Christmas Once Again (Poem)

Christmas Once Again

It’s Christmas once again,
Yes, it’s that time of year,
To reflect now and then,
And wish that you were here.
To talk about the story,
About a baby born one night.
A King without His glory,
Who left His throne of might.

The babe grew into a child,
And the child became a man.
The King dwelt among His people,
But they would not understand.
God left His Heavenly splendour,
The Son came from above.
He became a simple servant,
To show that He was love.

Then one day He died,
Crucified upon that tree.
Even now I wonder why,
Why did He die for you and me?
Christmas without Easter
Is only half the story;
Jesus, the Son of God,
Arose again in glory.

He didn’t come that night,
Just to give us a holiday;
He came to give us life,
And showed He was the Way.
Immanuel, our God is with us,
As the prophets had foretold.
He redeemed us with His precious blood,
Not with silver or with gold.

The wise men later brought their gifts,
Knelt and worshipped at His feet.
Like a wise man, will you give
Your heart to the Prince of Peace?

December 11th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

You might appreciate this study and the following poems on Christmas:

Have You Any Room For Jesus?

O Save Us Now

Born To Die

Christmas Without Christ

God's Gift

Christmas Without Jesus - by Angela Trenholm

What Does Christmas Mean To Me?

Christmas Without Jesus - by Theresa Wood

Christmas In Heaven

Ready For Christmas

And this story: Christmas Love

"Afraid? Of What?" (Poem)

"Afraid? Of What?"

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Saviour's face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash - a crash - a pierced heart;
Brief darkness - Light - O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven's rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?

To do by death what life could not -
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that?

This poem was written by E.H. Hamilton, after hearing of the death of his missionary colleague Jack Vinson. Vinson was martyred in 1931 and showed no fear of death to his Chinese captors, telling them, "Kill me, if you wish. I will go straight to God."

Job 18:14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

Hebrews 2:14-16 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he (Jesus Christ) also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Christ Died For Us – We Die For Christ (Poem)

Christ Died For Us – We Die For Christ

By Francis H. Rose
(A Christian martyr in the Philippines in 1943)

All human progress up to God
Has stained the stairs of time with blood;
For every gain for Christendom,
Is bought by someone’s martyrdom,
Not ours alone, nor man’s alone.

In furnace fire, a faithful three,
Though bound in chains, in spirit free;
A Fourth drew near with shining feet
And walked with them through livid heat.
A king’s defeat! A king’s defeat!

On seething sea, in darkest night,
The shipwrecked saw a Walking Light,
Defying wave and wind and deep,
He put the wind and wave to sleep.
Ah, He will keep! Ah, He will keep!

With tend’rest touch He heals our ills,
And from His well of life He fills
With living water, strength divine,
Each thirsting branch of this His vine;
For He is mine, and He is mine!

For us He poured the crimson cup,
And bade us take and drink it up.
Himself He poured to set us free,
Help us, O Christ, though few we be,
To drink with Thee; To drink life’s cup with Thee.

Nor did He yet forget to pray
While midnight drifted toward the day.
Then from that hidden garden bower
He rose from prayer with Spirit power
To meet His zero hour, His zero hour.

Ten thousand saints come thronging home
From lion’s den and catacomb;
The fire and sword and beasts defied;
For Christ, their King, they testified,
And gladly died; they gladly died.

With eye of faith we see today
That Cross-led column wind its way,
Up life’s repeated Calvary,
Borne up by superhuman powers,
We rise to take the hill with ours,
O Christ, we follow Thee! We follow Thee!

The Rich Man (Poem)

The Rich Man

(Luke 16)

I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven,
There’s no comfort in this place.
I am tormented in this flame
And worms are my covering of disgrace.

I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven,
I find there’s no escape to be had.
There’s a great gulf I cannot pass,
And this thirst near drives me mad.

I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven,
Alone, in endless darkness, I look around.
But the weeping and gnashing of my own teeth
Are the only cursed sounds.

I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven,
Excluded forever from God’s face.
I rejected Jesus Christ, the only Saviour,
And here there’s no more offer of His grace.

I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven,
Where am I? Oh, please do tell…
I am the rich man who knew Lazarus
And I am tormented in this eternal Hell.

In my heedless life, I took my ease.
Oh, how I mocked and ridiculed.
Now I languish forever in this prison,
And realize how much I played the fool.

All the Scriptures come back to haunt me;
Oh, every word of the Prophets was true.
If only someone would tell my brethren,
Lest they come to this place of torment too.

March 26th/02
Jerry Bouey

This is the story of the rich man in Luke 16. I had written a poem called I've Gone Home - which has become one of my most popular poems. It was an attempt to give a Scriptural glimpse of Heaven to offer comfort to some friends of mine who had lost a saved loved one. Then my webpartner on EarnestlyContending (Angela Trenholm) challenged me to do a poem on Hell, starting with the same phrase, "I've gone home," but then leading to a description of Hell instead of Heaven - as a warning and exhortation for those who are not saved to trust the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation before it is too late.

I like to think of I've Gone Home as Lazarus' story, and use both poems to present the contrast of what Heaven and Hell are truly like Biblically.

Are you prepared for eternity? Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from your sins and give you a home in Heaven when you die. The Bible does clearly refer to where we go after we die as our "long home", because that is where we will spend eternity:

Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Where is your home in eternity? Heaven or Hell?

If you are not sure that Heaven is your home, please prayerfully read the following Gospel tract, which will show you from the Bible how you can be saved and be assured of a home in Heaven: God's Simple Plan Of Salvation. Why be unsure when God says you can know? Take God's Word on it!

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say (Poem)

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.

by: Ho­ra­ti­us Bo­nar (1846)

One By One He Took Them From Me - Poem by William Cowper

One By One He Took Them From Me

One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most.
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.

Then I walked earth's highway grieving,
In my rags and poverty;
'Til I heard His voice inviting:
Lift your empty hands to me.

