Songs In The Night

Boasting In The Lord

2011-01-09T14:55:00.003-08:00

Boasting In The Lord

So many will boast of their status and wealth -
For too many that is all that's worth living;
I'd rather boast in my spiritual health -
I'll rejoice that I am saved and forgiven!

So many will boast in who and what they know -
Their connections are the things they do treasure;
I would rather boast in the Lord Jesus Christ -
His Word is my only sure guide and measure!

So many will boast in the things they have made -
As if this life was the end of the story;
But I would rather boast in the world to come -
Heaven above is in what I will glory.

So many will boast that they have now arrived -
Trusting in themselves - a sad situation!
But I'd rather boast in what Jesus has done -
Singing aloud of His wondrous salvation!

So many will boast of things under the Sun -
Things that will one day be shaken and scattered;
I will boast in my Father's, "My child, well done" -
In eternity, that's all that will matter!

January 9th, 2011
Jerry Bouey

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovindkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

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.

Hebrews 12:26-28 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifying the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Matthew 25:21 His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

What will you be boasting about in 2011?

So Amazed

2011-01-04T16:31:00.001-08:00

Basking in Your presence at the start of the day,
I meditate in wonder and begin to pray.
“So amazed,” is all my raptured soul can say.
Who am I, Lord, that You would love me this way?

Once burdened by sins that my mind couldn’t erase,
Now, forgiven – in Your sight there’s not even a trace.
So amazed and awed by Your amazing grace.
Who am I, Lord, that You would die in my place?

At the mountaintop, at last, I rest from my climb,
Rejoicing in the soothing peace that I find.
So amazed, in Christ I have victory this time.
By staying focused on Him, steadfast in mind.

So amazed, Lord, by Your amazing grace,
So amazed, Jesus, that You died in my place,
So amazed by all the wondrous things that You do,
So amazed, my God, I’m so amazed in You!

April 5th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

And David the king came and sat before the LORD,
and said, Who am I, O LORD God,
and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
1 Chronicles 17:16.

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross?

2011-01-03T19:47:00.002-08:00

Am I a soldier of the cross -
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Since I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord!
I'l bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.

By Isaac Watts

Love Broke Through

2010-12-27T19:54:00.006-08:00

I left my shelter, wandered out into harm;
My faith grew so weak in the path of the storm.
A trial of my choosing; no one else to blame;
But His love broke through when I called on His name.

Chorus:
Love broke through the clouds, Love scattered the rain;
God’s love brought healing in the midst of my pain.
When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed the storm, and His love broke through.

The wind rose so sudden, the thunder now roared;
I was all but sinking; my faith came unmoored.
A trial to test me – how could I survive?
Love broke through and showed me, “My Saviour’s alive!”

When loved ones were drowning; all seemed nearly lost,
I wanted to save them, whatever the cost;
But my strength was useless – oh, what could I do?
I called on the Saviour, and His love broke through.

When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed my storm, and His love broke through.

December 24th, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 8:23-27 And when he (Jesus) was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

Matthew 14:24-33 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.

P.S. Poem edited slightly on January 2nd, 2011, due to the input of two friends. Thanks for helping me make this song even better! ;)

Everything's Changed

2010-12-21T13:42:00.003-08:00

I once was blind, but now I see -
Oh praise the Lord who died for me.
He opened my eyes to see my sin;
I opened my heart to let Him in.

I once was deaf, but now I hear -
Immanuel – my God – came near.
I heard of how Jesus died for me –
His blood – from my sin, has made me free.

I once was dumb, mouth closed by sin -
Wicked words and thoughts dwelt within;
My own heart, the source of all this woe –
There’s nowhere else but Jesus to go.

I once was lame, but now I’m healed –
My evil deeds have been revealed.
My heart’s been cleansed from every stain;
My footsteps turned to walk right again.

I once was blind, deaf, dumb, and lame,
Lost, alone, heart shattered by pain;
Then I trusted in the Saviour’s name –
Since I believed everything’s changed.

I once was blind, deaf, dumb, and lame,
But praise the Lord that Jesus came!

December 21/2010
Jerry

Isaiah 29:18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Matthew 11:4-5 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

O Holy Night

2010-12-20T04:49:00.003-08:00

This is probably my most favourite Christmas hymn - at least the first stanza. I first remember hearing it as a young teenager (or possibly pre-teens) when an actor sang it on a popular TV show (Robert Guillaume sang it in a Christmas episode of Benson - at least I was told it was actually the actor singing it and not just putting on a performance). I in no way endorse that show, and honestly don't remember much of it anyway - but that song stuck with me. It was so emotional; perhaps part of the impact was the fact that here was a black man singing about the slave being our brother (ie. our fellow man - according to the Bible, all of mankind is of one blood and we are all related physically through Adam and Eve; though, we are only brothers and sisters spiritually through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ). After I trusted Christ for salvation, I later came across the lyrics of this song and memorized the first stanza, now knowing the meaning of the hope and purpose that salvation in Christ gives to the weary soul. It still touches me today. I think some versions have "the weary world rejoices," but this version from Nethymnal (which should be true to the original) has "the weary soul rejoices." That makes more sense. The whole world is not rejoicing in the Saviour, but the soul that has the burdens of sin and oppression lifted will rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a hymn of hope - which is what the Lord seems to be emphasizing to me in all the messages I have been preparing and preaching for Christmas.

O Holy Night
(Lyrics: Placide Cappeau)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Ephesians 2:12-13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Christmas Without Christ

2010-12-18T15:57:00.003-08:00

Note: I am not for nativity scenes, as I am against pictures/images of Jesus Christ. I wrote this poem as a fairly young Christian - but the point still applies today: If we let the world remove all traces of the reason for the season (ie. the Lord Jesus Christ and the message of His free gift of salvation - whether in sermons or songs) at "Christmas" (when we are professing to worship the Lord and celebrate His birth - which was essential in His coming and dying for our sins on the cross), then what do we have left?

Christmas Without Christ

If we take Christ out of Christmas
What's there left to do?
We have all the tinsel and the presents -
But we don't have You-know-who.

If we ban all the Christmas songs
That, to some, may slightly offend,
Then we'd have to remove the Nativity scene...
Tell me - where would it end?

If we couldn't worship Christ this Christmas,
What's there left to celebrate?
All we have left is Santa Claus.
We've sold out - is it too late?

If we couldn't have the Prince of Peace,
Then our peace would vanish soon.
All our fondest dreams would lie in ashes
While we all sing empty tunes.

If we had nothing left to offer
But a jolly fat man in red,
Then Christmas couldn't be called Christmas,
And our hope would soon be dead.

If we take Christ out of Christmas,
Then what would there be?
A world in need of a Saviour
But they've left Him no place to be.

December 13th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,
and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

What Child Is This?

2010-12-18T15:51:00.002-08:00

(William C. Dix)

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

(Chorus)
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud -
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear - for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh -
Come, rich and poor, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings -
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

God's Gift

2010-12-18T15:45:00.003-08:00

God's Gift

Come now all you troubled people,
I've got a message for you to hear:
God is giving out His grace this Christmas -
Free for all who dare to draw near.

In a world filled with gloomy night,
Here's a Gift that is full of Light.

A Gift of forgiveness, mercy too,
A Gift of hope from Christ to you.

A reason for living wrapped up in Love,
An Ever-Present Saviour who came from above.

The Gift is truly priceless,
And inside, you will be made new,
But you must accept His Gift
For it to belong to you.

If you stop to think about the miracle
of the birth of Christ this year,
Remember His precious Gift of Life -
He offers peace to all who will draw near.

December 14th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

God so loved...
that He gave...
John 3:16

For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

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:
John 1:12

O Save Us Now

2010-12-18T15:38:00.003-08:00

O Save Us Now

Before God made the world, redemption was planned;
In the fullness of time, God became a man.
From Heaven, God's Son came; was in a manger laid;
The Christ had arrived - soon our sin debt would be paid.

Simeon in the Temple, and Anna nearby,
The shepherds in the field, knew the Saviour was nigh.
The wise men saw the star as it shone from the sky;
They followed it far to the King from on High.

To a world darkened by sin
The light of hope is shining in,
The Promised Son has appeared,
The Saviour is now here -
O save us now!

Years have passed by; this child has grown into a man;
Now it was time to fulfill God's wondrous plan.
On the cross, for our sins, His precious blood was shed,
Three days later, our Saviour arose from the dead.

To those searching for truth, the time has come at last;
Salvation has been purchased; sin's darkness has passed.
The morning has dawned, the night is now gone;
To souls filled with sin, the Redeemer has come.

The Messiah was foretold,
His origins are from old,
We've been waiting for so long,
But Jesus has now come -
O save us now!

The Promised Son has drawn nigh.
This Saviour was born to die.
"It is finished," was His shout -
His blood can blot your sin debt out.
He will save you now!

December 13th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

And the multitudes that went before,
and that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna [save us now] to the Son of David:
Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.
Matthew 21:9

Save now, I beseech Thee, O LORD:
O LORD, I beseech Thee, send now prosperity.
Psalms 118:25

‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

2010-12-08T14:43:00.002-08:00

While the theology of this poem is off somewhat on the events of the Lord's second coming/return, it makes an excellent point: Are you ready for the Lord's return?

‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “it’s not here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

Author Unknown

Christmas Without Jesus (by Angela Trenholm)

2010-12-08T14:02:00.002-08:00

Christmas Without Jesus?

Christmas without Jesus, And all that the Saviour has wrought;
Can you begin to comprehend, why I just cannot bear the thought?
Christmas without Jesus, means more than an empty manger,
Or a wasted trip for wise men, on a road of untold danger.

Christmas without Jesus, means more than a tree with no gifts;
More than no holiday fixings, or no extra-overtime shifts.
Christmas without Jesus - What does it all really mean?
What impact does it have for me, my life, my hopes and my dreams?

Christmas without Jesus, means my sin debt, by me, still is borne.
It still has never been paid for, for His body had never been torn.
Christmas without Jesus, means Heaven cannot be attained;
We've all sinned; there's no remedy. Our good works are useless and vain.

Christmas without Jesus, means an eternity of pain;
No hope for all mankind was brought. without Christ's loss, we have no gain.
Christmas without Jesus! Oh no! It simply cannot be!
But praise the Lord! I know it's not! He came to die for you and me!

Christmas with Jesus - My Saviour's alive forevermore!
He arose victorious from the grave, and He has opened Heaven's door.
Christmas without Jesus - A fairy tale, an empty show.
For Christ came to pay for our sin - It's real! I want the world to know!

Angela Trenholm
December 13th, 2003
(Used With Permission)

Christmas Without Jesus (by Theresa Wood)

2010-12-08T13:51:00.003-08:00

Christmas Without Jesus?

Christmas without Jesus, How can this really be?
And yet for many years it was this way for me.
I hung the lights and wrapped the many, many toys
For all my little ones, my precious girls and boys.

I gave them all that I possessed of worldly gifts and things,
But I did not have the greatest gift that only Jesus brings.
Though I gave them all I had right from the very start,
I could not give them Jesus for He wasn't in my heart.

Then, Praise the precious Lamb of God, one day He came,
He spoke to my empty heart and called me by my name.
Now I have more to give my children than gifts on earth.
I give them Jesus, God’s Firstborn Son, whose lowly birth
Prepared the way for all mankind to look to Him and see,
Christmas without Jesus, This really cannot be.

December 9th, 2002
Theresa Wood
(Used With Permission)

Born To Die

2010-12-08T13:45:00.003-08:00

Born To Die

I heard about the Saviour,
Heard about His lowly birth.
How He laid aside His glory,
And came down to live on earth.
Still I could never fathom why,
He left Heaven – born to die.

There’s a reason for the season -
Sin had slithered into Paradise.
There was only one solution -
Someone sinless had to pay the price.
Jesus was born in a manger one day,
Born to give His life away.

Born in a manger, born in poverty,
Born from a virgin, sinless was He.
God sent His Son from Heaven above,
Jesus left His throne to prove His love.
The Lamb of God, the Saviour came,
Born to die – Oh, praise His name!

The Bible says He died for me,
Was crucified on Calvary,
Shed His blood to pay for my sin;
I opened my heart and let Him in.
He arose from the grave in victory,
Oh, praise God, He was born to die for me!

Something else – still amazing, yet so true,
He was also born to die for you.
His sinless blood can wash your sins away,
Come to the Saviour, receive Him today.
This Good News is the Truth and is no lie,
The Son of God was born to die.

Chorus:
Born to die on Calvary,
Born to die for you and for me.
Born to die – that’s why He came.
Born to die – Oh, praise His name!
Jesus left His home above,
Born to die because of His love.

December 10th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The Hope Of Christmas

2010-12-04T04:35:00.004-08:00

Lindsay was a friend to many at the Gospel Mission where I work. She trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation about two years ago, and was making many wise choices to separate from harmful influences in her life and from friends that would only drag her down spiritually and by tempting her back into her addictions. Unfortunately, her house became an unsafe place for her, and Lindsay was truly seeking to find new housing where she would not be exposed to those addictions. She cleaned up, she spent many hours volunteering at the mission, and was such a help and a blessing. She met regularly with the chaplain at the Mission to work on overcoming those addictions and learn more from God's Word.

We only know part of what happened on November 28th. Tragically, she overdosed through the influence of one of those bad "friends." Even though we are saddened by her sudden loss - her story ends in glory. Her hope this Christmas was the Saviour that came to give her life - that same Saviour that took her home, away from all her struggles and fears - to be with Him.

This poem is an attempt to see things from Lindsay's perspective. The title of the poem is a line that I had going through my mind all afternoon before writing this poem.

The Hope Of Christmas
(Dedicated to Lindsay Guenther)

In the midst of my sorrows, troubles and tears,
I sought the Lord and He saved me from my fears.
In this time when you are overwhelmed by loss,
Remember the Saviour who died on the cross -
That's my hope this Christmas.

Struggling to overcome my dark addictions,
And learning to make some braver decisions;
You broke through all those chains that held me so tight,
You scattered my darkness because You're my Light -
That's my hope this Christmas.

This Christmas, I know you're not celebrating,
But our reunion's worth anticipating.
My struggling heart's not the end of the story;
Eternity awaits in realms of glory -
That's my hope this Christmas.

Jesus came to this earth to show us the way;
He paid for sin's debt - one we could never pay.
Salvation's His gift offered to us by grace,
Receiving eternal life with Him by faith -
That's the hope of Christmas.

December 3rd, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven

2010-10-28T16:37:00.003-07:00

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious is His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows.

Frail as summer’s flower we flourish,
Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish
Our God lives unchanging on,
Praise Him, Praise Him, Hallelujah
Praise the High Eternal One!

Angels, help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
**Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

**Alternate lines:
Saints triumphant, bow before Him,
Gathered in from every race.

~ Henry Francis Lyte ~

Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

2010-10-09T05:43:00.002-07:00

I have loved this hymn for a long time, but I had only ever heard three stanzas of it. On Net Hymnal they have the full version of the hymn. In our hymnbooks, stanzas two (the second half) and three (the first half) are combined and the fifth stanza is absent. I think the other verses add to the whole. How about you?

Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
(Lyrics: Robert Robinson)

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send Thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

He Still Moves Stones

2010-10-03T21:04:00.002-07:00

Both Death and Darkness ruled the day
Around the tomb where Laz’rus lay.
Cried Jesus in authority,
“Remove the stone and set him free!”

Have stony trials progressively
Extinguished hopes of victory?
Embrace His word triumphantly:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.

Have stones of fear, confusion, doubt
Destroyed your faith and burned you out?
Then look to Him expectantly:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.

Are your dreams blocked or gone astray
By stones of hindrance in the way?
His Spirit will bring clarity:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.

(Refrain)
He still moves stones, so give Him glory!
He still moves stones to change your story!
What e’er your trial or loss or need
If there’s a stone, He wants you freed.

Copyright 2009 James McAlister
www.james-mc.com
Used by permission

Exhortation To Prayer

2010-09-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

by William Cowper

What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?

Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when through weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevail'd.

Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me."

Freefall

2010-09-22T13:39:00.003-07:00

These past two weeks at the Gospel Mission we started doing something new: having all the staff on the same page as far as Devotionals go. So our Chaplain decided to do a series on James, where each meal devotion covered the next few verses.

Thinking about these different messages from the book of James (such as trials and their purposes, how our enticements to sin comes from inside us, friendship with the world being enmity with God, the tongue and how hard it is to tame our tongue and ourselves, how it is when we humble ourselves before the Lord that He lifts us up, and this last one of when we repent and return to the Lord, He removes the sickness/trial that He was using to chastise us), here is a James-inspired song that I wrote.

When I think of depression and my past struggles with it, and not wanting to fall back into it, I often picture a chasm that I am standing on the brink of, looking down dizzily into it, and so scared of falling back into the pit I came out of - this song in a way comes out of that idea, but follows the analogy a little further, ie. when the step to backslide is taken and the freefall begins - knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one that can lift us back out of that pit and restore us to Himself when we repent and return to Him.

Freefall

Lord, I know that this is only the beginning.
Lord, I know there is a mark that I have missed.
Lord, I know there's a war I am not winning.
Lord, I know life can get much worse than this.

Lord, I know my battle's not with flesh and blood.
Lord, I know that some part of me is filled with pride.
Lord, I know my heart is cold and prone to wander.
Lord, I know that a sinful beast lurks just inside.

I see myself, and I don't like the picture:
Something is there; corrupt and so hard to tame.
Lord, I'm stumbling - I'm faltering, tripping, falling -
Lord, I know that I only have myself to blame.

I'm falling...

Chorus:
I am in a freefall, Lord, I'm falling;
Falling down, I'm crashing down...
Jesus, I need to know You are always with me.
I need to know it's You that will fill my cup.
Jesus, I need to know help is on it's way now.
Lord, I need to know that You will lift me up
...from this fall.

Lord, I know that trials come for a reason.
I hate these struggles that I'm going through.
Lord, I know I should be charged with treason
For loving myself and this world more than You.

Wake up call, I'm falling...

I see, Lord, my fortress was built upon the sand.
I know, I can't catch these clouds I'm falling through.
I see that You are my only hope now, Lord.
Jesus, I know that I can still depend on You.

