As The Lily Among Thorns (Poems)

 

As The Lily Among Thorns

Jesus is the Lily of the Valleys,
Our Saviour is the fairest of delight.
In the darkness of this world,
He’s the bright and shining light.

As the Lily among thorns,
So are His people in this life;
Transplanted spots of beauty,
In the midst of harm and strife.

In His eyes, so spotless, pure, and lovely,
Regal, transformed, and undefiled;
Like the precious flowers of the field,
Clothed with splendour is God’s child.

Living in the midst of thorns -
So tragic is their plight:
While they scorn and harm the lilies,
They dwell in the darkest night.

But sometimes a seed is planted
Among the thorns; yes, tis true;
As the Gospel seed is watered,
We may find a surprising view.

The wonder of the Saviour’s love,
Touching hearts and souls His way -
Can a forgotten thorn become a lily,
Changed and transformed in a day?

In this life, a mystery to imagine,
But now a splendour to behold.
Once, reckless and abandoned,
A new sheep welcomed to the fold.

Live your life for Jesus’ glory;
Be as your Saviour in this world -
Sow the seeds of the Gospel,
And watch as new life unfurls.

March 17th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Song of Songs 2:1-2 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

Matthew 6:28-30 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

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

Acts 9:4-6 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

When God Whispers Your Name (Poem)

 

When God Whispers Your Name

Walking in the Garden, in the cool of the day;
Hiding from my Saviour for I had gone astray,
But in His grace and mercy, to me my Lord came;
His love broke my resistance when He whispered my name.

I was like a dead man, with no hope left in the world,
Surrounded by my enemies, when all their lies were hurled;
All my defeats and failures, pouring forth my shame,
Then came a new beginning when the Lord called out my name.

Grieving at the gravesite of my dearest in this life;
Overwhelmed with sorrow, discouragement and strife.
Distressed with loss and anguish, heart so filled with pain -
Comfort and healing came when I heard You say my name.

Wandering without a purpose, feeling forsaken too.
Does God in Heaven love you, can you know this love so true?
Jesus proved His love towards us - the answer is so plain:
The Shepherd now is calling, hear Him whispering your name.

March 8th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

1 Kings 19:11-12 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

A still small voice - the definition of still from Complete Word Study Bible Dictionary: “A feminine noun indicating hushed, a whisper. It indicates a soft gentle blowing or whisper in contrast to the roar of an earthquake, fire, or a storm at sea (1 Kings 19:12; Psalm 107:29).”

Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

John 10:2-3 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Genesis 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

Genesis 22:1, 11 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am… And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

2 Samuel 9:6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
(While this passage is about David showing mercy to the son of the previous king, it is a type or a picture of the love of God the Father to fallen man: David And Mephibosheth - 2 Samuel 9)

Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Touching The Hem Of Jesus' Garment (Prose)

 

Touching The Hem Of Jesus’ Garment

I am unclean, she thought. I am separated from those around me. My disease has taken its toll. How can I be healed?

I’ve spent all my money on my physicians - with all their tests and medicine - and yet I am not even one bit better. Rather, I am getting progressively worse. Will I be like this forever? Can I ever be cured? Even I don’t know the answer to that question.

Alone, defiled, aching inside, longing for healing. Longing to be made whole these twelve long, lonely years.

There is a travelling preacher - some say He is the Messiah we’ve been waiting for. Can this be true?

He is preaching of the Kingdom of God, preaching the way of salvation, healing many He has encountered along the way.

What about me? I need forgiveness, I need hope, I need healing, both inside and out.

Can this Jesus be the Saviour we have long been waiting for? I need to see for myself.

There He is - but He is surrounded by so many people in this crowd. Can I get to Him? Will He even desire to speak with me or heal me? I just need to get to Him - just get to Jesus. Nothing else matters! He is my last hope - my only hope.

If I could just get to Him, reach Him, just touch the hem of His garment, like Ruth finding protection and provision under the skirt of Boaz’s garment, I know He could heal me if He was willing. There is healing in His wings - not just for others, for me too!

He is there, just in front of me. The crowd is so loud, even if I call out He could never hear me. But I can almost touch Him.