So I held my hands toward Heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
'Til they could contain no more.

Then at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour out His riches
Into hands already full.

~By William Cowper~
(I am unsure of the actual title of this poem.)

The Answers Why (Poem)

The Answers Why

I asked the Lord one day why there were so many mountains in my life,
So much grief and heartache, so much trouble and strife?
I read His Word very carefully, looking for the answers why,
And deep within my soul, I heard His Spirit reply.

I am working all things out for your good;
Removing the debris that shouldn't be there.
There is so much damage that sin has done,
There is so much I need to repair.
There are works that I am doing - if you could only understand -
I am fulfilling all My promises according to My Plan.

The mountains are for reminding you of My goodness and My love,
The weakness is to cause you to lean upon My arms above.
Rest upon My provision, and trust that I will guide you along Life's way,
And rejoice in My grace and mercy that will lead you safely Home one day.

There's a work I am doing inside your very heart,
So one day up in glory, My likeness to you I will impart;
So don't fret about the things that you don't understand,
Just trust my eternal wisdom, and know it's all according to My Plan.

December 20th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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:
Philippians 1:6

According to the eternal purpose
which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Ephesians 3:11

He Goes Before (Poem)

He Goes Before

Dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown morrow!
Dark is life's way, for night is not yet o'er;
The longed-for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow;
But, this I know and trust, HE GOES BEFORE.

Dangers are near! and fears my mind are shaking;
Heart seems to dread what life may hold in store;
But I am His - He knows the way I'm taking,
More blessed even still - HE GOES BEFORE.

Doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows o'er me,
Doubts that life's best - life's choicest things are o'er;
What but His Word can strengthen, can restore me,
And this blest fact; that still HE GOES BEFORE.

HE GOES BEFORE! Be this my consolation!
He goes before! On this my heart would dwell!
He goes before! This guarantees salvation!
HE GOES BEFORE! And therefore all is well.

J. Danson Smith

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

My Hiding Place (Song)

My Hiding Place

Lord, You are my hiding place
through life's stormy gale;
You are my fount of grace
when my strength begins to fail.

Chorus:
Lord, You are my hiding place,
Standing strong and sure,
My refuge in the storms of life,
A fortress that will endure.

You are my hiding place
though enemies surround;
You fill my heart with Your peace -
peace that always abounds.

When my sins come back to haunt me
and I need a hiding place,
You shelter me under Your wings,
and remove all of sin's trace.

Lord, You are my hiding place –
Whom shall I fear?
Why should my soul be cast down
When You are always near?

You are my hiding place -
You took in this lonely waif -
In Jesus, I know I am secure,
I know I'm forever safe.

When the tempests come -
their winds and waves crash over me,
You are my hiding place -
the only place I long to be.

December 25th/02
Jerry Bouey

Thou art my hiding place;
Thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
Thou shalt compass me about
with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 32:7

Call Back (Poem)

Call Back

If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back­;
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn;
That when the heavens thundered and the earthquake shook the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

O friend, call back and tell me, for I cannot see your face;
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us, and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky,­
If you have gone a little way ahead, O friend, call back,­
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.

- Selected
(Quoted in Streams In The Desert devotional)

Unfolding The Rose (Poem)

Unfolding The Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

~© Bryan T. Burgess ~

In Jesus by Annie Johnson Flint (Poem)

In Jesus

In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - peace;
The heart of the whirlwind where its roarings cease,
A little home waiting, still and light and warm,
A safe sanctuary from the night and storm.

In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - rest;
A sure place of refuge for the sore-opprest,
A guarded pavilion no device can take,
A strong-walled fortress no assault can shake.

In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - joy;
A full cup of gladness that can never cloy,
A sweet fountain rising out of Marah's tide,
A spring of rejoicing that is never dried.

In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - peace;
A deep, quiet harbor where the high waves cease,
A long-desired haven on a friendly shore,
Where the wild winds of oceans sweep the soul no more.

In the world, tribulation, trials all around,
For on earth no resting and no joys are found;
Let us flee to Jesus where all sorrows cease;
Here alone is gladness, here alone is peace.

~Annie Johnson Flint~

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Disappointment - His Appointment (Poem)

Disappointment - His Appointment

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be a blessing,
Though it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like a loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, unquestioned,
All that from His wisdom flows.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
"No good thing will He withhold,"
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold,
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan is Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining -
"Father, not my will, but Thine."

~Edith Lillian Young~

Job 23:14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

My Bible and I (Poem)

My Bible And I

We've traveled together through life's rugged way,

O'er land and over water, by night and by day:
To travel without it I never would try,
We keep close together, my Bible and I.

In sorrow I've proved it my comfort and joy,
When weak my strong tower which nought can destroy;
When death comes so near me 'tis thought I would die,
We still are together, my Bible and I.

If powers of evil against me would come,
And threaten to rob me of heaven and home,
God's Word then directs me to Him in the sky;
And nothing can part us, my Bible and I.

When evil temptations are brought to my view,
And I in my weakness know not what to do,
On Christ as my strength I am taught to rely;
And so we keep company, my Bible and I.

When life's path is ended; if Jesus should come
And take all His blood-purchased children home;
Or if, in long suffering, He waits till I die,
We'll never be parted, my Bible and I.

And when in the glory my Lord I behold,
With all His redeemed gathered safe in the fold,
My Bible and I close companions will be
For God's Word abides for all eternity!

Author Unknown

The Valley Of Faith (Poem)

The year this poem was written was the first year I conquered the depression in my life (and have not been overwhelmed with it since). I remember meditating upon Psalm 23 and thinking it was a wonderful testimony of David's trust in the Lord his God. I wanted that same testimony to be mine (not just to be able to claim the promises contained herein, but also to have others look at my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, and say that this is my testimony too). This poem came out of those musings.