I'm calling...

Chorus.

I'm falling, calling out, I'm calling You.

September 18th, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Slow Down, Daddy!

2010-06-20T04:53:00.003-07:00

"Slow down, Daddy, I just can't run that fast!"
The little voice calls out to you, as you walk on past.
"Wait for me, Daddy, I'm trying hard to follow you..."
Walking closely in your footsteps - where are you leading to?

"Hey Daddy, hey Daddy, come take a look at me!"
The call goes on unheeded; too caught up in your thoughts to see.
"Come over here, Daddy, can you stop a minute and play?"
The little voice laughs aloud, but you are distracted by your day.

"Oh Daddy, guess what we learned in class today.
Jesus loves me, this I know. And then we knelt to pray...
Tell me Bible stories about Jesus - I really love those parts...
I got saved today, Daddy, Jesus now lives in my heart!"

"I love you, Daddy, I thought of you all day long...
We had so much fun - but I miss you when you're gone.
Good night, Daddy, it's been a long, long, day.
I'm so sleepy, Daddy, but I love it when you pray."

"Come play with me, Daddy," the words echo in your ear,
As you gaze upon your sleeping child, the one you love so dear.
"It's been so long, Daddy, I was waiting for you to come home to me."
And you vow to be there tomorrow, to be the Daddy you need to be.

For Father's Day
May 30th/06
Jerry Bouey

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7

It's Jesus

2010-05-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

It's Jesus

There's a refuge to be found in the midst of life's storms,
There's a peace so profound it will guard your heart from harm,
Where is this shelter under the everlasting arms?
It's Jesus.

There's only one Saviour who died to make men free,
One source of Living Water that flows abundantly,
One plan of salvation - Are you thirsty? Come and see.
It's Jesus.

There's one sinless Man whose life He gave,
Only one Man who arose victorious over the grave,
There's only one Saviour who can ever save,
It's Jesus.

There's one fountain of blood that can cleanse all sin,
Only one Spirit of Life that will dwell within,
True righteousness is found only in Him -
It's Jesus.

October 22nd/03
Jerry Bouey

Revelation 21:6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

"Rock Of Ages"

2010-05-16T15:13:00.002-07:00

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,"
Thoughtlessly the maiden sung;
Fell the words unconsciously
From her girlish, gleeful tongue.
Sung as little children sing,
Sung as sing the birds in June;
Fell the words like bright leaves down
On the current of the tune:
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Let me hide myself in thee,"
Felt her soul no need to hide-
Sweet the song as song could be,
And she had no thought beside.
All the words unheedingly
Fell from lips untouched by care;
Dreaming not that each might be
On some other lips a prayer.
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me-"
'Twas a woman sung them now
Pleadingly and prayerfully;
Every word her heart did know.
Rose the song as storm-tossed bird
Beats with weary wing the air-
Ev'ry note with sorrow stirred,
Every syllable a prayer-
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me-"
-Lips grown aged sung the hymn
Trustfully and tenderly-
Voice grown weak and eyes grown dim-
"Let me hide myself in thee,"
Trembling though the words and low,
Ran the sweet strain peacefully,
Like a river in its flow;
Sung as only they can sing
Who life's thorny paths have pressed;
Sung as only they can sing
Who behold the promised rest:
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,"
Sung above a coffin-lid;
Underneath all restfully,
All life's cares and sorrows hid;
Nevermore, O storm-tossed soul,
Nevermore from wind or tide,
Nevermore from billows' roll
Wilt thou need thyself to hide.
Could the sightless sunken eyes
Closed beneath the soft gray hair,
Could the mute and stiffened lips
Lift again in pleading prayer,
Still, aye still, the prayer would be:
"Let me hide myself in thee!"

Ella Maud Smith Moore

Jacob's Well

2010-05-02T19:52:00.003-07:00

(The Samaritan Woman in John 4)

About to draw some water from Jacob's well
The Samaritan woman heard Him speak.
She wondered, Who is this man; why is he here?
He looks so wearied, dusty, and weak.

You are a Jew, I am a lowly Samaritan,
What have you to do with me? She tried to think,
We are the ones you look down upon,
We are your enemies, yet you ask for a drink.

Who is this man that speaks of living water?
He has nothing to draw with and the well is deep.
What is this passion that I long after?
This water, how can I obtain it? Is it mine to keep?

And what is this - He speaks of eternal life?
He offers a well springing up inside.
How can he know I am a despised housewife?
He knows my deepest shame, I cannot hide.

He must be a prophet, he knows the true me.
What can I ask him - Oh, let me see,
"Sir, where is the place we are to worship God?"
He speaks so boldly, yet the answer's odd.

Salvation is of the Jews; yes, I've heard it before,
But he goes on to say oh so much more.
God is a Spirit and He is seeking for those
Who will worship Him truly. I'm sure He knows.
In spirit and in truth, strange words he speaks.
Suddenly, Jesus says, "I Am the Messiah you seek."

He is the Christ! She drops everything and leaves,
So excited to tell others that they may believe.

November 21st, 1995
Jerry Bouey

The woman saith unto him,
I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ:
when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
John 4:25-26

Today

2010-04-29T14:19:00.002-07:00

Help me to place in Thy hands today
The thing that my heart most fears—
Tomorrow’s anguish and bitter pain,
Tomorrow’s sorrows and tears;

The long, long years, and the loneliness,
The silence, the vacant chair . . .
The grief of today is enough, dear Lord,
But tomorrow’s I cannot bear!

Ease Thou my burden and lighten my load
Till only today is left.
Soft comes His voice in the hush of my soul,
“O broken heart, and bereft,

“My grace is sufficient for thee today,
Pillow upon My breast
Thy weary head, in My circling arms
Today thou shalt find rest.

“Today I can meet thine every need,
Today My love can fill
The echoing chambers of thine heart.
Then rest thee, and be still.”

Be still and trust . . . tomorrow’s tears
May all be wiped away
By God Himself . . . O grieving heart,
Thy Lord may come today!

~Martha Snell Nicholson~

My Son, Give Me Thine Heart

2010-04-28T19:28:00.002-07:00

I found this in one of my saved emails and wanted to post it along with the poem, to give the thoughts behind writing it:

Dear friends,

The following poem was written by Jerry Bouey in response to our article "Not Forgetting the Children." This is an excellent poem that truly conveys the spiritual truth we wanted to convey. It also speaks to the real spiritual problem in rearing our children to serve the Savior and why many fail to do so. We hope it is an encouragement to you.

Pastor Terry L. Coomer
For the Love of the Family Ministries

Terry,
I just wanted to say thank you for all your messages. They are a blessing to me. I do not have children, but want to glean all the wisdom I can in preparation for a Godly home some day - if the Lord wills me to be married.

Many of the points you emphasized today, as well as the main verse - Proverbs 23:26, were preached on at our church Sunday night. The Lord loves getting our attention and repeating what He wants His children to hear!

I wrote a poem this morning that I wanted to pass on to you. Feel free to use it if you'd like. It is called My Son, Give Me Thine Heart.

My Son, Give Me Thine Heart

"My son, give me thine ears,"
Is a saying that may seem wise.
While they listen to your words,
You don't know what goes on inside.
They may appear to pay attention,
To respond to all you have to say,
But nothing is changed in their lives;
They may heed, but do not obey.

"My son, give me thine eyes;
Observe all that I do.
Overlook all my hypocrisy,
And copy the good and true."
While that saying may seem right,
It's only part of what God has to say -
They may watch all of your actions,
But inside, they're unchanged each day.

"My son, give me thine heart,"
Seek the Lord with all diligence.
Jesus works from the inside out;
That's what makes the difference.
Because when God really has your heart,
You will observe all He tells you to:
Obey your parents, read God's Word,
And glorify the Lord in all you do.

December 4th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

My son, give me thine heart,
and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Proverbs 23:26

A Shadow Of Things To Come

2010-04-22T15:48:00.001-07:00

I have created a new blog for my devotional outlines. Please stop by and bookmark it if you are interested.

I wanted to have an outlet to post less developed studies or outlines from messages I have preached at the Gospel Mission. I have entitled it A Shadow Of Things To Come Lord willing, I will be posting more regularly there, as I am still regularly preaching at the Mission, but don't always find the time to work on writing up my studies.

The first few studies I will be posting will be a series I am currently preaching through on the I Ams of Jesus from the Gospel of John. The first sermon outline posted is pretty long (I Am The Bread Of Life), but most of them will not be anywhere near that length. These outlines will also contain links or quotes from other articles and poems that I have used in my devotionals. I have about 10-15 minutes to preach at a time, and sometimes I find a solid poem can really hit home the point after covering the related Bible passages. It is also a blessing to be able to preach various series, as I can develop or build upon themes covered in other messages.

I hope this new blog is a blessing to you as well.

The Weaver

2010-04-22T11:49:00.002-07:00

My Life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors;
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

~Author Unknown~

(Doing an online search reveals various editions of this poem. Most editions do not contain the last stanza, so it was probably not part of the original poem - though it is a welcome addition to me.)

