Tuesday, December 19, 2023

God Is So Good (Poem)

 

God Is So Good

God is so good,
But this life is so tough.
The days seem so long,
The road is so rough.

Sometimes I get bogged down
With the things that I find.
The pressures seem too much,
The world's lies claw at my mind.

When I begin to feel trapped,
Locked within this rat race,
I know that there's real truth,
And it's only found one place:
The answers to my search for life
Do not lie within.
Inside is a rebellious heart,
Marred and scarred with sin.

When I need true peace
That takes away the fear,
The doubts that come
Lord, I know they're here,
When I need hope
That overcomes the pain,
A will to live,
And grace to start again
I look to Jesus -
Oh He loves me I know;
I can feel His mercy and strength
Beginning to flow.

January 4th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,
and heard, and seen in me, do:
and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

Monday, December 18, 2023

Northern Lights (Poem)

 

Northern Lights

We saw the Northern Lights tonight, glittering up in the sky.
In rapture, we beheld the sight, and my how the time passed by -
In worshipping and praising the Lord who made all these things.
In amazement and wonder, our souls began to sing.

We talked about God's love tonight, and sang songs from His Word;
About how Jesus died to give us life - so glad that we had heard.
Awestruck at all the colours, bright green and white and red.
Praising Christ for Calvary, and for the blood that He had shed.

Night grew a little bit colder, but now we were warmed within.
We thanked Jesus for having saved us and forgiving all our sin.
Remembering God's past mercies, and sharing them again,
And all through this time of worship, our hearts drew closer to Him.

Thank you, Lord, for your awesome gift of creation,
and for making us new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Amen.

October 4th, 2000
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the Trenholms,
from whose backyard we got to see this wonder together.)

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3-4

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Esther's Prayer (Poem)

 

Esther's Prayer

I have a prayer for when I go.
It may be soon, I just don't know.
There is a bit of fear I guess.
I have some worries I must confess.
When the doubts come and the fear,
Help me remember, Lord, You're near.

What will happen when I'm gone?
Who will help my loved ones carry on?
Who will comfort them and ease their pain?
Who will provide their needs and explain
That I've gone on to a better place,
To gaze upon my Saviour's face?

Let me learn from the sparrows, Lord.
And teach me from Your Holy Word,
That You watch over each and every one,
And You decide when their time has come,
Then gently remind me that You are in control,
And I can still trust You, Lord, with my soul.

If You can preserve Your Word forever,
Then surely I need not doubt, no never,
That You know what's best for me and mine,
And that I can trust You when it's time,
To give them solace in their pain,
And bring them rainbows in the rain.

I thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking my fear,
And Heavenly Father, for drawing near,
And Holy Spirit, for Your comfort and peace,
For letting the doubts and worries cease.
I thank You again for peace in my soul,
And reminding me, You are in control.

August 20th, 2000
By your friend,
Jerry Bouey

My times are in Thy hand…
Psalm 31:15

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

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.

John 14:16, 26 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Following (Poem)

 

Following

Following in Abraham's footsteps,
You are going like never before.
Though uncertain of the outcome,
In faith you will trust the Lord.

While you wait upon God's guidance,
Unsure of where to start,
Like Moses of so long ago,
Waiting for that Sea to part.

Like the Israelites in the wilderness,
Receiving Manna from the skies,
You will follow God's own leading,
As His path opens before your eyes.

For we know Jesus has great plans for you,
A future that's laid up in store;
A path of peace and holiness,
With Christ's blessings forevermore.

It's in Him we live and move and have our being,
Trust in His Word - it's worth believing.
As you seek wisdom and leading from the Lord above,
You'll find what you need through His mercy and love.

Persevere in the race and stand firmly too.
As you are transformed by His grace
Let His love shine through.

April 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

I am the light of the world, he that followeth Me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:27

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

First Steps (Poem)

 

First Steps

As I learn to walk with You, Lord,
I'll take each step, however small.
Though I may stumble from time to time,
I know with You I'll never fall.

