Songs In The Night

Why Wait Until Tomorrow? Another year is now over And there's a new one on the way With some fresh New Year's Resolutions And bright promises to make. So many things you wanted to do, So many bad habits to throw away. So many hopeful new horizons Just waiting over the way. All the could'ves, would'ves, should'ves And all the things you wanted to say. But - why wait until tomorrow, When you can begin today? Why wait for another year to pass by, For twelve more months to fly away? When God's mercies are new every morning. He gives us a new beginning every day. So why wait until tomorrow, When you can begin anew today? Praise the Lord for second chances and new beginnings! January 1st, 2001 Jerry Bouey (Dedicated to my Sis, Lori, as a loving reminder that God's mercies are new every morning) This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: gre...

I Wonder If my life were full of sunshine, with never a rainy day, I wonder how I'd treat my Lord And just how much I'd pray. If all were peace and happiness With never a stormy sea, I wonder if I'd live as close, And could He speak to me? If my heart were never broken And never a tear I shed, Would I search His Word for comfort And let my soul be fed? If through life I knew no sorrow Or my body felt no pain, Would I long for Heaven's glory And Christ's return to reign? But my Father knows the answer, He all my weakness sees; And perhaps He sends the storm clouds To drive me to my knees. So that I may learn to trust Him, Feel secure from all that harms, And that I may feel beneath me His everlasting arms. ~Author Unknown~

I Needed The Quiet I needed the quiet so He drew me aside, Into the shadows where we could confide. Away from the bustle where all the day long I hurried and worried when active and strong. I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled, But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld, And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things. Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings To heights never dreamed of when active and gay. He loved me so greatly He drew me away. I needed the quiet. No prison my bed, But a beautiful valley of blessings instead - A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide. I needed the quiet so He drew me aside. ~Alice Hansche Mortenson~

God Moves In A Mysterious Way God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain. ~ William Cowper ~ I don't know if I had ever read the lyrics of this hymn before the last couple of days, but I have always appreciated the first stanza, since coming across it as a young believer. Reading the rest of the stanzas recently just reinforces to ...

"The World's Bible" Christ has no hands but our hands To do His work today; He has no feet but our feet To lead men in His way; He has no tongue but our tongue To tell men how He died; He has no help but our help To bring them to His side. We are the only Bible The careless world will read; We are the sinners gospel, We are the scoffer's creed; We are the Lord's last message, Given in deed and word; What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred? What if our hands are busy With other work than His? What if our feet are walking Where sin's allurement is? What if our tongues are speaking Of things His lips would spurn? How can we hope to help Him And hasten His return? ~Annie Johnson Flint~ Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 2 Corinthians 3:2

Vessels Unto Honour In a great house, there are vessels Some of wood and some of clay There are great ones and small ones You can choose the ones you may. Some for service, some for beauty, Others bear refreshing wine. Lord I care not how You use me, Please just hear this prayer of mine. Chorus: Make me a vessel unto honour The fame of this world, I refuse Sanctify me, cleanse me and fill me Meet for the Master’s own use. Lord, my vessel is empty It is purged from dross and sin By your precious blood on Calvary, It has cleansed me now within. Tho’ unworthy for Your service, Yet Your grace is mine today. So I offer You my vessel For your use and this I pray. Chorus: Make me a vessel unto honour The fame of this world, I refuse Sanctify me, cleanse me and fill me Yes I’ll be meet, for the Master’s own use. Words and Music by Julia Montoro 2 Timothy 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to...

The Vessel The Master was searching for a vessel to use; On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose? "Take me," cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright, I'm of great value and I do things just right. My beauty and luster will outshine the rest And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!" The Master passed on with no word at all; He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall; "I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine, My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true, And my silver will always compliment You." Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass, It was wide-mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass. "Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do, Place me on Your table for all men to view." "Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear, "My transparency shows my contents so dear, Though fragile am I, I wi...

I have shared this for a devotion at the Gospel Mission, with the perspective of considering the father in the poem as your Heavenly Father. This is basically what I preached that day (with more references added this morning): Running The Race Of The Christian Life . The Race Whenever I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face, my downward fall is broken by the memory of a race. A children’s race, young boys, young men; how I remember well, excitement sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell. They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place. Their parents watched from off the side, each cheering for their son, and each boy hoped to show his folks that he would be the one. The whistle blew and off they flew, like chariots of fire, to win, to be the hero there, was each young boy’s desire. One boy in particular, whose dad was in the crowd, was running in the lead and thought, “My dad will be so proud....