My Name Is I Am

2010-04-22T11:37:00.002-07:00

I was regretting the past
and fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
"My name is I AM"

He paused.
I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past
with its mistakes and regrets,
it is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears,
it is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment
it is not hard. I am here,
My name is I AM."

~Helen Mallicoat~

The 23rd Psalm - Assurance

2010-04-22T09:59:00.003-07:00

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD...
That's Relationship!

I SHALL NOT WANT...
That's Supply!

HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES...
That's Rest!

HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS...
That's Refreshment!

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL...
That's Healing!

HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS...
That's Guidance!

FOR HIS NAME SAKE...
That's Purpose!

YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH...
That's Challenge!

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL...
That's Assurance!

FOR THOU ART WITH ME...
That's Faithfulness!

THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME...
That's Shelter!

THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES...
That's Hope!

THOU ANOINEST MY HEAD WITH OIL...
That's Consecration!

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER...
That's Abundance!

SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE...
That's Blessing!

AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD...
That's Security!

FOREVER...
That's Eternity!

~Author Unknown~

A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, "What shall I not want?"

I shall not want--
Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
Drink -- for He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Forgiveness -- for He restoreth my soul.
Guidance -- for He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
Companionship -- for Thou art with me.
Comfort -- for Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Food -- for Thou preparest a table before me.
Victory -- in the presence of mine enemies.
Joy -- Thou anointest my head with oil.
Overrunning joy -- for my cup runneth over.
Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me.
Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Quoted from The Annotated Bible by Arno Clement Gaebelein

I Am

2010-04-21T20:59:00.006-07:00

Lately, I have been preaching on the I Ams of Jesus from the Gospel of John.

Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

John 4:25-26 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

I Am

I Am the Good Shepherd;
I gave My life for My sheep.
I Am the Resurrection and the Life -
Your comfort when you weep.

I Am the Light of the World
That shines upon you each day -
In this perilous journey of life,
I Am the only Way.

I Am the True Vine -
There is no real living apart from Me.
I Am the Door of Salvation;
Eternal life is knowing Me.

I Am the Messiah, who died
From sin to set you free;
For everything you are searching for -
I that speak to you Am He.

I Am the Bread of Life
On which your soul can feed.
I Am That I Am -
I Am all you will ever need.

I Am the Great Jehovah;
The LORD of Heaven, the earth, and the sea.
I Am Jesus Christ, the Saviour;
The LORD which is, which was, and will be.

I Am Jesus.

April 21st/2010
Jerry Bouey

The Dark Tomb

2010-04-04T20:13:00.004-07:00

Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

The Dark Tomb

The Light of the world flickered and dimmed;
The Lord of Glory was crucified.
Darkness veiled the whole world from Him
As blood poured from His wounds and side.

His loved ones gathered around His cross,
Heard, "It is finished," as Jesus cried -
Their souls overwhelmed by grief and loss,
Watched as He gave up His life and died.

They laid Him in a rich man's tomb;
Sealed His grave with a heavy stone.
As night brought on its sorrow and gloom,
His friends left - heavy-hearted and alone.

Three dark days passed by - troubled by fears,
While their Hope lay silent in the grave.
Defeated, discouraged, filled with tears -
Conquered by death? How then could He save?

While their hearts were grieving, triumph was near -
The Saviour had faced our greatest foes.
The tomb is now empty! He is not here!
Wonderful victory - Jesus arose!

Oh dark grave, where is your victory?
Oh death, where now is your bitter sting?
How impossible for a sealed tomb
To imprison or hold the King of kings!

April 4th/2010
Jerry Bouey

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

My Captain

2010-03-23T19:31:00.002-07:00

Two worldviews contrasted - that of humanism/atheism (ie. the world's vain philosophies) versus that of true Christianity (ie. of faith). Which view is yours? Which one reflects the condition of your heart?

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.

by William Ernest Henley

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God...
Psalm 14:1

My Captain

Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.

Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.

Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.

I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.

by Dorothea Day

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

O Lord, My Strength

2010-03-14T05:42:00.002-07:00

Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength,
My rock, my tower, my high defense;
Thy mighty arm shall be my trust,
For I have found salvation thence.

Death, and the terrors of the grave,
Stood round me with their dismal shade;
While floods of high temptations rose,
And made my sinking soul afraid.

I saw the opening gates of hell,
With endless pains and sorrows there,
Which none but they that feel can tell;
While I was hurried to despair.

In my distress I called my God,
When I could scarce believe Him mine:
He bowed His ear to my complaint,
Then did His grace appear divine.

With speed He flew to my relief,
As on a cherub’s wing He rode;
Awful and bright as lightning shone
The face of my Deliverer, God.

Temptations fled at His rebuke,
The blast of His almighty breath;
He sent salvation from on high,
And drew me from the deeps of death.

Great were my fears, my foes were great,
Much was their strength, and more their rage;
But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still,
In all the wars that devils wage.

My song for ever shall record
That terrible, that joyful hour;
And give the glory to the Lord,
Due to His mercy and His power.

Isaac Watts

Eternity

2010-03-11T18:31:00.002-08:00

This is one of two poems that offer a comforting look back (to the day a loved one went home to Heaven) and forward to spending eternity with the Lord ourselves. The first one is: Since Yesterday.

Eternity

I stood with God on the edge of the world, and my hand was in His hand. I looked down the road of the past, as it stretched away in the dim distance, till it was shrouded in the mists of time. And I knew it had no beginning, and a little chill wind of fear blew about my head.

God asked, "Are you afraid?"

And I said, "Yes, because I cannot understand how there can be no beginning."

So God said, "Let us turn and face the other way."

And I looked into glory, and my heart rejoiced with joy unspeakable. And then my mind went ahead, a billion, billion years, and I knew there would be no end, and again that little chill wind of fear began to blow.

And God asked me again, "Are you afraid?"

And I answered, "A little, because I cannot understand how there can be no end."

So God asked me tenderly, "Are you afraid now, today, with your hand in mine?"

And I looked up at Him and smiled and replied, "O my Father, NO!"

And God said, "Every day in eternity will be today."

~Martha Snell Nicholson~

Prayer For Comfort

2010-03-11T17:29:00.003-08:00

This is a poem written by a friend to comfort me, just hours before my Mom went home to be with the Lord, around 2 am on September 22nd/2005. I edited a couple of the words in it (and removed my name), so as to post a poem that could be a source of comfort to others and not just myself. I am not able to contact Theresa, so I hope she will not mind these few words changes. The original version (as well as words of comfort from her email) can be found on this page: God's Grace In Our Trials.

I am printing up a second edition of my poetry book, The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage, and this is one of the poems I will be adding to the 2nd edition, as a testimony to the comfort these words offered me and my sister at the time of our Mom's graduation to Heaven. I hope it is a blessing to you.

Prayer For Comfort

Father, bless my friend today, as he trusts You in his pain,
This one who's leaving him, he knows, will surely live again.
He loves You, Lord, and he is holding to Your loving Hand.
And someday he will join her in Your great Glory Land.

There will be tears of pain and, yes, there'll be many sorrows.
He needs You, Lord, today and will need You for the tomorrows.
I know this, Lord, because I've walked this long, long, painful road...
Hold him close and comfort him as he bears this heavy load.

Thank You, Father, for my friend and the blessing that he has been.
Thank You for Your mercy, Lord, and for forgiveness of our sin.
There are many, including me, that are blessed by his love for You.
Help us to glorify Your Precious Name in all we say and do.

We lift our hands and hearts to You, our Father and our God;
For we see Your Love in all creation as in this land we trod.
Even in our suffering, we still feel Your Holy Presence here.
Thank You, thank You, O Lord, our God, for always being near.

Theresa Wood

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

The New Testament

2010-03-05T10:13:00.002-08:00

Matthew portrays Christ as a great King,
As through it’s wondrous discourses ring;
The Mighty man, the princely Prince,
Matthew, the author, set to evince.

Mark sees Jesus as a humble servant,
Who preaches a message of Truth so fervent;
And teaches of the Miraculous One,
The Christ, God’s beloved Son.

Luke, who sees Him as a Man,
The doctor sees as few people can;
The suffering Christ depicted here,
The human aspect, a human tear.

John sees Christ as Almighty God,
Deity, Israel’s Mighty Ephod;
Deals with the spirit and souls of men,
With eternal life, world without end.

Acts, the Book of the church’s zeal,
The book with the apostles’ mighty seal;
The acts of holy men of old,
Has the gospel story often told.

The Romans, written to Christians in Rome,
By Paul himself, from his prison home;
Full of doctrines and practical Truth,
For men in their prime, or in their youth.

First Corinthians with errors exposed,
The church rebuked, its judgment imposed;
Many chapters of love, and gifts of grace,
And a glimpse of our Saviors’ loving face.

Second Corinthians, the giving of saints,
Rehearsed in this Book, with no complaints;
The sinner restored, back in the flock,
As Peter was after the crowing cock.

Galatians, the demise of the law,
Explains God’s grace, giv’n freely to all;
Judaism defeated in the church of today,
Legalism is beaten in a mild foray.

Ephesians, a hard book to explain,
God gives us a look at hypocrisies’ stain;
The armor of God for all His to wear,
Against the wiles of Satan, and sin's evil stare.