I'll hold onto Your hand, Father,
As You lovingly guide the way,
Knowing that wherever You lead me,
On Your path I will always stay.

Through dismal tunnels dark,
Into bright passages of light,
I'll walk forward with You, Lord,
Bravely facing the night.

When I falter in Your footsteps, Jesus,
I know You will gently lift me up.
When my feet are tired and worn,
You'll let me drink from Your loving cup.

Each new fresh morning is another walk;
Oh, there's so much more I have to do,
But I'll take each welcome step, dear Lord,
Because it will bring me closer home to You.

August 28th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.
1 Peter 2:21

He that saith he abideth in Him (Jesus)
ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
1 John 2:6

Will You Be A Jonathan? (Poem)

 

Will You Be A Jonathan?

When I feel like David and I am weighed down,
When I need encouragement from you,
When I don't feel so brave and my heart is frail,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

When I lose the vision and my eyes are dim,
When I can't see God's blessed view,
When I need reminders of God's perfect love,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

Will you make a covenant to stand by me,
In tough times will you help me through,
When I stumble and falter in my walk with God,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

Will you think of me before yourself,
Demonstrating what a servant should do,
Will you show me how to live before the Lord,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

Will you love me as you love yourself,
Will you delight yourself in me too,
Will you speak well of me to my enemies,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

Will you risk your life for me to show your love,
Will you do your best to be true,
Will you encourage me in God, and strengthen my heart,
Will you be a Jonathan too?

Thank you for your friendship, and for all your love,
I feel like I've been renewed;
Now that my faith is strengthened and my heart has healed,
I can feel the Lord's love flowing through.

My life is right with God,
I can see His glory now,
And I am no longer blue;
But when I see your pain,
That you are struggling again,
I know I can be a Jonathan for you.

November 3rd, 1996
Jerry Bouey

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:
and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

And Jonathan Saul's son arose,
and went to David into the wood,
and strengthened his hand in God.
1 Samuel 23:16

See also 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-2, 4; Chapter 20

Friends Forever (Poem)

Friends Forever

Birds of a feather, that's what we are,
Friends forever, whether near or far,
A friend will stand by you and never depart,
We're friends together, touched by the heart.

Whether you are in sickness, sorrow, or pain,
Even when it seems there is nothing to gain,
Life could get bitter, sweet, or tart,
We're friends however, sometimes torn by the heart.

We'll stick close together when the going gets tough,
We'll journey this road, no matter how rough,
Companions eternal, whether we're apart,
Through Jesus we're living, joined by the heart.

September 8th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 

Our Little One (Poem)

 This poem is dedicated to “Our Little One”, who went to be with Jesus on May 21, 1997, after being in Momma’s belly for 15 or so weeks. In October, 1997, I (Angela) found out I was pregnant again, and gave birth to Abigail, June 1998, then Melissa, June 2001, and Carolyn Ann-Marie in October 2004.

It is my hope and prayer that many find solace in the confident hope that their precious “little one” is with the Lord.

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 2 Samuel 12:23 (King David speaking)

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

God is gracious!

Our Little One

Didn’t know if you were a boy or girl.
Would your hair be straight, or would it curl?
Would you be dark like your Daddy,
or would you be fair skinned like me?

Would you love to run and play outside,
or be a homebody by Momma’s side?
Would your mind in the clouds often wander,
or would engineering feats, be what you ponder?

The Lord never let us know these things,
but he knew the joy you’d bring.
Even carrying you for such a short time,
making me yearn for a new Little One in His time.

Your time with us was, oh so brief.
Your loss, brought us so much grief.
Yet through it all, I learned to see,
how My Lord, He walks with me.

I could not wish you back with us,
for surely, I have learned to trust,
and know you are safer with the Lord,
and am glad for the short time He could afford.

For surely, He must love you so,
to take you from us, and this I know,
that one day up in glory, when my Jesus I shall see,
there’ll be another Special Little One, waiting up there for me!