There, just one more step, stretching forth to reach Jesus, and touching the hem of His garment, and I can feel Jesus’ virtue going forth.

Suddenly, the whole world seems to stop. Something had changed the moment I touched Him. I feel whole, changed, healed. Transformed. Praise the Lord, my plague has been healed after all these years!

Jesus has healed me - inside and out! I am amazed and so filled with gratitude.

Oh no, now others are turning towards me. Jesus is asking who touched Him. It was me, Lord. I fall down at His feet and tell Him all.

I know I just needed to get to You, Jesus. I knew You had the power to heal me. Truly, You are the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings.

“Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

I touched the hem of Jesus’ garments, I made it to the Master, yea, the Saviour. I am whole.

February 23rd, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Leviticus 15:25 And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean.

Mark 5:24-34 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Ruth 2:12; 3:9 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. …And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Matthew 9:20-21 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Foreign Words To My Soul (Poem)

 

Foreign Words To My Soul

When reading through the Bible for the very first time -
Oh, what a far-off foreign land it must have seemed.
From Genesis to Revelation, a path so unfamiliar,
Full of glorious things of which no man could have dreamed.

It speaks of fallen angels, of a supernatural war;
Of Adam and Eve's sin in Paradise, and oh so much more.
It tells of the spotless Lamb of God, chosen from of old,
And of the people of His pasture, His own precious sheepfold.

It tells of the holy prophets, those who gave to us His Word;
It reveals to us the Law of God, in case you haven't heard;
It speaks to fallen man of his own lost, sinful estate -
Of the Saviour who came down to earth, to the world which He did create.

It shows to us God the Father sending His only Son;
Of His wondrous words of life and the works that He has done.
It tells us that one day Jesus is coming back again,
And shows to all the glorious hope of His future reign.

"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani," cried out in agony,
Those foreign words cut so deeply into my sin-burdened soul.
The Father turned His back on His Son when He bore all my sins -
Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary is what makes me whole!

Tetelestai - "It is finished!" - shouted out in victory;
What powerful words to have heard upon that day.
It means that Jesus finished the work of our salvation,
It is the gift of God - there is no further price that we must pay.

Walking daily through the pages of God’s Holy Word,
I now see familiar landmarks in this once-foreign land;
It is a blessed guidebook, full of Heavenly wisdom,
The Book of books that comes straight from my Saviour's hand.

February 20th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Walking With The Lord (Poem)

 

Walking With The Lord

You don’t need amazing miracles,
Nor blazing signs to light up your way;
You just need to be the Father’s servant,
And choose to walk with Him every day.

You don’t need positive-only pep talks,
Nor comic book “Bibles” to entertain you;
You just need to continue in God’s Word -
His Holy Spirit will illuminate you.

You don’t need all that excitement and drama,
Nor do you need a life filled with endless ease;
Just be steadfastly focussed upon the Lord -
And Jesus will give you His perfect peace.

You don’t need all the glitz and the glamour,
Don’t let the world pull your heart away;
Just live for the things of Heaven above,
Let Jesus’ love be enough for you each day.

You don’t need to be broken or down-hearted,
Let the joy of the Lord be your strength and praise;
There’s a change within that only God can bring -
Jesus walks beside you, now and always.

February 16th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

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

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

In Sunshine And Shadow (Song)

 

In Sunshine And Shadow

In sunshine and shadow, in real joy and in pain,
You bless the people that call on Your name;
In times of sore trials and in times of peace,
We know that Your love for us will never cease.

In sunshine and shadow - the crown or the cross,
The fiery furnaces we face only remove the dross;
For every trial of life the Lord has a reason,
They purify and chasten - though now for a season.

In sunshine and shadow, in darkness or in light,
You are with me in the daytime, and guard my soul each night;
You answer all my questions, and soothe all my troubling fears -
In sunshine and shadow, You walk with me through all the years.

In sunshine and shadow - through winds and through waves,
From the heights of the mountains to the depths of the grave,
Jesus is holding you strong in the grip of His grace -
Held secure in the arms of the only God who saves.

February 9th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 139:7-12 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

What Is Truth? (Poem)

 

What Is Truth?