Philippians, chock-full of splendorous verse,
Many profound Truth’s made simple and terse;
The amazing book of the mind of Christ,
The joy of the Lord is mentioned twice.

Colossians many splendid truths doth reveal,
His part in creation and the Spirit’s seal;
Practical holiness, a walk with God,
Dying to flesh, a people called “odd.”

First Thessalonians, the return of the King,
Throughout its pages, this theme will ring;
“He’s coming again,” the shout is heard,
And we are admonished to spread the word.

Second Thessalonians is much the same,
Its splendor rings of the Spirit's fame;
Judgment is seen here to prevail,
For all who ignore, their sin to bewail.

1 Timothy is much about the order of church,
And advice for the youth, his heart to search;
A good report from they that are without,
Beyond reproach, without a doubt.

2 Timothy has to do with our walk,
To be sure our walk matches our talk;
Practical advice for a man to seek,
As he strives to walk among the meek.

Titus the encourager of a good work,
The duty of man we are not to shirk;
That Blessed Hope is seen here too,
The return of Christ, His church to woo.

Philemon a blessed book indeed,
Written by Paul, for a specific need;
Onesimus returning to his former place,
Is a picture of God’s restoring grace.

Hebrews, a special Book for all,
Written for Jews who kept the law;
Full of the customs of the Jewish race,
Resplendent in God’s amazing grace.

James, the hope of the Christian world,
Coated with beauty, elegantly pearled;
A book for the wise and serious saint,
Often read, its message quaint.

1 Peter speaks of a victorious life,
Of suffering, atonement, and worldly strife;
Of submitting to others, and ordinances of man,
Of getting along the best we can.

2 Peter adds some things to our faith,
As strange to us as a mystical wraith;
The Day of the Lord is mentioned here,
A day for the sinner to greatly fear.

1 John tells of our holy state,
Made so by Christ, our Advocate;
He warns of false prophets, and how to tell,
The true from the false, the proponents of hell.

2 John is to the elect lady sublime,
A book for all men and for all time;
A warning of bidding God speed
To those that are not of His Holy Seed.

3 John, written to Gaius, a beloved brother
Who walked in Truth, as nary another;
A personal note from John the aged,
Who writes as an elder in final stages.

Jude is a book of the wrath revealed,
For the apostate and the devil’s field;
A stern warning for opposers of Truth,
Eternal damnation for those uncouth.

The Revelation of the future of earth,
Of the judgments of fire, and great dearth;
Of the glory revealed in Heaven's domain,
And the hope of our eternal reign.

Gypsy Martindale
~Used With Permission~

No Other Way?

2010-02-23T13:37:00.003-08:00

Is there no other way open, God,
Except through sorrow, pain, and loss,
To stamp Christ’s likeness on my soul -
No other way except the cross?

And then a voice stills all my soul,
As stilled the waves of Galilee,
"Can’st thou not bear the furnace heat
If midst the flames I walk with thee?

"I bore the cross. I know its weight.
I drank the cup I hold for thee.
Can’st thou not follow where I lead?
I’ll give thee strength. Lean hard on Me."

~Author Unknown~

Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

I Shall Come Forth As Gold

2010-01-23T19:25:00.003-08:00

I Shall Come Forth As Gold

No longer on the mountaintop,
The tempests wax fierce and hot;
Though the way ahead may seem rough,
His grace will always be enough -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

Chorus:
As gold, as gold, I shall come forth as gold;
As gold, as gold, I shall come forth as gold.

As I walk through the shadow of death,
This valley seems to steal my breath;
Though I cannot yet see my way,
I will trust in Jesus come what may -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

When storm clouds carry doubt and fear,
I will not fret for God is near.
Though I walk through the darkest day,
Through faith, my Lord will light my way -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

Someday my skies will clear again,
The clouds will part - I shall see Him!
Now by faith, but then by sight,
I'll behold my King in all His might -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

June 22nd, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Behold, I go forward, but He is not there;
and backward, but I cannot perceive Him:
On the left hand, where He doth work,
but I cannot behold Him:
He hideth Himself on the right hand,
that I cannot see Him:
But He knoweth the way that I take:
when He hath tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23:8-10

God's Love Through The Storm

2010-01-23T16:15:00.005-08:00

On Wednesday (January 20th), I preached through Jonah chapter one, and emphasized that it was the Lord that brought the storm to bring Jonah back to Him. This storm also caused the unsaved mariners to realize their gods were false and the God of the Hebrews (the God of the Bible) was the true God, and they turned to Him in repentance and faith. I believe God showed His love in that storm - the storm that He caused and He stilled all by His power and wisdom. What storms are you going through? Can you see God's love through your storm?

This poem is part of a poetry book the Lord enabled me to put together in 2005, entitled The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage, containing some poems and songs by myself and several friends, as well as some poems in the Public Domain. Lord willing, I would like to start posting some more of those poems here, and indicate which ones they are by the tag "seasonsbook". If we (my webpartner or I) have a graphics page put up for the poem, I will also place the link of that page within the title itself, so you simply have to click on it to view that page on Home Of The Real McCoy or Earnestly Contending. Unfortunately, I am no longer putting up new pages on my original poetry site, but any new poems and songs that I write or that others have written that have been a real blessing to me, I will put on this blog. I hope these poems and pages are a blessing to you.

God's Love Through The Storm

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now;
I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "self-sufficient" lie;
My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace;
I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride;
It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead;
And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand;
He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain;
I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow;
I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too;
For only when all self was gone, could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day;
Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be;
How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough;
He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease;
He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong;
I found anew His faithfulness, He never steered me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good;
For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!

~Author Unknown~

Songs From My Journey

2009-10-20T19:42:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-03T20:26:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-02T10:46:00.008-07:00

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?

2009-03-20T11:33:00.007-07:00

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?

Why Wait Until Tomorrow?

2008-12-28T14:00:00.003-08:00

Another year is now over
And there's a new one on the way
With some fresh New Year's Resolutions
And bright promises to make.

So many things you wanted to do,
So many bad habits to throw away.
So many hopeful new horizons
Just waiting over the way.

All the could'ves, would'ves, should'ves
And all the things you wanted to say.
But - why wait until tomorrow,
When you can begin today?

Why wait for another year to pass by,
For twelve more months to fly away?
When God's mercies are new every morning.
He gives us a new beginning every day.

So why wait until tomorrow,
When you can begin anew today?

Praise the Lord for second chances and new beginnings!

January 1st, 2001
Jerry Bouey

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23

You may also appreciate these devotionals:
Eight Daily Blessings
What's New With You?

I Wonder...

2008-12-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

If my life were full of sunshine,
with never a rainy day,
I wonder how I'd treat my Lord
And just how much I'd pray.
If all were peace and happiness
With never a stormy sea,
I wonder if I'd live as close,
And could He speak to me?

If my heart were never broken
And never a tear I shed,
Would I search His Word for comfort
And let my soul be fed?
If through life I knew no sorrow
Or my body felt no pain,
Would I long for Heaven's glory
And Christ's return to reign?

But my Father knows the answer,
He all my weakness sees;
And perhaps He sends the storm clouds
To drive me to my knees.
So that I may learn to trust Him,
Feel secure from all that harms,
And that I may feel beneath me
His everlasting arms.

~Author Unknown~

I Needed The Quiet

2008-11-23T12:57:00.001-08:00

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside,
Into the shadows where we could confide.
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled,
But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld,
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things.
Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings
To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.
He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead -
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

~Alice Hansche Mortenson~

God Moves In A Mysterious Way

2008-11-11T07:41:00.002-08:00

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

~ William Cowper ~

I don't know if I had ever read the lyrics of this hymn before the last couple of days, but I have always appreciated the first stanza, since coming across it as a young believer. Reading the rest of the stanzas recently just reinforces to me the greatness of this hymn - one full of faith in God's plan, even in the midst of the dark times.

"The World's Bible"

2008-10-26T13:58:00.001-07:00

Christ has no hands but our hands
To do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet
To lead men in His way;
He has no tongue but our tongue
To tell men how He died;
He has no help but our help
To bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible
The careless world will read;
We are the sinners gospel,
We are the scoffer's creed;
We are the Lord's last message,
Given in deed and word;
What if the type is crooked?
What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy
With other work than His?
What if our feet are walking
Where sin's allurement is?
What if our tongues are speaking
Of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him
And hasten His return?

~Annie Johnson Flint~

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts,
known and read of all men:
2 Corinthians 3:2

Vessels Unto Honour

2008-10-26T09:44:00.003-07:00

In a great house, there are vessels
Some of wood and some of clay
There are great ones and small ones
You can choose the ones you may.
Some for service, some for beauty,
Others bear refreshing wine.
Lord I care not how You use me,
Please just hear this prayer of mine.

Chorus:
Make me a vessel unto honour
The fame of this world, I refuse
Sanctify me, cleanse me and fill me
Meet for the Master’s own use.

Lord, my vessel is empty
It is purged from dross and sin
By your precious blood on Calvary,
It has cleansed me now within.
Tho’ unworthy for Your service,
Yet Your grace is mine today.
So I offer You my vessel
For your use and this I pray.