Angela Trenholm
September 26, 2000

Wings (Song)

 

Wings

I'm flying with the wings of an eagle
Soaring up above in the sky
My thoughts are on the things of Heaven
I'll worship my Creator on high.

I'm swiftly running - somehow I'm not weary
I won't give up, there's a race to be won
I'll keep my eyes on the Author, Finisher of faith
There's a new song of praise to be sung.

I'm walking while the going is easy
I won't tremble though the road gets hard
The Son of God is a mighty fortress
He's my Rock, my shelter, my guard.

Though Satan desires I should stumble
As he sets each trap, to my protector I fly
When it seems I can't win, and the snare closes in
On wings my Father will bear me up high.

Though thousands around me should perish
I won't fear for my redemption draws nigh
While lightning flashes across the heavens
On wings of rapture I'll meet my Lord in the sky.

December 10th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in Him will I trust.
He shall cover thee with His feathers,
and under His wings shalt thou trust:
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:1-2, 4

Prayer For Perfect Peace (Song)

 

Prayer For Perfect Peace

(To the tune of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness")

I need Your peace, dear Lord, oh how I dearly cry,
Fill me with strength and grace before I die!
I'm at the end of hope, help me to cling and cope,
Hold me in Your arms and bear me up high.

Help me to look to You and cling to You daily,
Help me to trust in faith, and cast fears away,
Grant me your perfect peace, please fill my mind with ease,
Comfort and strengthen my heart, Lord, I pray.

Father, I'm trembling, and troubled, and worried;
I give these cares to you, oh take them away!
Help me to lean on you, I'm wearied with struggling,
Fill my aching heart with Your peace today.

June 3rd, 2001
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Mama Pat)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on Thee:
because he trusteth in Thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

True Love (Poem)

 

True Love

A love so true, someone who is always there,
You love me, Lord, and I know that you care.
Though others disappoint and are always changing,
I know that You never will.
When life is turbulent and the road is twisting,
You say to my heart, "Be still."

I must rest solely in Your tender arms,
Guarded by the strength You convey;
All others will fail time and again,
But You, my God, will always stay.

When my heart is aching inside,
no matter the reasons why,
You touch the wounds, heal the hurts,
and dry these tears I cry.

When something is missing in my life,
And my heart yearns for something more,
You teach me of Your covenant love,
And the hope that is laid up in store.

When I'm lonely inside, Your arms are open wide,
Sheltering and protecting, so strong, yet mild.
Your Spirit stirs within my heart, fixing every broken part,
Reminding me that I'm Your child.

Though some things in life are unsure,
And at times I feel left all alone,
You touch my heart and I am content,
Your love surrounds me - I feel right at home.

August 13th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19

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

Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10

When I'm Lonely (Poem)

 

When I'm Lonely

When I'm feeling lonely,
Lord, I know You are here.
When I need someone to talk to:
Remind me that You are near.

When I need a friend for comfort,
When I need a helping hand,
When I need someone that loves me:
Lord, I know You understand.

When I need a shelter from life's storms,
When I need a tender heart that's warm,
When I need to feel Your peace of mind:
Send my way someone that's kind.

Whenever I need a touch of Your love,
When it's You I need to be reminded of,
My Father, who cares for each little sparrow:
Remind me, it's You who holds all my tomorrows.

Lord, I know You care for me,
And I believe You reign from above,
Whenever I'm lonely and need a friend:
Send someone my way to share Your love.

January 12th, 1996
Jerry Bouey

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A Faithful Man (Poem)

 

A Faithful Man

A faithful man - Oh who can find?
But you are of that faithful kind!
It's been a great blessing, that's for sure,
Learning from you how to persevere.

Sharing the treasures you've found in God's Word,
Drawing us closer to Jesus our Lord.

A faithful witness, a beloved Pastor,
A trusted guide, and a good friend.
Exhorting us with Godly wisdom,
On which the Christ-filled life depends.

A true testimony to all
of God's amazing grace;
A blessed example to us
of how to run in this race.

