leads thro' some valley of trouble
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us,
Are part of His lessons in grace.

"Oft we shrink from the purging and pruning,
Forgetting the Husbandman knows
That the deeper the cutting and paring,
The richer the cluster that grows.

"Well He knows that affliction is needed;
He has a wise purpose in view,
And in the dark valley He whispers,
'Hereafter thou'lt know what I do.'

"As we travel thro' life's shadow'd valley,
Fresh springs of His love ever rise;
And we learn that our sorrows and losses,
Are blessings just sent in disguise.

"So we'll follow wherever He leadeth,
Let the path be dreary or bright;
For we've proved that our God can give comfort;
Our God can give songs in the night."

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

- unsure of actual title, but this is the title someone gave to it online.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross - Hymn by Isaac Watts

I wanted to add one more hymn by this same writer, before moving on to other authors:

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
(Words: Isaac Watts; Music: Lowell Mason)

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Joy To The World (Psalm 98) - Hymn by Isaac Watts

If you love the hymns of Isaac Watts, you may also appreciate the Psalms that he put in Metre so they could be sung. There is one you probably already know by heart - and that is Psalm 98, which has been retitled Joy To The World.

Joy To The World
Psalm 98 - Part Two

The Messiah's coming and kingdom.

1 Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

2 Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

4 He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.

If you love poetry or solid Scripture-based songs, you will truly appreciate Watt's Psalms Of David In Metre. At the previous link, you will also find the Psalms Of David In Metre for the Church of Scotland Hymnary. If you love reading the story behind the hymns and hymnswriters, be sure to read the following articles: Introduction, and Make It Better.

Last but not least, if you have the SwordSearcher Bible program, you can download these Psalms in two book modules for that program - makes for easy reading and bookmarking (as well as copy/pasting, if desired):

The Psalms Of David In Metre by Isaac Watts
The Psalms Of David In Metre for the Church Of Scotland Hymnary

At The Cross - Hymn by Isaac Watts

Hymn For Sunday

This is another of my favourite songs. There are two versions of it: Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed, and At The Cross - the second one having an added chorus, though the words of the stanzas are still the same. In the hymnals I have seen, there are only the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th stanzas.

At The Cross
(Words: Isaac Watts; Music: Hugh Wilson)

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Chorus:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.

John 3:16 (Outline)

John 3:16

For God (the greatest Giver)
so loved (the greatest motive)
the world (the greatest need),
that He gave (the greatest act)
His only begotten Son (the greatest gift),
that whosoever (the greatest invitation)
believeth (the greatest decision)
in Him (the greatest Person)
*believeth in Him (the greatest opportunity)
should not perish (the greatest deliverance),
but (the greatest difference)
have (the greatest certainty)
everlasting life (the greatest possession).

~ Adapted from several sources ~
*Alternative point given.

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.

For the message I preached with this outline,

John 3:16 - The Gospel In A Nutshell

The Wise And Foolish Builders (Poem)

Poem for Friday

About three or so years ago, I was given permission by a man to put his book of parables in poetry online. I put several up, but there didn't seem to be that much interest, and this project got lost in the shuffle. Perhaps posting some of them here might be the impetus I need to get the rest online. Let me know what you think of these. Click on the author's name below for more of Jesus' parables retold in poetry (and his Preface to his booklet, entitled Parables Of Jesus In Verse). I will add more to what is available online shortly.

Parable One: The Wise And Foolish Builders
(Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49)

How wonderful it would have been to live in Jesus' time,
To sit at Jesus' feet and hear His words of truth sublime!
For no one taught as Jesus taught when He was here on earth,
Yet now we still may heed His words and recognize their worth.