Chorus:
Make me a vessel unto honour
The fame of this world, I refuse
Sanctify me, cleanse me and fill me
Yes I’ll be meet, for the Master’s own use.

Words and Music by Julia Montoro

2 Timothy 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to 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.

The Vessel

2008-10-26T09:38:00.002-07:00

The Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
"Take me," cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!"

The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
"I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You."

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide-mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
"Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view."
"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide."

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dear Master," the wooden bowl said,
"But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!"

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big-mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might."

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. "There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."

~Beulah V. Cornwall~

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2nd Corinthians 4:7

The Race

2008-10-25T17:32:00.005-07:00

I have shared this for a devotion at the Gospel Mission, with the perspective of considering the father in the poem as your Heavenly Father. This is basically what I preached that day (with more references added this morning): Running The Race Of The Christian Life.

The Race

Whenever I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,
my downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.
A children’s race, young boys, young men; how I remember well,
excitement sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race
or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
Their parents watched from off the side, each cheering for their son,
and each boy hoped to show his folks that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they flew, like chariots of fire,
to win, to be the hero there, was each young boy’s desire.
One boy in particular, whose dad was in the crowd,
was running in the lead and thought “My dad will be so proud.”

But as he speeded down the field and crossed a shallow dip,
the little boy who thought he’d win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his arms flew everyplace,
and midst the laughter of the crowd he fell flat on his face.

As he fell, his hope fell too; he couldn’t win it now.
Humiliated, he just wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win that race!”

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit that’s all,
and ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,
his mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.

He wished that he had quit before with only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”
But through the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face
with a steady look that said again, “Get up and win that race!”

So he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last.
“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to run real fast!”
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight, then ten...
but trying hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there silently. A tear dropped from his eye.
“There’s no sense running anymore! Three strikes I’m out! Why try?
I’ve lost, so what’s the use?” he thought. “I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.

“Get up,” an echo sounded low, “you haven’t lost at all,
for all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
Get up!” the echo urged him on, “Get up and take your place!
You were not meant for failure here! Get up and win that race!”

So, up he rose to run once more, refusing to forfeit,
and he resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been,
still he gave it all he had and ran like he could win.

Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.
They cheered another boy who crossed the line and won first place,
head high and proud and happy -- no falling, no disgrace.

But, when the fallen youngster crossed the line, in last place,
the crowd gave him a greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
you would have thought he’d won the race, to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”
“To me, you won,” his father said. “You rose each time you fell.”
And now when things seem dark and bleak and difficult to face,
the memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.

For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all.
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
And when depression and despair shout loudly in my face,
another voice within me says, “Get up and win that race!”

~Author Unknown~

The Lord Is My Shepherd

2008-10-16T19:05:00.003-07:00

The Lord is my Shepherd, This I surely know.
He gently leads and guides me in the way that I should go.
He leads in green pastures by the water that is still,
Where I can lay down in peace, and know that He is real.

He leads in paths of righteousness, this is for His Name's sake,
The path is so wonderful, no other would I take.
Sometimes He leads in valleys where His face I cannot see.
But I will fear no evil for I know He's there with me.

His rod and staff - they comfort, I wonder what I would do
Without His Love and Mercy to bring me safely through?
When the enemy opresses hard - A table He doth spread,
He anoints me with fresh oil, I have not a thing to fear.

Sometimes my cup runneth over and I feel so compelled
To think of my Great Shepherd - and to others tell
Of His Goodness, Love and Mercy that will follow me all my life,
If I stay true and follow Him and keep my soul upright.

One day I'll dwell in the house that He has gone to prepare
But I will first find my Shepherd, Who helped me to get there.
Then I'll enjoy the splendor of that city so fair
Where we can rest in peace and not have a care.

~Aliene Sanchez~
(Used With Permission)

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:14

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:27

I Am Learning, Lord!

2008-10-12T13:36:00.002-07:00

My life has taken many falls and tumbles along the way.
The many trials have left me in a sure state of dismay.
For with each trial, I tried alone to tend, and soothe, and mend,
Instead of giving them to God, and on Him just depend.

But, I am learning, Lord.

It seems that I was determined to carry all the load.
I longed for smoother pathways, yet, I walked a rocky road.
Little did I understand, God waited patiently
To pave a new beginning with a better life for me.

But, I am learning, Lord.

It took a real disaster to bring me to my knees;
To finally call upon the Lord and say, “God help me, please.”
He can, with no delaying, with strong arms that could hold,
The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load.

And, I am learning, Lord.

What a needless cross I carried, all because I could not see
What a friend I have in Jesus, and the love He has for me.
Peace I find when troubles hover, though the outcome is unknown.
For if yet the road is rocky, I won’t walk it all alone.

For, I am learning, Lord.

~Author Unknown~

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1

Heaven and Hell: The Road to Paradise

2008-10-06T16:34:00.003-07:00

I dare not speak, I cannot tell,
The way of man that leads to Hell.
The flames so fierce with such great woe,
To such a place why would one go?
In that wretched place there is no light,
'Tis forever trapped in eternal night.
Where one is bound with fetter and chain,
Engulfed in fire that brings such pain.
Where in the distance one may ream,
The undying mobs unending scream.

I dare to speak, I can but tell,
The way of man that leads to Hell.
The path of a man that leads this way,
Is a life of sin, many people say.
A life of murder, lies, and rape,
As a child of some prehistoric ape,
Of life like this surely one will pay,
But 'tis not all that leads this way!
But 'tis the path of a life that's trod,
Alone! Alone! Apart from God!

I dare to speak, I'm compelled to tell,
The way of man that leads from Hell.
A place called heaven with a golden shore,
To such a place with wonder galore.
In that great place 'tis forever light,
Where I'll see my Christ with perfect sight.
Where one is free from sickness and pain,
Engulfed in wonder and eternal gain.
Where one may hear throughout the days,
The undying saints unending praise.

I dare to speak, I'm compelled to tell,
The way of man that leads from Hell.
The path of a man that leads this way,
Is a life of goodness, many people say.
A life of service, love, and prayer,
A saintly life that's filled with care.
Of life like this surely one will thrive,
But will not cause us in Heaven to arrive.
But 'tis the path of a life that's trod,
Saved! Saved! With a trust in God!

~Nicholas Cardot~
(Used with permission)

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Even In This

2008-10-06T14:41:00.003-07:00

I just read an encouraging post over at Christians With Cancer Weblog, entitled Finding The Light In Cancer's Shadow. I am so encouraged by Kate's desire to focus on the Lord even in this trial - she looks for His hand for strength and comfort, even in this trial. In light of losing my Mom and some friends through cancer, I always cringe inside and shy away when someone else tells me they have cancer or think it might be a possibility. Thank you, Sis Kate, for the reminder that the Lord is in control, even in this.

Even In This
(Dedicated to Kate Plourde)

Even in this, the Lord is in control;
Even in this, He is guarding my soul;
When I cannot imagine how I can cope
Even in this, I have reason for hope.

Even in this, this trial that I dread;
Even in this, I can still bow my head;
Praise my loving Father for being near;
Even in this, I have no need for fear.

Even in this, I have Your peace of mind;
Even in this, You are tender and kind;
Your touch, Your gentleness has made me great;
Even in this, You see my low estate.

Even in this, a trial I didn't plan;
Even in this, I see Your loving hand!
My heart has comfort that was sorely missed -
You fill my heart with joy - even in this.

Even in this.

October 6th/08
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Psalms 136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

What God Hath Promised

2008-10-01T07:10:00.002-07:00

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.

~Annie Johnson Flint~

Thy shoes shall be iron and brass;
and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

Deuteronomy 33:25

He's Still Got The Whole World In His Hands

2008-09-27T19:40:00.003-07:00

He’s Still Got The Whole World In His Hands

I was worried and discouraged -
Life had me quite upset.
I was ready to give in and break down,
But a still small voice whispered, "Not yet."

I was reminded of God's love for me;
A gentle assurance brought me hope.
The Lord is not limited by my situations,
And that reminder helped me cope.

His Spirit lives within me,
And I know I have been born again.
Whatever happens to this old world
I know it is still held in His hands.

Yes, He's still got the whole world in His hands,
Though sometimes I may not see;
But Jesus reminds me from His Words of Life
That with those same gentle hands He still holds me.

I need not fear for my tomorrows,
And my past is all but gone,
But when I look toward my future,
His bright promises shine on!

July 29th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.

For a Bible study on this theme of being held by God's hands, please read: Upheld By The Lord

So Send I You

2008-09-26T06:08:00.003-07:00

So send I you to labor unrewarded,
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown,
To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing -
So send I you to toil for Me alone.

So send I you to bind the bruised and broken,
O'er wand'ring souls to work, to weep, to wake,
To bear the burdens of a world aweary -
So send I you to suffer for My sake.

So send I you to loneliness and longing,
With heart ahung'ring for the loved and known,
Forsaking home and kindred, friend and dear one -
So send I you to know My love alone.

So send I you to leave your life's ambition,
To die to dear desire, self-will resign,
To labor long, and love where men revile you -
So send I you to love your life in Mine.

So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred,
To eyes made blind because they will not see,
To spend, tho' it be blood, to spend and spare not -
So send I you to taste of Calvary.