"What is truth?" asked Pilate;
That's easy enough, I said.
It is what's right, what's real -
These words that I have read.

Truth is God - what He has revealed,
Truth is love that is not concealed;
Truth is God's promises - He cannot lie;
Truth is Jesus Christ, who had to die.

Truth is honest, pure and lovely,
On these thoughts I must dwell;
Truth is God's law written in my heart,
The Gospel that I must tell.

Truth is in security, in providence;
My Lord - He is Faithful and True;
I just have to show you how much
God's own Son loves you.

Jesus gave His life for us -
The Bible tells me this is so;
I gave my life in faith to Him,
That His Truth I might know.

March 14, 1995
Jerry Bouey

John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

Ephesians 4:20-21 But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

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

Philippians 4:8 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. 

There's A Blessing (Poem)

 

There's A Blessing

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing from above;
When we fellowship together,
And our hearts are knit in love.
We're one family united,
Joint-heirs by His blood.

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing in this place;
Hear the preaching of God's Word,
As we seek the Saviour's face.
With love, exhorting one another,
Bound together by His grace.

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing on the way;
Bring all your tithes and offerings,
And watch how Jesus does repay.
There's a blessing in the work,
When we go, and give, and pray.

Don't miss out on the blessing!

September 15th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

(Written for the Tenth Anniversary of People's Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC)

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:41-42

The Shepherd Beckons (Poem)

 

The Shepherd Beckons

Baa Baa Black Sheep,
You've left the flock to roam;
But the Shepherd now is calling -
He wants to welcome you back home.

He has left the ninety and the nine.
To search and find the one;
Listen to our Saviour's voice -
Don't harden your heart and run.

Jesus came down from Heaven,
To seek and save that which was lost;
He was sacrificed for you -
For love comes with a heavy cost.

Though your wool is red like crimson,
He can remove the deepest stains;
He can throw your sins as far as east is from west,
Because His love always remains.

Oh my wandering little Black Sheep,
Before you wander out into the storm,
Remember, the only place of safety in this world,
Is when you are cradled in His arms.

He loves you dearly, my beloved Black Sheep;
You need never doubt that He cares;
Jesus is knocking softly at your heart's door now,
But only you can invite Him there.

October 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Luke 15:4-7 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and the nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, Saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, More than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus is our Shepherd.

John 10:2-3 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:27-30 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. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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.

The Loss Of A Best Friend (Poem)

 

The Loss Of A Best Friend

We fall apart - it seems as such
other times we run,
Some love the darkened dream too much
to ever face the Son.

I know, to you, I've really changed
practically overnight;
In your view, my life's been rearranged,
ordered by the Light.

I miss the friendship that we shared,
the many times our souls we've bared.

But now, from me, without a trace,
you've fled so very far;
I search desperately for your face
in every passing car.

How could four years of our lives
just crumble down to dust?
Now I face my darkest fears
in someone that I trust.

No matter how hurt
or mistreated I have been,
I've stuck with you, my friend,
through thick or thin.

There's a new reason to live,
a new life I have found;
Knowing my heart, you're nowhere,
though I've searched around.

In my mind, and in my prayers,
I'll always wish that you were there.
Inside my memory, you'll always be;
There's hope in Jesus - I hope you'll see.

April 8th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my best friend that I lost when I found the Best of Friends.
May you someday come to know my Saviour too!)

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

Stand Fast (Poem)

 

Stand Fast

We look around at a world
That is changing day by day.
A little here, a little there,
Truth and Justice fade away.

We can't condone these changes.
The churches must shine a while more.
We must learn to love the sinners
While our hearts are torn by war.

A battle between God's Spirit
And the lawlessness of man.
While the Lord still extends His mercy,
The end must come as planned.

We must keep walking in the Spirit,
Holding forth the Word of Life,
And pray that they will hear it
Amidst the emptiness and strife.

Petitioning our Father
For the souls that come our way.
With our hearts in one accord,
Waiting for that coming Day.

As brethren in Christ Jesus,
We must firmly hold our ground.
Watching for our Lord's return,
Praying a faithful remnant will be found.