The Valley Of Faith
(Based on Psalm 23)

The Lord is my Shepherd.
He’s proven faithful throughout the years.
Though I walk through death’s dark valley,
His grace calmly soothes all my fears.

As I closely follow His leading,
He provides for my every need.
Oh, the waters are so peaceful,
And the pastures are rich indeed!

When I get weary and heavy laden,
When the labour of love takes its toll,
I go to the Shepherd for refreshing,
And He gently restores my soul.

As I lean upon the Shepherd,
He guides me in the path that's right.
When the shadows seem so gloomy,
The Lord is my Lamp and my Light.

The Shepherd's name is so precious;
Like ointment poured forth to me.
Jesus' name means He's the "Saviour",
And He gives life abundantly.

Yea, though I walk through this valley,
No sudden fears will bar my way.
His rod and staff are there to guide me,
And bring me back whenever I stray.

Though my enemies may surround me,
My Lord, omnipotent, still provides,
And though evil forces may assail me,
Within, God's perfect peace still abides.

Anointed with God's Spirit,
And overflowing with His love,
My cup indeed is running over
With showers of blessing from above.

Amazed with His goodness and mercy,
By His grace, in this pasture, I roam.
How I rejoice to see that day
When the Good Shepherd leads me home.

October 12th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

I Am the Good Shepherd:
the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
I Am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep,
and am known of Mine.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me:
And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.
John 10:11, 14, 27-28

The Hidden Glory (Poem)

The Hidden Glory

If we knew of our dependence on the God who gave us life;
If we knew of His compassion as He sees us in the strife;
If we only saw the glory that is shining over there;
We would read His Word more faithfully and study it with care.

If our minds were not so crowded with the cares and things of time;
If our thoughts could soar to Heaven and explore that blissful clime;
If our eyes could see the vision of that land so far away;
We would read His Word more carefully and sense it as we pray.

If we'd contemplate the future looking thence for sure rewards;
If we'd tune our ears to listen to those sweet and heavenly chords;
We'd go pressing towards the mark of that glorious aftermath
With His Word a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path.

~Author Unknown~

The Lord Our Righteousness (Hymn by Robert Murray M'Cheyne)

The Lord Our Righteousness

I once was a stranger to grace and to God,
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU was nothing to me.

I oft read with pleasure, to soothe or engage,
Isaiah's wild measure and John's simple page;
But e'en when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree,
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU seemed nothing to me.

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul;
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree,
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU -- 'twas nothing to me.

When free grace awoke me, by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see --
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU my Saviour must be.

My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free --
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU is all things to me.

JEHOVAH TSIDKENU! my treasure and boast,
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU! I ne'er can be lost;
In Thee I shall conquer by flood and by field --
My cable, my anchor, my breastplate and shield!

Even treading the valley, the shadow of death.
This watchword shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life's fever my God sets me free,
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU my death-song shall be.

~Robert Murray M'Cheyne~

Jehovah Tsidkenu means "The LORD our Righteousness."

Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

The Prodigal's Return (Song)

The Prodigal's Return

The Far Country could never satisfy,
Oh what a foolish soul I have been.
I've come to myself, and I wonder now,
Will my Heavenly Father take me in?

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned -
I have wandered astray for many days;
Now broken inside, I'm coming home again -
I'm so tired of my wayward ways.

My thoughts run faster than my feet can go -
What kind of reception awaits me there?
No, I won't falter, I have to know,
"Will He receive me?" my only prayer.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
No more wandering about in a daze -
Cleanse my heart, make me whole again,
Restore the joys of yesterdays.

What is that on the horizon?
Is that my Father waiting there?
A thousand thoughts hedge my ways...

But with arms opened wide,
He receives me to Himself;
My heart's so filled with love and praise.

Like the Prodigal, I've come home again,
So tired of my wayward ways -
Now a peace within and a song of joy;
My heart's so filled with endless praise.

My heart's so filled with endless praise...

May 12th/06
Jerry Bouey

Luke 15:17-20 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

I Met The Master (Poem)

I Met The Master

I had walked life's way with an easy tread,
Had followed where comforts and pleasure led,
Until one day in a quiet place
I met the MASTER face to face.

With station and rank and wealth for my goal,
Much thought for my body, but none for my soul,
I had entered to win in life's mad race,
When I met the MASTER face to face.

I had built my castles and reared them high,
With their towers had pierced the blue of the sky,
I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,
When I met the MASTER face to face.

I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see
That His eyes, full of sorrow, were fixed on me;
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished and in their place
Naught else did I see but the MASTER's face.
And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meet
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."

My thought is now for the souls of men,
I have lost my life to find it again,
E'er since one day in a quiet place
I met the MASTER face to face.

~ Author Unknown ~

This I Know (Poem)

This I Know

I do not know what next may come
Across my pilgrim way;
I do not know tomorrow's road,
Nor see beyond today.
But this I know -- my Saviour knows
The path I cannot see;
And I can trust His wounded hand
To guide and care for me.

I do not know what may befall,
Of sunshine or of rain;
I do not know what may be mine,
Of pleasure and of pain;
But this I know -- my Saviour knows
And whatsoe'er it be,
Still I can trust His love to give
What will be best for me.

I do not know what may await,
Or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail its opening wings;
For this I know -- that my Lord
Shall all my needs be met;
And I can trust the heart of Him,
Who has not failed me yet.

-- E. Margaret Clarkson

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen (Poem)

The following poem was taken from chapter 11 of A Minister's Obstacles. I am not sure if the author of the book is also the author of the poem.

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen

He held the lamp that Sabbath day
So low that none could miss the way,
And yet so high, to bring to sight
That picture fair of Christ the Light,
That, gazing up, the lamp between
The hand that held it was not seen.

He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below;
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bade him drink when sick and faint.
They drank, the pitcher them between,
The hand that held it was not seen.