~Margaret Clarkson~

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Acts 28:25-27 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Powerful poem! This poem was in my church bulletin this last Sunday, with these words as the introduction to it:

Margaret Clarkson, who was born in 1915, was a teacher in a gold-mining camp in northern Ontario, Canada. It was a lonely life for this woman, but she also knew that this is where God wanted her to serve Him. She had a great desire to be a missionary on a foreign field but because of her health was unable to go. One day she was reading again the verse John 20:21, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." While meditating on this verse she wrote the words to a hymn that has become a favorite during missionary conferences, "So Send I You." Maybe after reading the words to this hymn a person would fear the call to missions. But, what a person must understand is that when God calls, He gives such a great desire that all else is unsatisfying and empty.

The End Of The Fight

2008-09-21T10:56:00.013-07:00

Please let me know what you think about this poem - click on the title to go to a page on Home Of The Real McCoy I made for it today. I wanted to encourage one of my friends at the Mission who has been getting tired of the struggle with the world, the flesh, and the Devil - and I wanted him to look beyond that to the rapture (when we will no longer struggle with our sinful human nature), and then to the changes that will happen in eternity.

The End Of The Fight
(Dedicated to my friend, Tim Groom
- one day the fight will be over!)

This world is getting darker;
The saints are in disarray;
The trials seem almost endless,
And we long for the break of day -
A time of no more struggles,
No more warring with this world,
No more wrestling with the darkness -
Into Hell, Satan will be hurled.

Chorus:
Oh, Jesus is coming again
To judge the children of men;
Then our Saviour will reign -
The King of kings from Jerusalem.
There'll be no more reason to fight;
No more need to lead to higher ground.
That's the end of the night;
The final division of lost and found.
Faith will be turned into sight,
And we can lay our armour down;
All the wrongs will be made right,
When God's people dwell safe and sound.

One day we will see that lightning flash,
Shining from the east to the west;
The trumpet will sound at last,
And weary Christians will be at rest;
We'll be caught up to meet our Lord
At that time - whether night or noon.
Keep looking up to the skies -
Our Redeemer is coming soon!

Chorus

Evil will be no longer;
All tears will be wiped away;
God will dwell among His people
On that bright and glorious day;
Eternity is approaching
Fast on the wings of the wind;
Jesus Christ is returning -
Are you ready to meet with Him?

There'll be no more reason to fight;
No more need to lead to higher ground.
That's the end of the night,
The final division of lost and found;
Faith will be turned into sight,
And we can lay our armour down;
All the wrongs will be made right,
When God's people dwell safe and sound.

September 21st/08
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Luke 21:27-28 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 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.

Revelation 21:1-5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Is The Cross You Wear Too Heavy To Bear?

2008-09-13T12:24:00.003-07:00

Complainingly I told myself,
“This cross was too heavy to wear!”
And I wondered discontentedly
Why God gave it to me to bear.

I looked with envy at others
Whose crosses seemed lighter than mine,
And wished that I could change my cross
For one of a lighter design.

Then in a dream I beheld the cross
I impulsively wanted to wear...
It was fashioned of pearls and diamonds,
And gems that are precious and rare.

And when I hung it around my neck,
The weight of the jewels and the gold
Was much too heavy and cumbersome
For my small, slender neck to hold.

So I tossed it aside, and before my eyes
Was a cross of rose-red flowers;
And I said with delight as I put it on,
"This cross I can wear for hours."

For it was so dainty and fragile,
So lovely and light and thin;
But I had forgotten about the thorns
That started to pierce my skin.

Then in a dream I saw my cross ...
Rugged and old and plain;
The clumsy old cross I had looked upon
With discontented disdain.

And at last I knew that God had made
This special cross for me;
For God in His great wisdom
Knew what I before could not see...

That often the loveliest crosses
Are the heaviest crosses to bear;
For only God is wise enough
To choose the cross each can wear.

So never complain about your cross,
For your cross has been blessed;
God made it just for you to wear
And remember... God knows best.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

(Note: this is not an endorsement of all this author has written, though I do appreciate this poem and several others.)

There seems to be several slightly different versions of this poem online. If anyone can email me a copy of this poem from a published book of her poems, I will edit this page to reflect the official version. Thank you.

Draw Me Nearer

2008-08-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend!

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

~Frances J. Crosby~

Does Jesus Care?

2008-08-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

~Frank E. Graeff~

Grace Greater than Our Sin

2008-08-30T13:23:00.001-07:00

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

~Julia H. Johnston~

God In Heaven Hath A Treasure

2008-08-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

God in heaven hath a treasure,
Riches none may count or tell;
Hath a deep eternal pleasure,
Christ, the Son, He loveth well.
God hath here on earth a treasure,
None but He its price may know—
Deep, unfathomable pleasure,
Christ revealed in saints below.

Christ, the Light that fills the heavens,
Shining forth on earth beneath,
Through His Spirit freely given,
Light of life ’midst shades of death.
Down from heav’n’s unclouded glory
God Himself the treasure brought,
Closing thus His love’s sweet story
With His sweetest, deepest thought.

God in tongues of fire descending,
Chosen vessels thus to fill
With the treasure never ending,
Ever spent — unfailing still.
Still unwasted, undiminished,
Though the days of dearth wear on,
Store eternally unfinished,
Fresh, as if but now begun.

Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly,
But the treasure as of old,
Fresh from glory, gleaming brightly,
Heav’n’s undimmed, unchanging gold.
God’s own hand the vessel filling
From the glory far above,
Longing hearts forever stilling
With those riches of His love.

Thus, through earthen vessels only,
Shining forth in ceaseless grace,
Reaching weary hearts and lonely,
Beams the light in Jesus’ face.
Vessels worthless, broken, bearing
Through the hungry ages on,
Riches giv’n with hand unsparing,
God’s great gift, His precious Son.

Thus though worn, and tried, and tempted,
Glorious calling, saint, is thine;
Let the Lord but find thee emptied,
Living branch in Christ the Vine!
Vessels of the world’s despising,
Vessels weak, and poor, and base;
Bearing wealth God’s heart is prizing,
Glory from Christ’s blessed face.

Oh, to be but emptier, lowlier,
Mean, unnoticed, and unknown,
And to God a vessel holier,
Filled with Christ, and Christ alone!
Naught of earth to cloud the glory,
Naught of self the light to dim,
Telling forth His wondrous story,
Emptied — to be filled with Him.

~Emma Frances Bevan~

Only God Is Able

2008-08-18T05:25:00.006-07:00

I search out pearls of wisdom, and gladly them impart,
praying I will find the ones to touch a heart.
Words that tell of Jesus, the way, the truth, and life,
in whom we have redemption; his blood has paid the price.
I search out songs of praise, and gladly them impart,
praying I will sing the ones to touch a heart.
Songs about the Saviour, who intercedes above,
and calls us to repentance by his redeeming love.
I take what I discover, and lift them to the Lord,
praying he will use them as a mighty sword,
for only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.

~By Deb Bolack~
Used With Permission.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Psalms 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Recently I came across Deb's website, Songs From My Journey, and have been tremendously blessed by her Scriptural poetry and songs. She recently also started a second blog to post recordings of her songs. It is called Songs Of Faith. This song of Deb's that I have posted above can be listened to by clicking on the appropriate title in the margin to the right of each page. I ordered the two books she has available on her website and have been reading through them the last couple of days as well. Stepping Stones Along My Journey is presented much like the entries on her blog, personal stories in her walk with the Lord, and poems or songs that she has written in response to those times of trial and growth. If you love Bible-based poetry and songs, why not stop by for a visit?

Recently Deb posted this on her blog:

"I'm going to give away three signed copies of my book, "Stepping Stones Along My Journey." To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post. To have your name entered twice, post about my giveaway on your blog, with a link back, then come and leave a second comment to let me know. Tell your readers to mention that they heard about the giveaway on your blog, and I will enter your name again each time you are mentioned by someone in a comment here. The person who's name or blog is mentioned most frequently will receive one of my music cds. You may post about the giveaway more than once to increase your chances of being mentioned."

The contest will run until September 9th. If you stop by her blog, make sure you leave a comment here, stating that you came from my blog.

