More Like The Master (Hymn)

The hymn for you today is one that a friend posted on her blog. It is an excellent song with a wonderful message. When I read or sing it, in my heart that is my prayer as well:

More Like The Master
(Charles H. Gabriel)

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do.

Chorus:
Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;
Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own.
Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,
Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

More like the Master is my daily prayer;
More strength to carry crosses I must bear;
More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in;
More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

More like the Master I would live and grow;
More of His love to others I would show;
More self denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be.

Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

The mature believer will be like Christ, and our goal should be to conformed more and more to our Master now as we walk with Him from day to day.

Are you "more like the Master" than you were before? More than last year? More than you used to be? It is certainly a mark to be striving towards.

What the world needs to see is less of each of us, and more of Jesus shining through our lives.

Are you more like Jesus today?

The Altar Is Empty (Song)

The Altar Is Empty

The altar is empty - The sacrifice has walked away.
The heart's gone cold - Where's the willingness to pray?
Something is wrong, it shouldn't be,
No peace within, convicting me!

Chorus:
Kindle my heart, stir into a flame.
Restore my soul, as I call on Your name.
Oh Lord above, grant me the grace
To deny myself and put Your will in its place.

The altar is empty - There are no prayers offered today.
The heart's lukewarm - Where's the desire to pray?
The field is white, but no reaping done,
No hearts breaking, pleading for God's Son.

The field is empty - Where are the labourers today?
Those faithful servants Standing in the gap to pray.
Oh hear God's voice, His Spirit's call;
Repent, you watchmen, upon the wall.

2nd Chorus:
Quicken my heart, in Jesus' name, 
Cleanse me from my sin - bring to life again.
Send me, oh Lord, and I will go -
Go and tell the world Jesus loves them so.

July 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Matthew 9:36-38 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Prayer Is The Soul’s Sincere Desire (Hymn)

Hymn for Thursday.

Prayer Is The Soul’s Sincere Desire
(Words: James Montgomery)

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer, the sublimest strains
That reach the Majesty on high.

Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters Heav’n with prayer.

Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry, “Behold, he prays!”

The saints in prayer appear as one
In word, in deed, and mind,
While with the Father and the Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

No prayer is made by man alone
The Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus, on th’eternal throne,
For sinners intercedes.

O Thou by Whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray.

The Door Of Hope (Poem)

The Door Of Hope

When your soul is deeply anguished,

And your way, hedged about with thorns,

Though you know the Lord has smitten –

He will bind up what He has torn.

Dwelling in the Valley of Trouble,

Convicted, you hear God’s Spirit cry,

“The Door of Hope is now open –

Despair not – the Lord your God is nigh.”

He will heal all of your backslidings

When you seek Him with all your heart;

Though you’ve wandered in your wilderness,

His mercies will grant you a new start.

Turn from the Valley of Weeping;

Forsake your wanderings in sin –

The Door of Hope has been opened,

Jesus is calling – return to Him.

Though your spirit is so heavy,

And your heart is scarred by sin,

In repentance, hope is promised -

Rejoice with singing and enter in.

December 7th, 2003

Jerry Bouey

Hosea 2:15 And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor [trouble] for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up.

Psalms 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca [weeping] make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

Psalms 27:8 When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

These promises of restoration and mercy are for the child of God who has wandered from the Lord. If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, please read the following links:

God's Simple Plan Of Salvation

My Personal Testimony

Immanuel (Hymn by Charles Spurgeon)

Catch up time!

Hymn for Tuesday.

Immanuel

When once I mourned a load of sin;
When conscience felt a wound within;
When all my works were thrown away;
When on my knees I knelt to pray,
Then, blissful hour, remembered well,
I learned Thy love, Immanuel.

When storms of sorrow toss my soul;
When waves of care around me roll;
When comforts sink, when joys shall flee;
When hopeless griefs shall gape for me,
One word the tempest's rage shall quell -
That word, Thy name, Immanuel.

When for the truth I suffer shame;
When foes pour scandal on my name;
When cruel taunts and jeers abound;
When "Bulls of Bashan" gird me round,
Secure within Thy tower I'll dwell -
That tower, Thy grace, Immanuel.

When hell enraged lifts up her roar;
When Satan stops my path before;
When fiends rejoice and wait my end;
When legioned hosts their arrows send,
Fear not, my soul, but hurl at hell
Thy battle-cry, Immanuel.

When down the hill of life I go;
When o'er my feet death's waters flow;
When in the deep'ning flood I sink;
When friends stand weeping on the brink,
I'll mingle with my last farewell
Thy lovely name, Immanuel.

When tears are banished from mine eye;
When fairer worlds than these are nigh;
When heaven shall fill my ravished sight;
When I shall bathe in sweet delight,
One joy all joys shall far excel,
To see Thy face, Immanuel.

~Charles Spurgeon~

This is one of my favourite poems - by my all-time favourite preacher.

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)

Immanuel

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:21-23 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

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.

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.

Matthew 28:19-20 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.

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.