He blew the trumpet soft and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear;
And then with louder note and bold,
To storm the walls of Satan's hold;
The trumpet coming thus between,
The hand that held it was not seen.

And when our Captain says, 'Well done,
Thou good and faithful servant; come,
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp;
Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,'
The weary hands will then be seen
Clasped in the pierced ones, naught between.

~ Author Unknown ~

I Will Never Leave You (Poem by Jan McIntosh)

I Will Never Leave You

I will never leave you,
I promised it in My Word.
I, Jehovah God, your Creator,
Your Master, your Friend, the Lord.

WILL of My own free choice,
Not because I must,
But because I love you so dearly
And desire that in Me you trust.

NEVER will I leave you,
You can depend solely on Me.
Though friends and family forsake you,
I'm with you for eternity.

LEAVE you? -- No, not ever.
I will stay right by your side.
You will always be in My presence,
With Me you will forever abide.

YOU -- Yes you, dear believer,
My most precious valued one.
Because you turned away from sin
And believed in My Holy Son.

Yes, just as He has told us,
As He promised in His Word,
"I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU",
Oh, what a wonderful Lord!

© 1991 Jan McIntosh
(Used With Permission)

The Battle Is The Lord's (Poem)

The Battle Is The Lord's

Our God is the God of the impossible,
Oh stand still, and He shall make a way.
Jesus is the Captain of the Lord's Host;
Fear not, He shall fight for you this day.

He's God of all the hills and valleys,
All earth's treasures are under His command.
Oh be not fretful nor discouraged,
All we need comes from His loving hand.

When evil seems to overwhelm you,
Fear not sin's entanglements and cords,
With steadfast faith, claim the victory,
My brethren, the battle is the Lord's.

May 26th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Near To The Throne Of God (Poem)

Near To The Throne Of God

In sin so long I had wandered,

My spirit, in darkness had trod,
But someone stood in the gap for me,
Brought me near to the throne of God.

The Lord opened my eyes to see,
He heard my repentant heart pray.
In faith, I came to the rugged cross,
To Jesus, the Life and the Way.

I owe it all to my Saviour:
His servant He placed in my way,
He brought me near to the throne of God -
And praise Him, He saved me that day!

Now I am under commission;
In service to my King - I am awed.
He charged me with a solemn duty:
To bring others to the throne of God.

February 3rd, 2004
Jerry Bouey

2 Corinthians 5:17-21  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Wait On The Lord (Poem)

Wait On The Lord

My soul, wait only on the Lord,
Expecting nothing save from Him.
Rest all on His unfailing Word
Nor ever let thy faith grow dim.
Thine every need shall be supplied,
Thy heart's desires be freely given,

And no good thing shall be denied
The soul in harmony with heaven.
All human strength but disappoints,
Its wrecks along life's path are strewed;
But they who wait as God appoints
Shall daily find their strength renewed.

On eagles' wings of faith they rise
And far above earth's tumult sail,
They run, unwearied, toward the prize,
They walk, and neither faint nor fail.
However, hope!, as seems thy case,
Go spread it out before the throne;

And in His boundless, matchless grace,
Our God will make His power known.
Then in His strength go meet thy task,
Assured He bears with thee the load.
If great thy need, then largely ask;
All things are possible with God.

- Mrs. W. A. Vroman

(Taken from A Practical Primer on Prayer)

The Lord Our Banner (Song by Angela Trenholm)

(Put to the tune of "The Fight Is On" - as written below the poem - simply sing the original chorus between each stanza.)

The Lord Our Banner

The Lord Our Banner is the Christian's rally cry!
Raise the standard; there's battles to be fought,
Jehovah-Nissi is our Saviour from on High,
For without the Lord, the fight's all for nought.

The battle is hard and the cost seems so very high -
The squeamish and faint of heart need not apply -
For our fight is not against swords, bows, or spears,
But against the Devil and our own fears.

Dear brethren, the war's already been fought and won -
The battles are the Lord's - we fight not alone.
One day soon, we'll be glorified with God's own Son -
Be steadfast and faithful 'til He takes us home.

The battles are wearisome; and many are the foes,
Stand fast, brethren - do not falter nor faint!
Jesus, our Saviour, Captain of Jehovah's host,
Leads the final charge with thousands of His saints.

The Lord Our Banner, stands high upon the hill,
With our only weapon, the Word of God, held high.
The Lord will fight for us, and we need but stand still,
For the victory, our Lord will provide.

Angela Trenholm
December 26, 2003

Taken from: Exodus 17:15 (Jehovah is my banner)

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:
For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD
will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

He [Christ] shall not forever sit in waiting posture, but shall come into the fight to end the weary war by his own victorious presence. He will lead the final charge in person; his own right hand and his holy arm shall get unto him the victory. (Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury Of David)

The Fight is On
(by Leila N. Morris)

The fight is on, the trumpet sound is ringing out,
The cry "To arms!" is heard afar and near;
The Lord of hosts is marching on to victory,
The triumph of the Christ will soon appear.

Chorus:
The fight is on, O Christian soldier,
And face to face in stern array,
With armor gleaming, and colors streaming,
The right and wrong engage today!
The fight is on, but be not weary;
Be strong, and in His might hold fast;
If God be for us, His banner o'er us,
We'll sing the victor's song at last!

The fight is on, arouse, ye soldiers brave and true!
Jehovah leads, and victory will assure;
Go buckle on the armor God has given you,
And in His strength unto the end endure.

The Lord is leading on to certain victory;
The bow of promise spans the eastern sky;
His glorious Name in every land shall honored be;
The morn will break, the dawn of peace is nigh.

My Hiding Place (Hymn)

My Hiding Place

Hail, sovereign love, which first began;

The scheme to rescue fallen man!

Hail, matchless, free, eternal grace,

Which gave my soul a hiding place.

Against the GOD that built the sky

I fought with hands uplifted high,

Despised the mention of His grace,

Too proud to seek a hiding place.

