Songs From My Journey

About one and a half years ago, I stumbled across a wonderful songwriter and poet named Deborah Bolack. The lyrics of her songs and the devotional book she put together have been such a blessing to me. The songs that she has recorded and her visitors can listen to on her blog have been beautiful and edifying.

But this year she has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined - twice! She composed music for two of my songs (one in June, and one just a few weeks ago). I cannot read music, so had no clue how wonderful the music she made was - until I got to hear both songs played at the Gospel Mission where I work. My heart was touched and a long-standing dream of mine was fulfilled - to hear something of mine played, and have sheet music available so that others can use it too.

There have been a couple of songs I have written to existing music (such as from a hymn). One that I cowrote with Angela Trenholm and one of her daughters was used as the theme song for a Bible or Mission's conference in 2005 (For Such A Time As This). Another one was sung by a friend in Australia a few days after it was written, but I have not heard it sung yet (In His Time). A friend put music to I Shall Come Forth As Gold, but I don't know if I will ever see that music written down, as she can play music by ear but not read or write music. My most popular poem, I've Gone Home, had music adapted from a hymn by Angela Trenholm, and I got to hear her play it when I was living in their basement suite - but so far it has not been played in our church.

The two songs of mine that Deborah put to music are Why Trouble The Master? and Because Of Jesus. It is fitting that the second one will be played next week in a church service for the homeless (Metro), seeing as that song was written because of and for the homeless and poor I have come to know and love through volunteering and working at the Gospel Mission. Please check out these two songs if you are interested in viewing them or downloading the sheet music for them.

Please visit Sis Deborah Bolack's blogs if you love listening to sound, separated music, and if you love to read and meditate on solid Scriptural poetry and lyrics. She also has her CDs available for purchasing, if you would like your own copies of her music - but her music is also freely available to listen to as you visit her blogs. Follow the link below to learn more about Deborah and her ministry.

Songs From My Journey: Can You Help?

The ABC's Of Thanksgiving (Poem)

The ABC's Of Thanksgiving

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame.

Even when times are hard -
Fierce winds are bound to blow -
God is forever able;
Hold on to what you know.

Imagine life without His love.
Joy would cease to be.
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee.

Move out of "Camp Complaining."
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone.

Quit looking at the future;
Redeem the time at hand.
Start every day with worship.
To thank is a command!

Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky,
We'll run the race with gratitude,
eXalting God most high.

Yes, there will be good times and there will be bad, but . . .
Zion waits in glory, where no one is ever sad.

~Author Unknown~

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Just One Look (Poem)

Sis Deb intrigued me with a recent post on her blog, and the thought of an intense look at the Saviour is what led to this poem. I hope it is a blessing to you.

Just One Look

Just one look to Jesus will bring healing to the soul;
Just one look to Heaven and the heart will be made whole;
Just one moment to see Him - just one glimpse of Him today;
Falling in love with Jesus is only just one look away.

One look away from the world, one look away from your sin,
One look away from your idols - looking only unto Him;
Just one look towards the Saviour, one turn away from the past,
One heart reaching towards Jesus, looking only to Him at last.

Just one look to Jesus, just the simple touch of faith;
Just one heart that hungers for something real in its place;
Just one conscience that senses there must be something greater;
Just one longing within your soul to know your own Creator.

Just one look to Jesus, a glance and then a stare;
Just one look to Jesus, to the Lord who really cares;
One look that leads to salvation, one look that's full of faith;
One look that reveals the Saviour, one look that saves by grace.

Just one look to Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life;
Just one look to the Master brings calm within the strife;
Just one look filled with hope, one look that brings perfect peace;
One look towards the Saviour and the inward struggles cease.

Just one look to Jesus.
Just one look.

October 3rd, 2009
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

"Can you not even now give one look to him who died for you? Will you not turn the eye of faith that way, and trust him who was nailed to the tree on your behalf?" - Charles Spurgeon

Because Of Jesus (Song)

Recently, I have been thinking about how the Lord has enabled me to care for the clients at Kelowna's Gospel Mission. Saying, "I love you" to anyone other than my immediate family has always been extremely hard for me due to physical and mental abuse in my past. Though I may have a hard time saying it verbally, I know that I love the clients here - because this is where my heart is, where I put my time and many times my treasures.

You can download the sheet music for this song here.

Because Of Jesus

Chorus:
Because of Jesus, I know that I love you.
Because of Jesus, I want the best for you.
He did a work within my heart;
His love to me He did impart.
I love you - because of Jesus.

When I was lost and all alone,
Jesus melted my heart of stone;
Now there's a wonderful change within;
My heart is renewed because of Him.
God helped me to reach out again;
I love you - because of Jesus.

There was a time I didn't care.
My heart was wounded beyond repair;
But then God's Spirit worked within;
Repaired the damage caused by sin;
I know it's only because of Him.
I love you - because of Jesus.

There's a change I now can see;
He healed my heart - He set me free;
Transformed by Love eternally.
I love you - because of Jesus.

October 2nd, 2009
Jerry Bouey

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21

It is the time we spend investing in the lives of others that will make the difference to them - in time and in eternity - the time we spend representing Jesus and being like Him in this dark world.

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Jude 1:21-23 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Why Trouble The Master? (Song)

Why Trouble The Master?

Jairus' daughter lay dying, but Jesus was near;
He sought the Saviour for his loved one so dear.
Before the journey ended, his daughter had died;
The crowd now grew restless and someone soon cried,
"Why trouble the Master? Your daughter is gone.
There is no more hope here, for she has passed on."

Why trouble the Master, the Saviour of men?
When it seems all is lost, marred and scarred by sin,
He offers new beginnings, forgiveness, and grace;
Jesus loves you so much, He died in your place.
A fountain for cleansing, power from on high,
A reason for living – hear the Master’s cry.

Why trouble the Master, the Healer of men?
He alone can heal and bring to life again.
Just reach out in faith, and Jesus can make you whole,
The Master will quench that aching thirst in your soul.
He can mend broken hearts, restore broken homes.
With Jesus nearby, you are never alone.

Why trouble the Master, the Creator of all?
Because He loves you – oh, listen to His call.
He knows all things and He is still in control;
He is always at work, guarding your soul.
He sets captives free, removes darkness and strife,
Jesus can calm storms and bring peace in your life.

Why trouble the Master? The Lord alone heals!
He brings comfort and purpose, strength and new zeal.
He offers wisdom, hope, by His unfailing love,
Transformation within, and peace from above.
Watching and waiting, the whole world stops and stares:
Why trouble the Master? Because Jesus cares!

March 20th/09
Jerry Bouey

Mark 5:22-24 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

Mark 5:35-42 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

You can view the sheet music for this song here: Why Trouble The Master?