The Lord Is My Shepherd The Lord is my Shepherd, This I surely know. He gently leads and guides me in the way that I should go. He leads in green pastures by the water that is still, Where I can lay down in peace, and know that He is real. He leads in paths of righteousness, this is for His Name's sake, The path is so wonderful, no other would I take. Sometimes He leads in valleys where His face I cannot see. But I will fear no evil for I know He's there with me. His rod and staff - they comfort, I wonder what I would do Without His Love and Mercy to bring me safely through? When the enemy opresses hard - A table He doth spread, He anoints me with fresh oil, I have not a thing to fear. Sometimes my cup runneth over and I feel so compelled To think of my Great Shepherd - and to others tell Of His Goodness, Love and Mercy that will follow me all my life, If I stay true and follow Him and keep my soul upright. One day I'll dwell in the house that He has gone to prepare But I w...

I Am Learning, Lord! My life has taken many falls and tumbles along the way. The many trials have left me in a sure state of dismay. For with each trial, I tried alone to tend, and soothe, and mend, Instead of giving them to God, and on Him just depend. But, I am learning, Lord. It seems that I was determined to carry all the load. I longed for smoother pathways, yet, I walked a rocky road. Little did I understand, God waited patiently To pave a new beginning with a better life for me. But, I am learning, Lord. It took a real disaster to bring me to my knees; To finally call upon the Lord and say, “God help me, please.” He can, with no delaying, with strong arms that could hold, The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load. And, I am learning, Lord. What a needless cross I carried, all because I could not see What a friend I have in Jesus, and the love He has for me. Peace I find when troubles hover, though the outcome is unknown. For if yet the road is rocky, I won’t walk it ...

Heaven and Hell: The Road to Paradise I dare not speak, I cannot tell, The way of man that leads to Hell. The flames so fierce with such great woe, To such a place why would one go? In that wretched place there is no light, 'Tis forever trapped in eternal night. Where one is bound with fetter and chain, Engulfed in fire that brings such pain. Where in the distance one may ream, The undying mobs unending scream. I dare to speak, I can but tell, The way of man that leads to Hell. The path of a man that leads this way, Is a life of sin, many people say. A life of murder, lies, and rape, As a child of some prehistoric ape, Of life like this surely one will pay, But 'tis not all that leads this way! But 'tis the path of a life that's trod, Alone! Alone! Apart from God! I dare to speak, I'm compelled to tell, The way of man that leads from Hell. A place called heaven with a golden shore, To such a place with wonder galore. In that great place 'tis forever light, Where...

I just read an encouraging post over at Christians With Cancer Weblog , entitled Finding The Light In Cancer's Shadow . I am so encouraged by Kate's desire to focus on the Lord even in this trial - she looks for His hand for strength and comfort, even in this trial. In light of losing my Mom and some friends through cancer, I always cringe inside and shy away when someone else tells me they have cancer or think it might be a possibility. Thank you, Sis Kate, for the reminder that the Lord is in control, even in this. Even In This (Dedicated to Kate Plourde) Even in this, the Lord is in control; Even in this, He is guarding my soul; When I cannot imagine how I can cope Even in this, I have reason for hope. Even in this, this trial that I dread; Even in this, I can still bow my head; Praise my loving Father for being near; Even in this, I have no need for fear. Even in this, I have Your peace of mind; Even in this, You are tender and kind; Your touch, Your gentleness has made me ...

What God Hath Promised God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. God hath not promised we shall not know Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He hath not told us we shall not bear Many a burden, many a care. God hath not promised smooth roads and wide, Swift, easy travel, needing no guide; Never a mountain rocky and steep, Never a river turbid and deep. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labour, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing kindness, undying love. ~Annie Johnson Flint~ Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be . Deuteronomy 33:25

He’s Still Got The Whole World In His Hands I was worried and discouraged - Life had me quite upset. I was ready to give in and break down, But a still small voice whispered, "Not yet." I was reminded of God's love for me; A gentle assurance brought me hope. The Lord is not limited by my situations, And that reminder helped me cope. His Spirit lives within me, And I know I have been born again. Whatever happens to this old world I know it is still held in His hands. Yes, He's still got the whole world in His hands, Though sometimes I may not see; But Jesus reminds me from His Words of Life That with those same gentle hands He still holds me. I need not fear for my tomorrows, And my past is all but gone, But when I look toward my future, His bright promises shine on! July 29th, 2002 Jerry Bouey John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all...