Enwrapt in thick Egyptian night,

And fond of darkness more than light,

Madly I ran the sinful race,

Secure - without a hiding place!

But thus the eternal counsel ran;

Almighty love, arrest that man!

I felt the arrows of distress,

And found I had no hiding place.

Indignant justice stood in view;

To Sinai's fiery mount I flew;

But justice cried with frowning face,

This mountain is no hiding place!

Ere long a heavenly voice I heard,

And mercy's angel soon appeared:

He led me with a beaming face,

To JESUS as a hiding place.

On Him almighty vengeance fell,

Which must have sunk a world to hell!

He bore it for a sinful race,

And thus became their Hiding Place.

Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,

And shake this globe from pole to pole,

No thunderbolt shall daunt my face,

For JESUS is my Hiding Place.

- Major John Andre

The Lampstand (Poem)

"Shine as lights in the world."

The Lampstand

Shine forth, O light of God indwelling.
May the flame burn clear and bright
Fed by that pure and endless oil,
The Spirit filling me. Let not
This flesh, this mortal lamp, obscure
The brightly burning flame. O God,
Let not the lampstand intervene
Or claim the glory for itself.
May it be clean, and plain, and yielded
To the holding of that precious
Oil, flaming, burning brightly
That the world may see Christ.

- Joan. H. Lyon

Hm, it is funny how when you see something worded a little different that you see a Scriptural truth in a whole new light.

I always took the references to us being the light of the world as indicating it was our job to shine out among the lost, shining out with the truth of the Word of God.

Yet this poem presents it in a way that indicates we are to be the vessel holding the light (and oil) that shines out from us. Now the picture seems a little clearer for me - it is more like a combination of both concepts.

Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We are the light of the world, shining forth the light of Christ to the world.

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Now this definitely makes me want to study out even more how the priests in the OT tabernacle were to take care of the candlesticks:

Always filled with oil (the Holy Spirit)

Never go out (always shining the pure light)

Wick trimmed neatly (having our vessels clean, useful for service)

I always looked at how the candlestick pictured Christ (and the Holy Spirit), but had not looked much at how it pictured the believer. Looks like it might be an interesting study!

"God Meant It Unto Good" (Poem)

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

"GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD"

"God meant it unto good"--O blest assurance,
Falling like sunshine all across life's way,
Touching with Heaven's gold earth's darkest storm clouds,
Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

'Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brethren
Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;
Nor was it chance which, after years of suffering,
Brought him before the monarch's throne to stand.

One Eye all-seeing saw the need of thousands,
And planned to meet it through that one lone soul;
And through the weary days of prison bondage
Was working towards the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive,
The iron entered even to his soul;
His eye could scan the present path of sorrow,
Not yet his gaze might rest upon the whole.

Faith failed not through those long, dark days of waiting,
His trust in God was recompensed at last,
The moment came when God led forth His servant
To succour many, all his sufferings past.

"It was not you but God, that sent me hither,"
Witnessed triumphant faith in after days;
"God meant it unto good," no "second causes"
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

"God means it unto good" for thee, beloved,
The God of Joseph is the same today;
His love permits afflictions strange and bitter,
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

Thy Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,
Hath purposes for thee of love untold.
Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,
Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

There, when thou standest in the Home of Glory,
And all life's path lies open to thy gaze,
Thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustest,
And magnify His love through endless days.

--Freda Hanbury Allen

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

Romans 8:28 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.

The Ninety And The Nine (Hymn)

The Ninety And The Nine

There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold,
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold --
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the tender Shepherd's care.

Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?
But the Shepherd made answer, "This of mine
Has wandered away from me,
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find my sheep."

But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed,
Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry --
Sick and helpless, and ready to die.

Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way
That mark out the mountain's track?
They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.
Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.

But all through the mountains, thunder-riven,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gates of heaven,
Rejoice! I have found my sheep!
And the angels echoes around the throne,
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Lyrics by Elizabeth C. Clephane
Music by Ira Sankey

"Abba, Father!" (Hymn)

"Abba, Father!"

"Abba, Father!" We approach Thee
In our Savior's precious Name;
We, Thy children, here assembled,
Now Thy promised blessing claim;
From our sins His blood hath washed us,
'Tis through Him our souls draw nigh,
And Thy Spirit, too, hath taught us,
"Abba, Father," thus to cry.

Once as prodigals we wandered
In our folly far from Thee,
But Thy grace, o'er sin abounding,
Rescued us from misery;
Thou Thy prodigals hast pardoned,
Kissed us with a Father's love,
Spread the festive board, and called us,
E'er to dwell with Thee above.

Clothed in garments of salvation,
At Thy table is our place,
We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest,
In the riches of Thy grace;
"It is meet," we hear Thee saying,
"We should merry and be glad,
I have found My once lost children,
Now they live who once were dead."

"Abba, Father!" all adore Thee,
All rejoice in Heav'n above,
While in us they learn the wonders
Of Thy wisdom, grace, and love;
Soon before Thy throne assembled,
All Thy children shall proclaim,
"Glory, everlasting glory,
Be to God and to the Lamb!"

James G. Deck, 1841
Hymns for the Poor of the Flock

The Four Calls (Poem)

The Four Calls

The Spirit came in CHILDHOOD,
And pleaded, "Let me in."
But oh! the door was bolted
By thoughtlessness and sin,
"I am too young," the child replied,"
I will not yield today.
There's time enough tomorrow."
The Spirit went away.

Again He came and pleaded,
In YOUTH'S bright happy hour.
He came, but heard no answer,
For lured by Satan's power,
The youth lay dreaming then,
And saying, "Not today;
Nor till I've tried earth's pleasures."
The Spirit went away.

Again He called in mercy,
In MANHOOD'S vigorous prime.
But still He found no welcome,
The merchant had no time,
No time for true repentance,
No time to think or pray.
And so, repulsed and saddened,
The Spirit went away.