For being our Pastor,
We, the sheep of your flock,
Wanted to say,
"We love you with all our hearts!
And thank you for being so faithful..."

Written Christmas 2001
by Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to our Pastor, Claude Madle
People's Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC)

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:17

Remember them which have the rule over you,
who have spoken unto you the word of God:
whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:7

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:
for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17

A Brand New Start (Poem)

 

A Brand New Start

I can feel my God moving
in my heart and in my soul.
It's a beauty beyond description
when I let Him take control.

I know without a doubt
I can't live this life alone.
The burden was so heavy,
but He rolled away the stone.

In my time of searching,
Jesus came and rescued me.
He completely turned my life around;
His Spirit set me free.

I believe my Saviour died and rose;
I've made a brand new start.
He didn't change my world,
He just purified my heart.

Inside, His grace is overflowing,
My Lord - He reigns supreme.
Of all the motives I could choose,
I want real love to be the theme.

I know I'm still imperfect, Father,
of that I'm very much aware,
But I thank You, Lord, for Your forgiveness,
for Your mercy and Your care.

August 26th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
2nd Corinthians 5:17

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1

Jesus In You (Poem)

Jesus In You

Day by day, and throughout all the years,
You taught us by faith what was right and true;
You modelled our Saviour in word and in deed -
We learned so much about Jesus through you.

Faithfully trusting and serving our Saviour;
We are amazed by all that our God can do
Through those who follow in the footsteps of faith -
We know we can see Jesus living in you.

Through the years, I’m sure you’ve entertained angels;
By your example, we know our hearts grew too;
You showed compassion in your care for us all -
We see Jesus loving others through you.

You showed us this life’s not the end of the story,
You modelled for us the eternal view,
In this world with all of its fading glory,
In the way you live, we see Jesus in you.

December 10, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my Pastor, Randy Hoxie, and his wife, Ruth,
with love from your church family at Faith Baptist Church.
Christmas Project 2023)

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

My Prayer For Sanctuary (Song)

My Prayer For Sanctuary

I need a quiet place, Lord, where I can get away;
Where I can seek Your face, as I kneel to pray;
Somewhere there’s a refuge, away from the world outside,
Where I can be at peace, Lord, as I’m walking by Your side.

I need a Sanctuary, my own hiding place,
Somewhere I can get away and daily seek your grace;
A place of peace and solitude, a place to call my own -
Where I can focus on my Saviour, and spend time with Him alone.

A place I can put my worries away up on a shelf;
A place of joy and comfort, where I can be myself.
A solace and a refuge, Lord, a haven in Your sight;
A shelter from this world - my own harbour of delight.

Somewhere life does not intrude and Your peace is in my heart.
Seeking You in spirit and truth is the only place to start.
You and You alone are all that my soul wants to view,
When this world comes knocking, they’ll know I spent much time with You.

A place of calm refreshing, of soothing healing in Your arms, 
Where I can lay my burdens down, and take shelter from the storm;
You’re my Prince of Peace, my Rock, and my high tower,
My own Sanctuary - oh, how I need You every hour!

Lead me day by day, Lord, make all my pathways straight and true,
Gently speak to my heart - remind me my Haven of Rest is You!

November 17th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Ryan and Jen Hoxie - Christmas Project 2023)

Isaiah 8:14a And he shall be for a sanctuary…

Isaiah 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Isaiah 32:2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

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

Psalms 107:29-30 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalms 18:1-2 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

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

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Our Little Miracle (Poem)

Our Little Miracle

You were so small, our tiny little baby;
The doctors said that you couldn’t survive,
But in our hearts, we knew you were special;
Our wondrous miracle - the Lord kept you alive.

God knew you before He ever made you.
In the womb, you were formed by His hand.
In His love, all your moments were written,
All designed according to His plan.

“Fear not, thou worm Jacob…
I will help thee, saith the LORD,”

God whispered these words to me,
And I knew I could trust in His Word.