Pleading for the Righteous Judge
To establish Justice once again,
Waiting for the Prince of Peace
To begin His endless reign.

June 23rd, 1996
Jerry Bouey

2 Peter 3:9-13 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Psalm 85:9-12 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

For the sake of clarity and striving for the truth, I have removed the original second verse.

It is so easy to react,
To point our fingers and to judge,
But we must learn to forgive.
It only hurts us to hold a grudge.

In 1996, I meant something entirely different about not judging than the "Christian" world means today. We are not The Judge, but the Lord God has commanded all of us to judge all that we see around us, including teachings and actions, by the Word of God. This is how we learn to discern between truth and error, between the people of God and the lost, between true Bible preachers and teachers and false teachers and false brethren whose ultimate goal is to lead us astray from God and His Word.

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Sometimes (Poem)

 

Sometimes

Sometimes when the world seems so cold,
There's only one Light that brightly shines;
When this darkened world makes you feel so old,
Take refuge in our blessed Saviour divine.

When you feel forgotten, forsaken, alone,
When no one around you seems to care,
Jesus - the Lamb - for our sins atoned;
Look to our Lord, He will always be there.

When nothing you do seems to work out right,
When everything you touch turns out wrong,
Just remember Jesus is the only True Light -
He will comfort you, make you feel so strong.

When your heart is burdened with many a grief,
And your ailing health starts to fail,
Jesus will share your pain, and give you relief -
His love, joy and peace will prevail.

September 19th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

John 1:9-12 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Psalms 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Someday (Poem)

 

Someday

Someday I will see Him,
The Lamb who died for me;
Someday I will see Him,
What a glorious day that will be.

Someday I will see Him,
Face to face - I know I will;
Someday I will see Jesus,
Walk with Him upon Zion’s hill.

Someday I will hear Him,
Spend forever with my Lord;
Someday I will hear Him,
Listening eagerly for each word.

Someday I will hear Him,
Hear His beautiful songs of peace;
Someday I will be near Him,
Experience love that will never cease.

Someday I will touch Him,
With my hands - I know it’s true;
I will hear His voice so lovely,
See my Lord - Oh what a view!

December 8, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Acts 1:10-11 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Revelation 21:22-23 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Prayer For My Friends (Poem)

 

Prayer For My Friends

Oh Lord, my heart is breaking for my friends,
I am grieved and I don't know what to do.
I've done all I can to offer them hope;
All that's left, Father, is to lift them up to You.

I can't change the situations in their lives,
Oh God, they seem so powerless and weak.
Jesus, You who share their every sorrow,
Fill their hearts with the strength and peace they seek.

Lord, let me stand in the gap for all my friends,
Let me lift them in prayer to You each day,
Let me be faithful, Lord, to show Your love,
And shine a beacon of hope to light the way.

Let me be a witness of all that You can do
Through a life that's set apart for Your glory,
And when the raging tempests come their way
Let perfect peace and comfort be their story.

Let my example be a source of hope,
A vivid picture of Your redeeming love.
Let me always tenderly point the way
To the refuge found in Jesus Christ, above.

May 27th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

(For my friend, Alma
I'm praying for you!)

A bruised reed shall He not break,
and smoking flax shall He not quench...
And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.
Matthew 12:20-21

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD
in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1 Samuel 12:23

And I sought for a man among them,
that should make up the hedge,
and stand in the gap before Me for the land,
that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
Ezekiel 22:30

Let me stand in the gap, Lord!

Portraits Of Two Lives (Poem)

 

Portraits Of Two Lives

I see a man who was lonely and blue,
But that's not me anymore.
I see a heart that was torn in two.
But that's not me anymore.

I see a girl, lost and afraid,
But that's not you anymore.
I see a heart that was tattered and frayed,
But that's not you anymore.

I see a cross standing on a hill;
In the back of my mind, I can see it still:
There a battered Man hung in agony -
While He was dying, He reached for you and me.

I see a tomb that is empty now;
The body is not there - it's gone, but how?
I see a Man with a wound in His side;
When I saw His pierced hands and feet, I cried.