"Whoever hears my words," He said, "and lives by them as well,
Is like a man who built a house in which he planned to dwell,
Because he was a prudent man, he built on solid rock,
So that whatever storm might come, it could withstand the shock.
His foresight proved well justified, for when the storm did come,
The raging wind and rain and flood could not destroy that home.
The solid base on which it stood enabled it to stand
Against the fiercest elements, just as its builder planned.
But he who hears the Word of Truth, and does not pay good heed,
Is like a man who built on sand, and foolish was indeed;
The house he built with such a base so recklessly and rash,
When wind and rain and flood struck hard, fell with a mighty crash."

Dear reader, do not build your life without a solid base,
But look to Jesus as you build, and seek His sovereign grace.
The parables within this book reveal His will for you,
Each one a precious building stone, for all His words are true.

Copyright 1995, Frederick Milton.
(Used With Permission)

The Straying Lamb (Poem)

This is one of those hard-hitting poems that sticks with you - all about how the Lord chastises His children, in a similar manner to a shepherd chastising one of his straying sheep.

The Straying Lamb

The Shepherd loved His little lamb,
And gave it His tender care...
And followed it with His loving eyes
As it wandered here and there.

And as He sat by His grazing flock
Who so meekly His voice obeyed,
He pondered sadly His little lamb
As again and again it strayed.

The little lamb had a loving heart,
And adored His Shepherd, true,
But would turn aside and seek his own way
As lambs will so often do.

With His gentle voice the Shepherd called,
To His loved and straying lamb,
"Come back, little one, for you are not safe
Unless you are where I am."

But still the lamb would soon forget
And unthinkingly wander away,
And not really noticing what he did,
From the Shepherd's side would stray.

Until one day, the Shepherd kind
Took His rod in His gentle hand,
And what He then did seemed so cruel
That the lamb could not understand.

For with one sharp and well-aimed blow
Down the rod so swiftly came
That it broke the leg of the little lamb
And left it crippled, and lame.

Then the little lamb, with a cry of pain,
Fell down upon his knees...
And looked up at his Shepherd, as though to say,
"Won't you explain this, please?"

Then he saw the love in the Shepherd's eyes
As the tears ran down His face,
As He tenderly set the broken bone,
And bound it back in it's place.

Now he was utterly helpless,
He could not even stand!
He must trust himself completely
To his Shepherd's loving hand.

Then day by day, 'till the lamb was healed
From the flock he was kept apart...
And carried about in the Shepherd's arms,
And cradled near to His heart.

And the Shepherd would whisper gentle words
Into his now listening ear...
Thus he heard sweet words of love
That the other sheep could not hear.

He felt the warmth of the Shepherd's arms
And the beat of His faithful heart...
Until it came a blessing to seem,
By his weakness to be set apart.

Every need of the little lamb
By his Shepherd so fully was met
That through his brokenness he learned
What he never again would forget.

And as the broken bone was healed,
And once more became whole and strong...
Wherever the Shepherd's path would lead,
The lamb would follow along.

Thus at the Shepherd's side he walked
So closely, day by day,
For once a lamb has a broken leg
It will never again go astray.

For the cords of love had bound it so
In its hour of weakness and need...
That it had no desire to wander away,
When once again it was freed.

Could it be you are broken today,
And you cannot understand
The painful blow of the Shepherd's rod
Nor believe it came from His hand?

He only seeks, by this painful thing,
For a time to call you apart...
To cradle you close in His loving arms,
And draw you near to His heart.

So look up into your Shepherd's eyes,
And earnestly seek His face...
And prove in the hour of your weakness and need
The sufficiency of His grace.

For as you are borne in His loving arms,
And carried there, day by day...
He will bind you so close with the cords of His love
That never again will you stray!

Author Unknown.

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

The Will Of God (Poem)

Poem For Wednesday

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you,

Where the grace of God cannot keep you.

Where the arms of God cannot support you, Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, Where the army of God cannot protect you, Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the love of God cannot enfold you, Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you, Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, Where the Word of God cannot feed you, Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

-- Author Unknown

Just As I Am (Hymn)

Just As I Am
(Charlotte Elliot)

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind, -
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am! Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down –
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!