Though “the mountains depart, and the hills be removed,”
We believed our Heavenly Father was in control;
We could leave you safely in His tender care,
Knowing He watched over your body and soul.

I will gently lead you beside Me,
Guide your steps as you carry this son,
And one day your worries will be over,
In your own arms, you’ll bear this little one -

Zachery, your own little miracle son.

November 12, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the Schultz Family - Christmas Project 2023)

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 41:10, 13-14 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Psalms 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

The Gift Of Myrrh (Poem)

The Gift Of Myrrh

The wise men came to Bethlehem,
Came to worship the young Child;
They brought their gifts to offer Him -
Jesus, the Saviour, so meek and mild.

Each of the treasures the wise men gave
Told of great riches they had in store;
Though worth much to this poor family,
What they symbolized was so much more.

The wise men brought to Him their gold -
Oh what a precious offering.
A fitting tribute for this Child
Who was born the King of kings.

They also gave Him frankincense -
These wise men from the East;
For many Scriptures testified:
The Son of God would be our High Priest.

The greatest gift they gave to Jesus,
More important than all the rest,
Was the gift of myrrh they offered Him,
Signifying His coming death.

For not the blood of bulls and goats,
Nor our righteous works could ever wash away
The stain of sin of fallen man -
Forgiveness couldn’t come that way.

The King of kings came from on high,
The Priest who would be our Sacrifice;
The Son of Man which came to die,
Only He could bear that costly price.

Jesus is that spotless Lamb of God
Who fulfilled all of the Laws demands;
Only He could pay redemption’s price,
And bring salvation down to man.

December 17, 2023
Jerry Bouey

Though there are various aspects to the “Christmas story”, and this poem is based on the meaning behind the gifts of the wise men (their story is told in Matthew 2:1-13), here is the message about the coming Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as told to the shepherds on the night He was born as a Baby in a manger. Sometime around the age of two years old, the wise men came to the Child in the house where He as living in Bethlehem. As the account of His life unfolded, He lived and grew up in Nazareth until He became a Man. He was thirty years old when He began His public ministry. But to be our Saviour, the Son of God not only had to be one of us and grow up among us, Jesus Christ had to shed His blood and die upon the cross one day for our sins. He did that, fulfilling by Himself all that was needed to save us, and then He arose again three days later and ascended up to Heaven, where He is now the believer's High Priest, petitioning the Father on our behalf until the day He takes true believers home to Heaven to be with Him forever. That is the story of Christmas, and the story of the Bible!

Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Monday, December 04, 2023

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage (Poem)

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage

“Be strong and of a good courage,” My child,
“Fear not, nor be afraid,” saith the Lord.
May your life be filled to the brim with His promises,
Overflowing with hope and wisdom gleaned from God’s Word.

Jesus is your Shepherd who will lead and guide you;
He will walk beside you every step of the way;
He will lift you up and carry you there in His arms,
Bring you back close beside Him whenever you stray.

There is so much the Lord wants to do for you,
So much your Heavenly Father has in store;
Just when you think that you can’t be more blessed,
God surprises your life with even more.

In His Word, you have His promise to be with you,
Through all the sunny days, and even the bad.
He will work out all things together for your good;
There are so many reasons to “rejoice and be glad.”

As a pilgrim and a stranger on this journey,
May all of your days be filled with Heaven’s best.
As you look back over your life in reflection,
May you find that you have been truly blessed.

December 3, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Debbie Wark - Christmas Project 2023)

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

Friday, December 01, 2023

Open My Eyes That I May See (Hymn)

Open My Eyes That I May See
(Hymn by Clara H. Scott)

1 Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2 Open my ears that I may hear
Voice of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Ev’rything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3 Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me, Spirit divine!

4 Open my mind that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed.
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mind, illumine me, Spirit divine!

5 Open my way that I may bring
Trophies of grace to Christ, my King;
Echoed in love Thy word shall out-ring,
Sweet as the note that angels sing.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my way, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of thy law.

Psalms 119:18