The Night Before Outreach

2008-08-11T18:39:00.003-07:00

Twas the night before outreach and throughout the church walls
Not a creature was stirring to the preacher's altar calls.
The people were nestled all snug in their seats,
In the hopes that he'd finish, so they could go home and eat.
Outside a community on a straight road to hell,
Inside a community unwilling to tell
That Jesus has risen and all who are lost
Could come and have life, without money or cost.
But like walls on a prison that are heavy and stout,
The Christians stayed in and the lost stayed out.
"For who has built this inseparable wall?
And who is the one resisting the call,
To go to the fields where the harvest is white
And shine in the place where He made us light?"
While the preacher was pleading to get out of the pews,
And into the fields where we could be used,
All of a sudden, in the blink of an eye,
With the blast of a trumpet, the Lord appeared in the sky.
And all those who slumbered awoke with a fright,
And instead of rejoicing began to shrink from His sight.
As we rose to meet the Lord in the air,
We could see friends and neighbors left behind down there.
Suddenly reality hit with a shock,
That we never thought to stop and consider God's clock.
For all that time we had lived for ourselves,
God's spiritual watch read "one minute till twelve."
While a people at war had continued to sleep,
The second hand to midnight had continued to creep.
We cried, "If we'd known the time was so late,
We'd have warned those poor souls of their terrible fate."
But now in hindsight we finally see clear.
If we'd only stopped and realized the time was so near.
But now as we stand to recieve our reward,
Not much is being said about our communities and boards.
The emphasis now is on "Who did you tell?"
And, "How many souls did you keep out of hell?"
As I searched for a reason or a person to blame,
I could not find excuses or escape from my shame.
I could think of the people I had chances to win,
Whose fate was now sealed and would die in their sin.
And I hung my head and started to cry
As I thought of the thousands who would now surely die.
Then all of a sudden I awoke with a fright
And realized it had all been a dream in the night.
But like Scrooge who awoke to find Christmas day,
I rushed to my closet and started to pray;
"Lord, thank you for waking me out of my slumber,
For one day I know I'll be in that number.
And when I hear my name called by your Son,
I want Him to smile and tell me, "Well done."
So, People please listen before it's too late,
We must hurry, get busy for we don't know the date.
Let us determine that like never before,
To get back in the battle and fight all the more.
Let's determine that day will cause us no shame,
By heeding His warnings and promises claim.
And consider the worth of one single soul,
And get our priority and make it our goal
To win every soul with the life-changing news,
And go to the fields where we can be used.
And as the day nears when He will step through the door
We can say, "Lord, come quickly" and rejoice all the more.

Written by Loyd Baker, then, minister of education/administration Northport Baptist Church, Northport, Alabama - 1996 Sunday School Leader Magazine

Lord With Glowing Heart I’d Praise Thee

2008-07-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pard’ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows:
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.

Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand’rer, far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away:
Praise with love’s devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guiltborn fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.

Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to Him and live:
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.

Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express:
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant’s pray’r to bless:
Let Thy love, my soul’s chief treasure,
Love’s pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise. Amen.

Francis Scott Key

A Beautiful Symphony

2008-06-21T11:06:00.002-07:00

A Beautiful Symphony

A musician needs all the keys
To play a symphony;
If he only used the white ones,
What beauty would there be?

The black keys make the music
Melodic to the ear;
If the pianist never used them,
What a different song we'd hear.

And just like that piano,
So it is with life;
It takes both light and dark to make
The music flow just right.

God uses trials and sorrows
Like the pianist uses keys;
He combines the light and dark to make
Life's music sound so sweet.

The song of life sounds better
When He uses all the keys;
For then He can turn a simple tune
Into a beautiful symphony.

Copyright ©1995 by Jan McIntosh
Used With Permission
(originally titled "Life's Music)

And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Searching For Truth

2008-06-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

I’m searching for answers from a heart that’s distraught,
Wondering at the truth of all I have been taught;
Does it line up with God’s Word – is it right after all?
So afraid of confusion and the danger I’ll fall.

Praying for wisdom, for perfect peace in my mind;
Tangled up by these threads, wanting them to unwind;
Desiring to do Your will, determined in my heart –
From Your Word, I can tell that’s the only place to start.

In the fear of the Lord, I have examined my way;
Vowing to seek Your wisdom at the start of each day;
Faced with all these choices, knowing I am but a youth;
I’m set apart for Your glory – I WILL buy the truth!

Walking in Jesus’ footsteps, clinging wholly to Your Word;
I want to be drawn ever closer to You, my Lord.
Searching the Scriptures daily, taking what applies to me;
Knowing that I have Your promise: the truth will make me free.

From my heart, I lift this earnest prayer up to You, Lord:
Grant me Your wisdom, that we may both be in one accord.
Open up Your Word to me – oh, help me to understand;
Enlighten me to the truth, and guide me by Your hand.

June 20th/08
Jerry Bouey

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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.

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

1 Kings 3:7-9 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

The Father Of The Fatherless

2008-06-08T12:53:00.008-07:00

In light of Father's Day coming up, and several friends who lost their parents, I wanted to share this with you. The verses listed below show the passages where some of the phrases and names of God came from. This poem is dedicated to my friends and previous coworkers, Bill Hall and George Probek. I believe these Scriptural reminders of how God is our Heavenly Father would be a tremendous comfort to you, as they were to me.

The Father Of The Fatherless

In the Bible, God’s many names are there to be found:
He’s the God of all grace, and His grace abounds;
He’s the Father of mercies – I found mercy there;
He’s the Father of spirits - I rest in His care.

My Father is with me; He will never depart.
His names offer comfort - they reveal His heart.
One name can give me hope in my loneliness:
My Father is “the Father of the fatherless.”

Every good and perfect gift comes down from above;
In my grief and sorrow, I’m surrounded by Your love.
I know I’m not an orphan – I’m precious in Your sight,
Held securely in Your tender arms, Father of lights.

From everlasting to everlasting,
My Heavenly Father’s love stays the same;
Comforting me within His very presence,
Abba Father – Daddy - is more than a name.

You bind up my wounds and bring healing when the tears start.
You give me peace within that restores my broken heart.
You're the soothing comfort I need in my distress;
My Father, “the Father of the fatherless.”

June 8th/08
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Psalms 68:5-6 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Hosea 14:3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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.

Ephesians 1:15-19 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

This was my first poem written in about two years - the last one was A Song In The Night written in June 2006. I hope it is a blessing to you.

For those who are interested: I entered this poem in a poetry contest, and they are now publishing it in a book this fall, entitled Immortal Verses. Of course, I don't care much for books of poetry put together by the lost, but at least others would have more opportunity to see it and read it.

Himself

2008-05-31T05:05:00.004-07:00

Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word;
Once His gifts I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, now the uttermost;
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, now He has the care;
Once 'twas what I wanted, now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, now He uses me;
Once the power I wanted, now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, now for Him alone.

~A.B. Simpson~

No Scar?

2008-05-29T05:32:00.001-07:00

Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.
Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.
Hast thou no wound?

No wound? No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?

~Amy Carmichael~

Christmas Once Again

2007-12-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

December 11th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

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

Have You Any Room For Jesus?

O Save Us Now

Born To Die

Christmas Without Christ

God's Gift

Christmas Without Jesus - by Angela Trenholm

What Does Christmas Mean To Me?

Christmas Without Jesus - by Theresa Woods

Christmas In Heaven

Ready For Christmas

And this story: Christmas Love

"Afraid? Of What?"

2007-11-04T04:29:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christ Died For Us – We Die For Christ

2007-11-04T04:23:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rich Man

2007-10-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

(Luke 16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 26th/02
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

Where is your home in eternity? Heaven or Hell?

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

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

A Two-Edged Sword

2007-10-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

"...'Twas a two-edged sword
Of heavenly temper keen,
And double were the wounds it made
Where'er it glanced between.
'Twas death to sin; 'twas life
To all who mourned for sin.
It kindled and it silenced strife,
Made war and peace within."

by James Montgomery

Note: Someone gave me a link to this poem online (though it is an image, not something I can copy/paste). When I have some spare time I will type out the rest of the poem and and post it here.

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say

2007-10-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

by: Horatius Bonar (1846)

One By One He Took Them From Me

2007-09-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

The Answers Why

2007-09-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Answers Why

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

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

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

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

December 20th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Being confident of this very thing,
that He which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

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

He Goes Before

2007-09-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

J. Danson Smith

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

My Hiding Place

2007-09-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

My Hiding Place

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 25th/02
Jerry Bouey

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

Call Back

2007-09-05T12:52:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

- Selected
(Quoted in Streams In The Desert devotional)

Unfolding The Rose

2007-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Unfolding The Rose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~© Bryan T. Burgess ~

In Jesus

2007-08-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

~Annie Johnson Flint~

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

Disappointment - His Appointment

2007-08-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

~Edith Lillian Young~

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

My Bible and I

2007-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

We've traveled together through life's rugged way,
O'er land and over water, by night and by day:
To travel without it I never would try,
We keep close together, my Bible and I.

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

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

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

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

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

Author Unknown

The Valley Of Faith

2007-07-06T10:19:00.002-07:00

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

The Valley Of Faith
(Based on Psalm 23)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 12th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

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

The Hidden Glory

2007-07-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

~Author Unknown~

The Lord Our Righteousness

2007-06-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Robert Murray McCheyne~

Jehovah Tsidkenu means "The LORD our Righteousness."

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

The Prodigal's Return

2007-06-04T11:26:00.002-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 12th/06
Jerry Bouey

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

I Met The Master

2007-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ Author Unknown ~

This I Know

2007-06-04T11:23:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

-- E. Margaret Clarkson

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen

2007-06-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen

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

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

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

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

~ Author Unknown ~

I Will Never Leave You

2007-06-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 1991 Jan McIntosh
(Used With Permission)

The Battle Is The Lord's

2007-06-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

May 26th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Near To The Throne Of God

2007-06-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

In sin so long I had wandered,
My spirit, in darkness had trod,
But someone stood in the gap for me,
Brought me near to the throne of God.

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

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

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

February 3rd, 2004
Jerry Bouey

Wait On The Lord

2007-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

- Mrs. W. A. Vroman

(Taken from A Practical Primer on Prayer)