Psalm 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.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Day By Day (Hymn)

Day By Day
(Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg; Music: Oskar Ahnfelt.)

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

For a song written by me, based on the tune of this hymn, please visit this page:
In His Time

So Little Time (Hymn)

Hymn for Sunday

So Little Time
(By John R. Rice)

So little time! The harvest will be over.
Our reaping done, we reapers taken Home.
Report our work to Jesus, Lord of harvest,
And hope He'll smile and that He'll say, "Well done!"

Chorus:
Today we reap, or miss our golden harvest!
Today is given us lost souls to win.
Oh then to save some dear ones from the burning.
Today we'll go to bring some sinner in.

How many times I should have strongly pleaded;
How often did I feel to strictly warn.
The Spirit moved, oh had I pled for Jesus!
The grain is fallen, lost ones not reborn.

Despite the heat, the ceaseless toil, the hardship,
The broken heart over those we cannot win;
Misunderstood, because we're oft peculiar,
Still no regrets we'll have but for our sin.

A day of pleasure, or a feast of friendship,
A house or car or garments fair or fame,
Will all be trash, when souls are brought to Heaven,
And then how sad to face the slackers blame!

The harvest white, with reapers few is wasting
And many souls will die and never know.
The love of Christ, the joy of sins forgiven.
Oh let us weep and love and pray and go!

Final Chorus:
Today we reap, or miss our golden harvest!
Today is given us lost souls to win.
Oh then to save some dear ones from the burning.
Oh will you go and bring some sinner in?

But if the watchman see the sword come,
and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned;
if the sword come, and take any person from among them,
he is taken away in his iniquity;
but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
Ezekiel 33:6

At Calvary (Hymn)

Hymn For Saturday

At Calvary
(Words: William R. Newell; Music: Daniel B. Towner)

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.

Chorus:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.

By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.

Now I’ve given to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary!

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!

The Day My Saviour Died (Poem)

Poem for Friday

The Day My Saviour Died

I wonder, what were you doing, on the day my Saviour died?
Were you standing afar off, as He hung there crucified?
Were you cheering with the crowd, as they scorned and mocked at Him?
Or were you kneeling at Jesus’ feet, mourning for your sin?

I wonder, what were you doing, when they whipped and beat my Lord,
When they led Him to the cross, where in death His soul was poured?
When the blood that He was shedding pooled down around your feet,
I wonder, weren’t you curious when He didn’t bow in defeat?

I wonder, what were you doing, when they laid Christ in the tomb?
Were you grieved that His life was over, that it ended all too soon?
Were you overwhelmed and anguished, when they rolled the stone in place,
Or was there a bright spark of hope, a stirring of simple faith?

I wonder, what were you doing, on the day my Saviour rose?
Were you trusting Him or doubting Him? I guess God only knows.
As you recalled God’s promises, and saw His tomb opening,
Was your soul moved in awe when out came the King of Kings?

I know what I was doing, I was jeering with the crowd,
I was standing with the Pharisees, self-righteous and proud.
Then I heard the Gospel, how it was for my sins that Jesus died,
Then stricken and convicted, I turned to the Crucified.

I wonder, what was your response, when you heard Christ died for you?
Did you reject the good news, and close blinded eyes to this view?
Or did you worship Him, when you beheld His pierced hands and side?
I wonder, what were you doing, on the day my Saviour died?

August 28th, 2000
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)

The Day My Saviour Died

Reach Out For The Saviour (Song)

Reach Out For The Saviour

Reach out for the Saviour,
Oh call upon His name.
Jesus died on Calvary,
Was buried, and rose again.
Jesus paid the price, with His sacrifice -
Crucified upon that tree.
He shed His blood, a crimson flood,
When He died for you and me.

Chorus:
Reach out for the Saviour,
Oh call upon His name.
Jesus died for your sins -
Believe and be born again.

Reach out for the Saviour,
He's waiting there for you.
Knocking at your heart's door,
He wants to make you new.
He can cleanse your heart, change every part,
His blood washes stains away.
Just turn from your sin - let Him dwell within.
Come to the Saviour today.

Reach out for the Saviour,
He offers peace within.
Why settle for emptiness?
Fulfillment's found in Him!
Everlasting life, rejoicing in strife -
Are you thirsting for something more?
He can restore your soul, cleanse and make you whole.
See what Heaven has in store.

Reach out for the Saviour.

June 20th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Acts 17:23-27  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 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:

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.

Set Me Free (Song)

Set Me Free

The darkness of sin enclosed me fast,
This prison I’m in had my soul downcast.
Who can break through and help me to see,
Shatter the darkness and set me free?

Looking above, I prayed for light,
A Friend to shine through the dark of night,
A Saviour to come and rescue me,
Release all my chains and set me free.

I opened the Gospels and began to read;
Asking for wisdom, I had to plead.
I saw there Jesus, who died for me;
He paid sin’s price to set me free.

He had to die on the cross that day,
So His shed blood could wash my sins away.
Suddenly, at last, my eyes could see;
Here was The Truth that could set me free.