Once more He called and waited,
The man was OLD and ill.
He scarcely heard the whisper,
His heart was cold and still.
"Go leave me; when I need Thee
I'll call for thee," he cried.
Then sinking on his pillow,
WITHOUT A HOPE, he died.

~Author unknown~

A Confederate Soldier's Prayer (Poem)

A Confederate Soldier's Prayer

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.

Author Unknown
(Attributed to a battle weary C.S.A soldier near the end of the war)

No Condemnation!!! (Poem)

No Condemnation

"No condemnation!" Can it be
This message sweet is meant for me?
For me who, but for God's free grace,
Would occupy the sinner's place?

"No condemnation!" When, and how?
The word is clearly written - "Now."
Tis wrought through Christ, and Christ alone;
Naught but His blood can sin atone.

"No condemnation!" Fully free!
Though Satan cast his darts at me,
Accuse me oft, and try me sore,
In Christ I stand condemned no more.

"No condemnation!" No more dread
That God's fierce wrath will touch my head.
His Word is true; His promise, sure;
It shall forever more endure.

"No condemnation!" Joy untold!
My heart cannot its praise withhold
From Him who freely bore for me
My condemnation, set me free!

Georgia Knick Horne

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

"No Accidents" (Poem)

One of my best friends is my Pastor's (Claude Madle's) brother in law, Bill Smith. Just before Christmas this past year, he and his family (including six children) were travelling in their truck, and hit an icy patch. They went off the road, and Bill's wife, Reesa, was thrown through the windshield and died. Everything they had with them was destroyed with the truck, though the rest of the family was fine. One of the older girls had injured her ankle, but nothing serious. When they picked up Reesa, they found her Bible - the only remaining object from the truck - underneath her. No doubt it was a legacy to her children, and a reminder that even in the hardest times, the Lord is still in control, and still with them.

This poem was passed on to me tonight by my pastor's daughter, Reesa's niece, in the hopes that I would use it and pass it on - perhaps placing it in my next poetry book (Lord willing). It was written by a close friend of Reesa's and put in the funeral bulletin. This summer, when my pastor's daughter does to their yearly Youth Retreat at Oklahoma Bible College (the college my pastor and his wife, as well as Bill and Reesa Smith went to), she will try to personally contact the author for any contact information, which she does not have now.

"No Accidents"

There are no accidents in the life of a Christian:
Our God has an ultimate plan.
Although troubles and trials may come,
He is present even when we don't understand.

Each new day is a part of His creation,
Perfect and absent of any mistakes;
And when life seems to take a turn for the worse,
We can trust Him for His sufficient grace.

When life's tragedies seem to close in upon us,
And its pressures are just more than we can bear,
We can remember His comforting promises,
And know for His saints, He is always right there.

God is not the author of confusion;
He is in complete and utter control.
His ways may not always be our ways,
But He gives peace and comfort to our aching soul.

Yes, there are no accidents in the life of a Christian,
And there will be times when we do not understand His plan.
But, yet one thing will remain for certain:
He is holding us in the middle of His Almighty hand.

We can know His will and His way is always best,
Even when His timing and dealings are not our own.
Our God is sovereign and merciful to His children,
And His love to us will always be shown.

We do not need to doubt Him.
We do not have to fear.
He will give grace and comfort,
And He will hear every prayer.

His Word is a source of comfort and strength.
We can stand on His promises within.
His unknowing plan will be accomplished,
As souls turns their hearts from sin.

"Remember, there are no accidents, my child,"
He will whisper softly in our heart's ear.
"Please continue to fight the good fight of faith and trust me.
For you, I will always be right here."

So when you feel like you cannot possibly go on,
And the strength you once had is no longer there,
Please remember, there are no accidents in the life of a Christian,
And you are always in His omnipotent care.

~Felicia Doss~
A college friend of Reesa Smith (Nov. 7, 1968-Dec. 20, 2006)
(Used With Permission)

To hear this poem presented in church, click here:
"No Accidents" - by Felicia Doss 

Just A Little Sparrow (Poem and Testimony)

Something tonight reminded me of one poem I wrote for those involved in children's ministries. Rereading the testimony behind this poem was a blessing. I am no longer involved in the Sunday School bus ministry (though I was for four years) - I moved to another part of town and am unable to get to where the bus leaves in the morning, plus changes in work schedules hinder me from becoming involved again - but there are many blessed memories of this ministry.

Just A Little Sparrow
(Dedicated to all the little children)

I’m just a little sparrow –
Oh, please don’t forget me, Lord!
I’m trusting in Your promises,
Still believing in Your Word.

I’m just a little sparrow –
With these tears, it’s hard to see,
But I know my Heavenly Father
Is always watching over me.

I’m just a little sparrow –
So small and scared, I know;
But Jesus died for all my sins,
He washed me white as snow.

I’m just a little sparrow –
But one thing I know is true:
Jesus loves all the little children,
And I know He loves me too!

I’m just a little sparrow –
Sometimes it’s so hard not to cry,
But my Saviour is in Heaven,
He’s made a home for me when I die.

I’m just a little child –
I don’t know what life has in store,
But in God’s eyes, I’m like a sparrow,
And to Him I’m worth so much more!

I’m just a little sparrow –
So small and scared, that’s a fact,
But God takes care of all His sparrows,
And I thank You, Lord, for that!

July 24th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

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.

The blessings behind this poem:

It is dedicated to the children the Lord is bringing into my life through the Sunday School Bus ministry and Vacation Bible School. I tried to write it from the perspective of a child who has a troubled or broken home, but knows they are saved because of the personal faith they have placed in Jesus Christ.

Several months ago our Sunday School bus captain hurt his back and was not able to ride the bus. I was asked to cover the Bible story for him that Sunday morning. He had written an outline on the story of the little boy who shared his lunch with Jesus - and the emphasis was on giving our all to the Lord and letting Him use us. This boy shared his lunch of loaves and fishes. Well, the Lord decided to emphasize the importance of using my all for His glory by teaching me that same day and the next that He was working out all things in my life!