So Send I You So send I you to labor unrewarded, To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown, To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing - So send I you to toil for Me alone. So send I you to bind the bruised and broken, O'er wand'ring souls to work, to weep, to wake, To bear the burdens of a world aweary - So send I you to suffer for My sake. So send I you to loneliness and longing, With heart ahung'ring for the loved and known, Forsaking home and kindred, friend and dear one - So send I you to know My love alone. So send I you to leave your life's ambition, To die to dear desire, self-will resign, To labor long, and love where men revile you - So send I you to love your life in Mine. So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred, To eyes made blind because they will not see, To spend, tho' it be blood, to spend and spare not - So send I you to taste of Calvary. ~Margaret Clarkson~ John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent ...

Please let me know what you think about this poem - click on the title to go to a page on Home Of The Real McCoy I made for it today. I wanted to encourage one of my friends at the Mission who has been getting tired of the struggle with the world, the flesh, and the Devil - and I wanted him to look beyond that to the rapture (when we will no longer struggle with our sinful human nature), and then to the changes that will happen in eternity. The End Of The Fight (Dedicated to my friend, Tim Groom - one day the fight will be over!) This world is getting darker; The saints are in disarray; The trials seem almost endless, And we long for the break of day - A time of no more struggles, No more warring with this world, No more wrestling with the darkness - Into Hell, Satan will be hurled. Chorus: Oh, Jesus is coming again To judge the children of men; Then our Saviour will reign - The King of kings from Jerusalem. There'll be no more reason to fight; No more need to lead to higher ground...

Is The Cross You Wear Too Heavy To Bear? Complainingly I told myself, “This cross was too heavy to wear!” And I wondered discontentedly Why God gave it to me to bear. I looked with envy at others Whose crosses seemed lighter than mine, And wished that I could change my cross For one of a lighter design. Then in a dream I beheld the cross I impulsively wanted to wear... It was fashioned of pearls and diamonds, And gems that are precious and rare. And when I hung it around my neck, The weight of the jewels and the gold Was much too heavy and cumbersome For my small, slender neck to hold. So I tossed it aside, and before my eyes Was a cross of rose-red flowers; And I said with delight as I put it on, "This cross I can wear for hours." For it was so dainty and fragile, So lovely and light and thin; But I had forgotten about the thorns That started to pierce my skin. Then in a dream I saw my cross ... Rugged and old and plain; The clumsy old cross I had looked upon With discontent...

Draw Me Nearer I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith And be closer drawn to Thee. Refrain: Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the pow’r of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, And my will be lost in Thine. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God I commune as friend with friend! There are depths of love that I cannot know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee. ~Frances J. Crosby~

Does Jesus Care? Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long? Refrain: Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; When for my deep grief there is no relief, Though my tears flow all the night long? Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye” To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks— Is it aught to Him? Does He see? ~Frank E. Graeff~

Grace Greater than Our Sin Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. Refrain: Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin! Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, Threaten the soul with infinite loss; Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold, Points to the refuge, the mighty cross. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide; What can we do to wash it away? Look! There is flowing a crimson tide, Brighter than snow you may be today. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive? ~Julia H. Johnston~

God In Heaven Hath A Treasure God in heaven hath a treasure, Riches none may count or tell; Hath a deep eternal pleasure, Christ, the Son, He loveth well. God hath here on earth a treasure, None but He its price may know— Deep, unfathomable pleasure, Christ revealed in saints below. Christ, the Light that fills the heavens, Shining forth on earth beneath, Through His Spirit freely given, Light of life ’midst shades of death. Down from heav’n’s unclouded glory God Himself the treasure brought, Closing thus His love’s sweet story With His sweetest, deepest thought. God in tongues of fire descending, Chosen vessels thus to fill With the treasure never ending, Ever spent — unfailing still. Still unwasted, undiminished, Though the days of dearth wear on, Store eternally unfinished, Fresh, as if but now begun. Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly, But the treasure as of old, Fresh from glory, gleaming brightly, Heav’n’s undimmed, unchanging gold. God’s own hand the vessel filling From the glor...

Only God Is Able I search out pearls of wisdom, and gladly them impart, praying I will find the ones to touch a heart. Words that tell of Jesus, the way, the truth, and life, in whom we have redemption; his blood has paid the price. I search out songs of praise, and gladly them impart, praying I will sing the ones to touch a heart. Songs about the Saviour, who intercedes above, and calls us to repentance by his redeeming love. I take what I discover, and lift them to the Lord, praying he will use them as a mighty sword, for only God is able to pierce the heart within, and use his holy word to turn man from his sin. ~By Deb Bolack~ Used With Permission. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Psalms 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Rece...