I see two lives, empty and scarred;
But that's not us anymore -
We've seen Jesus Christ, our Lord;
He has brightened these two portraits forevermore.

October 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

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

Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Only God Knows (Poem)

 

Only God Knows

When I'm undecided and feeling unsure,
When it seems like life is just a blur,
When the right choice seems so obscure,
How do I begin to feel secure?
Only God knows.

When I'm lonely and depressed,
When it seems I'm being oppressed,
When my soul is in sore distress,
How do I relieve this mess?
Only God knows.

Only God knows the way that I go;
He sees into my heart, into my soul.
Only God knows the words to speak,
The comfort I so dearly seek.

Only God knows my deepest dreams,
My hopes, my fears, my silent schemes,
My plans, my desires, my inner foes -
When all is uncertain, only God knows.

When I'm tempted, tested, sore beset,
When I'm overwhelmed by regret,
When I can't see my way quite yet,
Reading His Word is one sure bet -
Because only God knows!

February 6th, 1996
Jerry Bouey

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Only God Can (Poem)

Only God Can

God is the only one
who can mend a broken heart;
He can pick up the shattered pieces
when a life falls apart.

He can soften a heart
that is slowly turning to stone;
He can comfort and heal
when the world's left you alone.

He can repair a situation
when you're at your wit's end;
Even with the worst of complications
Jesus can make amends.

Inside, with aching wounds
that hurt too much to bear,
Only God can touch a heart,
and sow a miracle there.

March 5th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Luke 4:16-21 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Matthew 12:18-21 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

One Heartbeat From Heaven (Poem)

One Heartbeat From Heaven

So many trials to discourage,
So many mountains to block your way,
But you're just one heartbeat from Heaven,
Where the shadows will flee away.

My brother, why are you cast down?
My sister, why are you distressed?
You are just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From a land filled with peace and rest.

My friend, why are you so fearful?
Anxious? - Oh ye of little faith.
You are just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From seeing Jesus face to face.

Storm clouds may dim the horizon,
As lightning bolts streak through the sky,
But you're just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From your mansion prepared on high.

July 17th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Philippians 1:21-24 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Nothing But His Love (Poem)

 

Nothing But His Love

Like Peter and John, I have nothing,
I don’t even have silver or gold;
But indeed I offer you something
That's worth more than treasures untold.

It's the joy in my heart - I give it to you;
The hope stored within - I’ll share it with you.

I may not have much to give.
I tell you, friend, it's true;
But what God's Spirit has given me,
I freely give to you.

Look inside my heart - look deep within.
Look past those spots, once stained with sin.

Look at the river of living water,
Flowing so powerfully, yet gently, from His Spirit.

Listen to the beating rhythm of His love;
Sometimes it may seem faint -
But I pray, can you hear it?

November 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

See Acts 3 for the Biblical story and some of the ideas behind this poem.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

John 7:37-39a In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive…

My Rest (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

 

My Rest

He's my life, He's my all;
Without Him I would fall.
Every day, every hour;
Jesus keeps me by His power.

Through the assurance of His Word.
I know all His promises are true.
By faith, I stand upon them,
And my God makes all things new.

Though my trials like raging storms blow,
Help to endure is always present from above.
Not a sigh nor a loss in my life here below.
Could ever dim the glory of my Saviour's love.

Though clouds of sorrow seem to hide
His presence in the night,
There's not a moment in my life
When His guiding hand is not in sight.

All for His glory He will perform,
What He has promised in me, to conform.
He who hath begun a good work in me,
Will perform it until my Saviour I shall see.

Then one day I will cross over,
When He opens that final door,
And He transforms this corruptible
To His perfect likeness forever more.

When I stand to give account,
"Will I come forth as gold?" will be my test,
No more will I fight this robe of flesh
As in my Saviour I take my rest.

And with the saints in glory,
I stand with Him for eternal days.
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My Great Redeemer's praise!