Jesus had died, salvation was done;
He rose again, God’s precious Son.
I turned from the sin which imprisoned me,
And as I received Jesus, He set me free.

Now He’s my Saviour and my King;
He loves me so much, my soul has to sing.
In the chains of sin, He showed me the key;
I trusted in Jesus, and He set me free.

Now I’ve a mission from God above:
Go to all the world and tell of His love;
Tell of the Gospel, help others to see,
Tell of the Saviour who can set them free.

February 3rd, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
Colossians 1:12-13

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.
John 8:31-32

Just Three Sharp Nails (Poem)

Just Three Sharp Nails

Three nails held tightly in a soldier's hand,
Just three sharp nails, according to God's plan.
The bystanders watched as the scene was played;
Just these three nails, and the price was paid.

Three nails glinted dully in the morning sun,
Just three sharp nails, and the deed was done.
The blood from His wounds dripped down to the ground;
Just these three nails, and the Son of God was bound.

Three nails held tight the eyes of all nearby,
Just three sharp nails, and a loud, piercing cry,
"It is finished," Jesus shouted, then He died;
Just these three nails, and the Messiah, crucified.

Three nails were pounded into a cross of wood,
Just three sharp nails, and the Saviour who would
Bear all mankind's sins, as He hung in agony;
Just these three nails are the sinner's perfect plea.

March 9th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:8

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.
Hebrews 12:2

Be Thou Clean (Song)

Poem for Monday

This week my theme will be soulwinning and salvation (ie. Gospel poems and hymns).

Mark 1:40-42 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Be Thou Clean

My sins were as scarlet; they were a burden to me.
My eyes were so blinded that I could not see.
Then I heard of Christ dying on Calvary,
And my soul stirred to life deep inside of me.

(Chorus)
I wondered if Jesus would have compassion on me.
I asked Him if He was willing, and He said, "Be thou clean."
"Oh sinner, come unto Me. I am willing; be thou clean."
I asked Him if He was willing, and He said, "Be thou clean."

My sins, oh how many, pierced my soul like a dart!
Foul leprosy within seemed to stain every part.
I wondered if it was possible to make a new start,
And then God's gracious love came and filled my heart.

I was like a black sheep that had wandered astray.
I had rebelled against God and gone my own way.
Then I, in repentance, fell on my knees to pray,
And Christ's precious blood washed my sins all away.

If you are weighed down by your sin's constant blame,
Overwhelmed and grieved by the burden of shame,
Take a look at the Saviour; there's a reason He came,
He died for your sins - hear Him calling your name.

February 4th, 2000
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)

Be Thou Clean

Stand By Me (Hymn)

Hymn for Sunday

Here is a song I haven't heard for a while! I think I am going to suggest it to our song leader at our next service. It is a fitting end to a week with the theme of Valleys.

Stand By Me
(Charles A. Tindley)

When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of tribulation,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the hosts of hell assail,
And my strength begins to fail,
Thou Who never lost a battle,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of faults and failures,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I do the best I can,
And my friends misunderstand,
Thou Who knowest all about me,
Stand by me (stand by me).

In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
In the midst of persecution,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my foes in battle array
Undertake to stop my way,
Thou Who saved Paul and Silas,
Stand by me (stand by me).

When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When I’m growing old and feeble,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When my life becomes a burden,
And I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou “Lily of the Valley,”
Stand by me (stand by me).

Hope On (Poem)

I had this saved in an old email, though I am uncertain of the source or author - if anyone know, please pass it on to me, and I will update this page. Thank you.

Hope On

"Hope on, hope on, O troubled heart,
If doubts and fears o'ertake thee,
Remember this - the Lord hath said,
He never will forsake thee;
Then murmur not, still bear thy lot,
Nor yield to care or sorrow;
Be sure the clouds that frown today
Will break in smiles tomorrow.

"Hope on, hope on, through dark and deep
The shadows gather o'er thee;
Be not dismayed; thy Saviour holds
The lamp of life before thee;
And if He will that thou to-day
Shouldst tread the vale of sorrow;
Be not afraid, but trust and wait;
The sun, will shine tomorrow.

"Hope on, hope on, go bravely forth
Through trial and temptation,
Directed by the worth of truth,
So full of consolation;
There is a calm for every storm,
A joy for every sorrow,
A night from which the soul shall wake
To hail an endless morrow."

Surely Goodness And Mercy (Hymn)

Surely Goodness And Mercy
(John W. Peterson)

A pilgrim was I and a-wand'ring,
In the cold night of sin I did roam,
When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me,
And now I am on my way home.

Chorus:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life.

He restoreth my soul when I'm weary,
He giveth me strength day by day;
He leads me beside the still waters,
He guards me each step of the way.

When I walk thro' the dark lonesome valley,
My Savior will walk with me there;
And safely His great hand will lead me
To the mansions He's gone to prepare.

Extended Chorus:
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,
And I shall feast at the table spread for me;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life.

Added after last Chorus only:
All the days, all the days of my life.