The Night Before Outreach Twas the night before outreach and throughout the church walls Not a creature was stirring to the preacher's altar calls. The people were nestled all snug in their seats, In the hopes that he'd finish, so they could go home and eat. Outside a community on a straight road to hell, Inside a community unwilling to tell That Jesus has risen and all who are lost Could come and have life, without money or cost. But like walls on a prison that are heavy and stout, The Christians stayed in and the lost stayed out. "For who has built this inseparable wall? And who is the one resisting the call, To go to the fields where the harvest is white And shine in the place where He made us light?" While the preacher was pleading to get out of the pews, And into the fields where we could be used, All of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, With the blast of a trumpet, the Lord appeared in the sky. And all those who slumbered awoke with a fright, And instead of rejo...

Lord With Glowing Heart I’d Praise Thee Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee For the bliss Thy love bestows, For the pard’ning grace that saves me, And the peace that from it flows: Help, O God, my weak endeavor; This dull soul to rapture raise; Thou must light the flame, or never Can my love be warmed to praise. Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee, Wretched wand’rer, far astray; Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee From the paths of death away: Praise with love’s devoutest feeling, Him who saw thy guiltborn fear, And, the light of hope revealing, Bade the blood-stained cross appear. Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee To that cross, new life to give, Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee, Bade thee look to Him and live: Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee, Roused thee from thy fatal ease, Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee, Praise the grace that whispered peace. Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling Vainly would my lips express: Low before Thy footstool kneeli...

A Beautiful Symphony A musician needs all the keys To play a symphony; If he only used the white ones, What beauty would there be? The black keys make the music Melodic to the ear; If the pianist never used them, What a different song we'd hear. And just like that piano, So it is with life; It takes both light and dark to make The music flow just right. God uses trials and sorrows Like the pianist uses keys; He combines the light and dark to make Life's music sound so sweet. The song of life sounds better When He uses all the keys; For then He can turn a simple tune Into a beautiful symphony. Copyright ©1995 by Jan McIntosh Used With Permission (originally titled "Life's Music) 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. Romans 8:28

Searching For Truth I’m searching for answers from a heart that’s distraught, Wondering at the truth of all I have been taught; Does it line up with God’s Word – is it right after all? So afraid of confusion and the danger I’ll fall. Praying for wisdom, for perfect peace in my mind; Tangled up by these threads, wanting them to unwind; Desiring to do Your will, determined in my heart – From Your Word, I can tell that’s the only place to start. In the fear of the Lord, I have examined my way; Vowing to seek Your wisdom at the start of each day; Faced with all these choices, knowing I am but a youth; I’m set apart for Your glory – I WILL buy the truth! Walking in Jesus’ footsteps, clinging wholly to Your Word; I want to be drawn ever closer to You, my Lord. Searching the Scriptures daily, taking what applies to me; Knowing that I have Your promise: the truth will make me free. From my heart, I lift this earnest prayer up to You, Lord: Grant me Your wisdom, that we may both be in one accor...

In light of Father's Day coming up, and several friends who lost their parents, I wanted to share this with you. The verses listed below show the passages where some of the phrases and names of God came from. This poem is dedicated to my friends and previous coworkers, Bill Hall and George Probek. I believe these Scriptural reminders of how God is our Heavenly Father would be a tremendous comfort to you, as they were to me. The Father Of The Fatherless In the Bible, God’s many names are there to be found: He’s the God of all grace, and His grace abounds; He’s the Father of mercies – I found mercy there; He’s the Father of spirits - I rest in His care. My Father is with me; He will never depart. His names offer comfort - they reveal His heart. One name can give me hope in my loneliness: My Father is “the Father of the fatherless.” Every good and perfect gift comes down from above; In my grief and sorrow, I’m surrounded by Your love. I know I’m not an orphan – I’m precious in Your si...

Himself Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word; Once His gifts I wanted, now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone. Once 'twas painful trying, now 'tis perfect trust; Once a half salvation, now the uttermost; Once 'twas ceaseless holding, now He holds me fast; Once 'twas constant drifting, now my anchor's cast. Once 'twas busy planning, now 'tis trustful prayer; Once 'twas anxious caring, now He has the care; Once 'twas what I wanted, now what Jesus says; Once 'twas constant asking, now 'tis ceaseless praise. Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, now He uses me; Once the power I wanted, now the Mighty One; Once for self I labored, now for Him alone. ~A.B. Simpson~

No Scar? Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land; I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star. Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent, Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned. Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar? Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And pierced are the feet that follow Me. But thine are whole; can he have followed far Who hast no wound or scar? ~Amy Carmichael~