That afternoon our neighbours came by with some bags of bread that they were giving us. That was nice and really helped out. Between Angela Trenholm's family and I, there are eight people eating a lot of bread!

The next afternoon the neighbour came by again with some fish he had caught earlier that day. It was no coincidence that the Lord provided us LOAVES AND FISHES! That was a tremendous blessing and the reemphasis of Biblical truths. Truly the Lord does provide all our needs!

Well, this second story is similar...

About a week or so ago, the Lord really spoke to me through this passage in 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.

The two phrases that are bolded above really impacted me and have stuck like burrs in my mind...

On Tuesday, I picked up the first book in the newest series by Al Lacy called The Orphan Train Trilogy: The Little Sparrows. The little sparrows in the book were the orphaned children. This book has been a tremendous blessing and exhortation to do all I can to reach the children the Lord places in my life - through the bus route, through Vacation Bible School, and through handing out Gospel tracts.

The Lord also put the mother of one of the children from our bus route in my path on Tuesday. Little Cole was my favourite out of all the children we have had on the bus for the two years it has been running. He always sat at the back of the bus with me (I am the guy that has to keep the kids in order at the back), but their house burned down and we lost contact with them probably a year ago. That was so sad. I thought we would never see them again, nor thought little Cole would ever be part of a sound Sunday School ministry to learn more about Jesus Christ, until his mother came into my work and I recognized her! I introduced myself, explained that we were still running the bus route and she said Cole was recently talking about the bus route and brother Gerald. He wants to start coming again!

Anyway, I have not been able to get this little sparrow out of my mind since Tuesday. It was so encouraging to know that he wants to come again to Sunday School!

Last night, our Pastor preached on How To Win Children To Jesus. This was very appropriate in light of our upcoming Vacation Bible School in August. He covered various passages on children, and one of them was ... you guessed it, Luke 12:6-7! So again, this was emphasized in my life. Another related passage (which he covered) says this:

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.

This morning, a little bird fell out of one of our trees. Angela's oldest daughter found it. The bird was unable to fly back up to its nest so the Trenholms are keeping it in their house. It was neat to watch it, hold it, and hear it chirp, and see how it really took after Angela's daughter. It wasn't until after supper, just as I was getting ready to head out the door for soulwinning - to reach more little sparrows - that I found out what type of bird it was. You will never guess it!...

You're right! Just a little sparrow!

Truly the Lord cares for these little sparrows He has placed in our paths - these children - and so should we! He has definitely given me a heart for them and a burden for them right now. I can't wait until VBS this year!

I hope this poem and this testimony are a blessing to you!

Leave It There (Hymn)

Leave It There
(Words & Music: Charles A. Tindley)

If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Chorus:
Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care;
He will never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If God Himself Be for Me (Hymn)

If God Himself Be for Me

1. If God Himself be for me,
I may a host defy;
For when I pray, before me
My foes, confounded, fly.
If Christ, my Head and Master,
Befriend me from above,
What foe or what disaster
Can drive me from His love?

2. This I believe, yea, rather,
Of this I make my boast,
That God is my dear Father,
The Friend who loves me most,
And that, whate'er betide me,
My Savior is at hand
Through stormy seas to guide me
And bring me safe to land.

3. I build on this foundation,
That Jesus and His blood
Alone are my salvation,
The true, eternal good.
Without Him all that pleases
Is valueless on earth;
The gifts I owe to Jesus
Alone my love are worth.

4. My Jesus is my Splendor,
My Sun, my Light, alone;
Were He not my Defender
Before God's awe-full throne,
I never should find favor
And mercy in His sight,
But be destroyed forever
As darkness by the light.

5. He canceled my offenses,
Delivered me from death;
He is the Lord who cleanses
My soul from sin through faith.
In Him I can be cheerful,
Bold, and undaunted aye;
In Him I am not fearful
Of God's great Judgment Day.

6. Naught, naught, can now condemn me
Nor set my hope aside;
Now hell no more can claim me,
Its fury I deride.
No sentence e'er reproves me,
No ill destroys my peace;
For Christ, my Savior, loves me
And shields me with His grace.

7. His Spirit in me dwelleth,
And o'er my mind He reigns.
All sorrow He dispelleth
And soothes away all pains.
He crowns His work with blessing
And helpeth me to cry,
"My Father!" without ceasing,
To Him who dwells on high.

8. And when my soul is lying
Weak, trembling, and opprest,
He pleads with groans and sighing
That cannot be exprest;
But God's quick eye discerns them,
Although they give no sound,
And into language turns them
E'en in the heart's deep ground.

9. To mine His Spirit speaketh
Sweet word of holy cheer,
How God to him that seeketh
For rest is always near
And how He hath erected
A city fair and new,
Where what our faith expected
We evermore shall view.

10. In yonder home doth flourish
My heritage, my lot;
Though here I die and perish,
My heaven shall fail me not.
Though care my life oft saddens
And causeth tears to flow,
The light of Jesus gladdens
And sweetens every woe.

11. Who clings with resolution
To Him whom Satan hates
Must look for persecution;
For him the burden waits
Of mockery, shame, and losses,
Heaped on his blameless head;
A thousand plagues and crosses
Will be his daily bread.

12. From me this is not hidden,
Yet I am not afraid;
I leave my cares, as bidden,
To whom my vows were paid.
Though life and limb it cost me
And everything I won,
Unshaken shall I trust Thee
And cleave to Thee alone.

13. Though earth be rent asunder,
Thou'rt mine eternally;
Not fire nor sword nor thunder
Shall sever me from Thee;
Not hunger, thirst, nor danger,
Not pain nor poverty
Nor mighty princes' anger
Shall ever hinder me.

