Footprints In The Sand (Poem)

Footprints In The Sand

One night I dreamed a dream.

I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

There was only one set of footprints.

I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life.

This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

“Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way.

But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints.

I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”

By Margaret Fishback Powers

Exodus 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

In Exodus, we see the High Priest with the names of the children of Israel borne upon his shoulders and next to his heart. Jesus is our great High Priest, and what Aaron pictured in Exodus, Jesus is the reality. If you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, He always carries you on His shoulders and next to His heart.

Exodus 28:12  And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Exodus 28:29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

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

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Song of Solomon 8:5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.

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

Isaiah 49:15-16  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. 

Luke 15:4-5 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

In Sunshine And Shadow (Song)

 

In Sunshine And Shadow

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

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

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

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

February 9th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

The Loss Of A Best Friend (Poem)

 

The Loss Of A Best Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 8th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

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

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

My Rest (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

 

My Rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 13th, 2003
Angela Trenholm

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

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

Like A River Glorious (Hymn)

Like A River Glorious
(Lyrics:Frances Havergal)

Like a river glorious, is God s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry, touch the spirit there.

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

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

Passing Through by Annie Johnson Flint (Poem)

Passing Through

“When thou passest through the waters,”
Deep the waves may be and cold,
But Jehovah is our refuge
And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord Himself hath said it,
He the faithful God and true:
“When thou comest to the waters,
Thou shalt not go down, but through.”

Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,
Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation
Sweeping over heart and brain,
They shall never overflow us,
For we know His Word is true;
All His waves and all His billows
He will lead us safely through.

Threatening breakers of destruction,
Doubt’s insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us
Out to ocean depths of woe;
For His promise shall sustain us,
Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down nor under,
He hath said, “Thou passest through.”

By Annie Johnson Flint

Isaiah 43:1-3  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Psalm 66:12  Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

The Valleys Of Life (Poem)

 

The Valleys Of Life

There are so many valleys in this life;
Times of sorrow, heartache, and strife.
In this vale of tears that you are passing through,
I know our Lord will carry you.

As you're walking in the shadow of death,
This troubled life seems but a breath.
When it appears all around you is night,
The Lord will be your lamp and light.

Though giants of distress are drawing near,
My friend, there is no cause for fear,
For the Lord above still rules from His throne;
He will never leave you alone.

When the valleys of trouble loom ahead,
Look to Jesus with faith instead.
Forget the doubts along life's storm-tossed way.
Let God's Word light your path today.

August 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

Jesus is the Lily in all our valleys.
He is there in all of the Valleys of Life we go through!

For a study on this theme:
The Lily Of The Valleys

Our Little One (Poem)

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

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

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

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

God is gracious!

Our Little One

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angela Trenholm
September 26, 2000

Walking on the Water With Jesus (Poem)

Walking on the Water With Jesus

Walking boldly on the water with Jesus,
Knowing the waves are under His full control;
Having sure footing in the midst of the storm,
Oh, the joy and wonder that thrills my soul.

Stepping out in faith is so amazing,
Though this situation seems almost unreal;
I’m the only one brave enough to stand on the waves,
Imagine what all these fishermen must feel.

But looking out upon the deep is very daunting -
The wind is scattering the clouds across the sky;
Slowly, I’m beginning to sink in the water;
Faltering, “Lord, save me” is all I can cry.

Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught me,
He held me up safely though the storm raged about;
Soon we were in the ship and the waves stopped their roaring;
He said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Whether in the ship or out upon the water,
The Master of the waves controls the windswept sea.
It’s not the storm or calm without the ship that matters -
But the peace within my heart that my Lord gives me.

If all you can do is cry out to your Saviour
When the wind and the waves flood your soul,
Remember the Shepherd shelters you in His arms -
Jesus holds you close and will never let you go.

November 27, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to a friend who feels she is sinking in the waves)

Matthew 14:22-33 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 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.

Count It All Joy (Poem)

 

Count It All Joy

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials in this race.
Count it all joy, my brethren, as you seek the Saviour's face.
Jesus is with you through every trial.
He will stand by you all the while.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials that you've seen.
Count it all joy, my brethren, for nothing can come between,
And separate you from the Lord.
Just cling to Jesus and His Word.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, this trial is but for a season.
Count it all joy, my brethren, the Lord has planned it for a reason.
He is working out all things for your good,
As only our Heavenly Father could.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials that you go through.
Count it all joy, my brethren, for the fires that purify you.
As He molds this vessel to perfection,
Someday Jesus will behold His reflection.
Count it all joy.