June 13th, 2003
Angela Trenholm

1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

My Prayer For His Will (Poem by Angela Trenholm))

Sometimes trials come and we truly want to question why, but for the child of God there is no need. God knows what is best for each one of us, and He uses our trials and tribulations to not only mold but refine us. He is making us into His image:

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

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13:9

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 dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

This poem was written as I stayed up to keep watch on Melissa (2 1/2 years old at the time) when she had a high fever that would not go down. At this point, suspecting RSV or pneumonia. Found out the next day she did indeed have pneumonia and an ear infection. The Lord answered my prayers and healed our little girl.

My Prayer For His Will

As I lay beside you in your bed,
My heart is so full of concern.
How I want to see you well again –
Is the prayer that within me burns.

To hear you laugh, as only you can do;
To see your precious smile light your face.
Each moment you have been with us,
Is a reminder of my Saviour’s grace.

Though I knew you have a heart condition,
You’ve been so well, I had forgotten.
But seeing you lying there, so frail and weak,
My heart is burdened with overmuch grief.

Your sickness is a clear reminder –
That to us, you do not belong,
But are lent to us from The Master,
And I know He’ll not steer us wrong.

You are our Lord’s, and He knows best.
As He fulfills His perfect will,
In each of our lives, it’s a test,
And we need but to stand still.

Too often we try so hard to control,
The circumstances that come our way.
Then these become a burden to our soul,
As we’ve led ourselves astray.

Dear Lord, if you choose to call her home –
Though I know my sorrow would be great –
Cause me to see that your grace will uphold me,
Help me, as in your care I commit her fate.

Oh Lord Jesus, may this my prayer be:
“That all in Thee, do I put my trust;
That I not question Your perfect will,
And all that You have planned for us.”

Angela Trenholm
December 9th, 2004

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9a

My King James Bible (Poem)

My King James Bible

The Word of God is my only guide.
Not just any new version will do;
I love my old King James Bible -
Every single word, I know, is true!
Penned from the Lord, sent from above,
It is a letter from God, filled with His love.

It tells us of God’s gift of life,
And what our future holds in store.
It contains the way from man to God -
Through Jesus Christ, the only Door.
Your Word is the lamp that shows us the way;
It reveals Your footsteps, and leads us each day.

Your Word has free course, it’s available for all;
So many different writers, from Moses to Paul,
All of these holy prophets answered Your call -
From David to Jeremiah, You inspired them all.

The Holy Word of our King has all power -
It’s so majestic, so wonderful, sublime.
Inerrant, written by the God of all Truth,
And preserved by His Spirit for all time.

Compiled by true believers, guided by the Lord,
Bound together with wisdom - its witness is sure;
Full of precious promises, from beginning to end -
The Word of God is holy, timeless, and pure.

My only guide on this journey, from now till I die -
My trusted companion in life - my King James Bible and I!

January 17th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Psalm 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 

Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The last stanza of my poem is a nod to another poem, called My Bible And I. I wanted to honour both the theme of the other poem (ie. the Bible that is my daily companion) and my King James Bible. Things that are different are not the same. It does matter what Bible you read and study each day. 

Transformed Into His Image (Poem)

Transformed Into His Image

Transformed into Jesus’ likeness,
The thought makes my heart truly sing.
Oh, to be made like unto my Saviour,
When my eyes behold our glorious King.

Renewed by my time in the Bible,
Claiming promises each time I pray;
As I spend much time in His presence,
I’m changed by God’s Spirit, day by day.

Searching daily through the Scriptures,
There are wonders found with every look -
Transformed by the image that I see -
Beholding Jesus in every book.

His friends caught glimpses of His glory
When He was transfigured in their sight -
One day soon we will be just like Jesus,
Transformed eternally by His might.

January 12th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

In the following four passages, we see one particular Greek word used: Strong's #3339, metamorphóō, from which we get our English word, metamorphosis. "from G3326 and G3445; to transform (literally or figuratively, "metamorphose"):—change, transfigure, transform."

Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Just like Jesus was transfigured and glorified on the Mount of Transfiguration. so too are Christians transformed and changed by the Holy Spirit as we read and study the Word of God - we are changed by seeing the Lord Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. One day (hopefully soon), we will see Jesus face to face and be glorified and made like Him eternally.

Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Romans 8:28-30 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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Revelation 1:16-17 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Exodus 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

Exodus 34:29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.