14. No angel and no gladness,
No throne, no pomp, no show,
No love, no hate, no sadness,
No pain, no depth of woe,
No scheme of man's contrivance,
However small or great,
Shall draw me from Thy guidance
Nor from Thee separate.

15. My heart for joy is springing
And can no more be sad,
'Tis full of mirth and singing,
Sees naught but sunshine glad.
The Sun that cheers my spirit
Is Jesus Christ, my King;
That which I shall inherit
Makes me rejoice and sing.

by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

Jesus My Redeemer, My King by Kate Plourde (Poem)

Jesus My Redeemer, My King

Thou art my Rock and my Fortress
Thou art my hiding place
Under Thy wing of protection
Thy Word I truly embrace

Thou givest me song in the nighttime
Thou givest me light on the way
Directing my every footstep
Protecting my night and my day

A Shepherd Thou art in my life, Lord
Thy rod and staff guide my way
Gently prodding, pulling and guiding
My heart at Thy Throne I do lay

What comfort Thou givest this pilgrim
What peace and joy lies within
Tis nothing I could do for myself, Lord
Only Thy Blood cleanseth me from this sin

Dear Jesus, Thou art my Deliverer
On Thee will I focus my heart
Thou hast given me life eternal
My name from Thy Book will not part

I will meet Thee, my Lord, my Redeemer
When my course on earth has been run
And my eyes will be able to see Thee
Then in person I'll worship the Son!

Oh come join me all ye who love Him
Let our voices ne'er cease to sing
Cast thy burdens at Jesus' Precious Feet
Shout Hosannah to our Heavenly King!

June 16, 2006
Kate Plourde
Used With Permission

Forgiven (Poem)

Forgiven

Not far from New York is a cemetery lone.
Close guarding its grave stands a simple headstone,
And all the inscription is one word alone - “FORGIVEN.”

No sculpture’s fine art hath embellished its form,
But constantly there, through the calm and the storm,
It beareth this word from a poor fallen worm - “FORGIVEN.”

It shows not the place of the silent one’s birth,
Reveals not his frailties not lies of his worth,
But tells out its tale from those few feet of earth - “FORGIVEN.”

The death is unmentioned; the name is untold;
Beneath lies the body, corrupted and cold;
Above rest his spirit, at home in the fold - “FORGIVEN.”

And when, from heavens, the LORD shall descend,
This stranger shall rise and to God ascend,
Well known and befriended, to sing without end - “FORGIVEN.”

We Christians are not perfect – just “FORGIVEN.”

Author Uncertain

I tried doing an online search for this poem and could not find it or its author listed. I am not even sure if the last line is part of the original poem - but it was sent to me today by my pastor.

I've Found The Pearl Of Greatest Price (Hymn)

I've Found The Pearl Of Greatest Price

I’ve found the Pearl of greatest price,
My heart doth sing for joy;
And sing I must, for Christ is mine!
Christ shall my song employ.

Christ is my Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Prophet full of light,
My great High Priest before the throne,
My King of heav’nly might.

For He indeed is Lord of lords,
And He the King of kings;
He is the Sun of Righteousness,
With healing in His wings.

Christ is my Peace; He died for me,
For me He shed His blood;
And as my wondrous Sacrifice,
Offered Himself to God.

Christ Jesus is my All in all,
My Comfort and my Love,
My Life below, and He shall be
My Joy and Crown above.

My Christ, He is the Tree of Life
Which in God's garden grows;
Whose fruits do feed, whose leaves do heal;
My Christ is Sharon’s Rose.

Christ is my Meat, Christ is my Drink,
My Medicine and Health;
My Peace, my Strength, my Joy, my Crown,
My Glory, and my Wealth.

My Saviour is the Heaven of Heavens,
And what shall I Him call?
My Christ is First, my Christ is Last,
My Christ is All in All.

~John Mason~

(Taken in part from the website linked above, and partly from two other sources.)

Click here for a study on the theme of Jesus Is Prophet, Priest And King

Testing (Poem)

Testing

Are you passing through a testing?
Is your pillow wet with tears?
Do you wonder what the reason,
Why it seems God never hears?
Why it is you have no answer
To your oft-repeated plea,
Why the heaven still is leaden
As you wait on bended knee?

Do you wonder as you suffer,
Whether God does understand?
And if so, why He ignores you,
And fails to hold you in His hand?
Do black doubts creep in, assail you,
Fears without, and fears within,
Till your brave heart almost falters
And gives way to deadly sin?

All God's testing have a purpose-
Some day you will see the light.
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight.
Do not fear when doubts beset you,
Just remember - He is near;
He will never, never leave you,
He will always, always hear.

Faithful is He who has promised,
He will never let you fall,
Daily will the strength be given;
Strength for each and strength for all.
He will gladly share pain with you,
He will gladly give you peace,
Till your tired and weary body,
Finds its blessed, glad release.

When the darkened veil is lifted,
Then, dear heart, you'll understand,
Why it is you had to suffer,
Why you could not feel His hand.
Giving strength when it was needed,
Giving power and peace within,
Giving joy thru tears and trial,
Giving victory over sin.

So till then just keep on trusting,
Thru the sunshine and the rain,
Thru the tears and thru the heart-aches,
Thru the smiles and thru the pain.
Knowing that our Father watches,
Knowing daily strength He'll give,
Victory for each passing hour,
This is life, so let us live!

~Author Unknown~

I found various versions of this online, and adapted it to what seemed to be the most common lines. If someone knows the original author and/or edition of this poem, please let me know. Thank you.

This Is Jim Checking In (Song)

THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN

A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day,
decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle,
the minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap,
each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him, "What are you doing here?"

The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour.
Lunch time was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.

"I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say:

I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY."

The Minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine.
He told Jim he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks." He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried, but he'd given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile;
"the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while

Everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.
ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKING IN TODAY."

(Author: Sonny Salsbury)