March 12th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He did foreknow,
He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:28-29

The Shadows Flee Away (Song)

 

The Shadows Flee Away

I am waiting, hoping, praying, for the coming of that day
When the Lord shall come from Heaven, and the shadows flee away.

There is darkness looming around me, and the fears and doubts dismay
But the Morning Star lights up the gloom, and the shadows flee away.

When I feel I cannot go on, and my prayers fade away,
The Lord lifts me from my despair, and the shadows flee away.

Walking through the fire and the flood, the Lord holds the night at bay
My hope is renewed, my Saviour comes, and the shadows flee away.

God's promises light up my heart, and I find strength for this day,
Comfort comes from my Beloved, and the shadows flee away.

Even when I am faithless, and I don't have the courage to pray,
Jesus comes, like I knew He would, and my shadows flee away.

December 30th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved,
and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.
Song of Solomon 2:17

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away,
I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Song of Solomon 4:6

For A Season (Poem)

 

For A Season

For a season, there will be troubles,
For the needed time, then they will go.
God has a purpose for every trial;
They are only for a season, you know.

Overwhelmed with sudden loss and anguish,
With a heavy heart, broken in despair.
Look up to Jesus for His comfort -
Even for this season, He will be there.

For a season, sufferings are our portion,
But, then, in a moment, they will pass away.
And after the season of our sorrows,
Heaven's glory will shine bright as day.

February 24th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the Lockharts)

Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season,
if need be, ye are in heaviness
through manifold temptations.
1 Peter 1:6

The Bible teaches that we will have manifold (many kinds of) trials. That we are to rejoice in them. That there is a need for us to go through them, that the Lord has a purpose for every trial He allows in our lives.

There is also a bright ray of hope shining through that verse, which at first, in the darkest moments, we may overlook. It is just five simple words:

Though - though it may not seem joyful when we are going through them. Our hearts may be heavy and weighed down.

Now - right here, right now, you are going through a trial, but the trial isn't all there is on the horizon. All is not bleak or gloomy, though it may seem like it now.

And finally, for a season - There is an appointed time for every trial, there is a season of struggle that we go through, but like the seasons of the year, they will end in time, and a new period will begin in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God says "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Let the Lord fulfill His will in your lives, cling to Him through the trials, let Him teach you what He wants you to learn from this season, and cling to the Biblical hope that "...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

The Lord Jesus Christ knows what He is doing! Just trust Him, and if the road is rough, let Him be your refuge and let Him carry you safely in His everlasting arms. (See Deuteronomy 33:27)

Written February 24th, 2002

Jerry Bouey

When The Enemy Comes In Like A Flood (Poem)

 

When The Enemy Comes In Like A Flood

When the enemy comes in like a flood,
Deliver me by Your mighty hand;
With Your armour girded around me tight,
Lord, teach me this day how to stand.

Let me lift up a standard against them -
The banner of Your great love;
Let my enemies flee before Your face;
Let them see my help comes from above!

The name of the Lord is my strong tower;
He is my Rock, my fortress, my shield;
The Lord Jesus Christ is my great Deliverer -
He bares His holy arm, and my enemies yield.

When I hear the sound of a trumpet blowing,
In my heart, I know there is a call to fight -
But the battle is not mine alone to wage;
The Lord will give victory this night.

Put our singers out in front of the rest,
Praise the name of our Mighty God;
Watch as He scatters all of our dreaded foes -
Worship our Saviour, and be awed.

Jesus, in You alone is my help found,
For You have all glory, majesty, and power;
With faith in Your Almighty strength, dear Lord,
In You, I have victory this very hour.

October 1st, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

When the enemy comes in like a flood:

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Lift high the standard (spiritual/military banner) of Jesus and His love.

Song of Songs 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Yes, the enemy may temporarily cause us dismay and alarm, but…

Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Nehemiah 4:20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Their valley of distress and alarm turned into the Valley of Blessing (which is what Berachah means):

2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Psalms 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

The Pathway Of Pain - Poem by Helen Steiner Rice

The Pathway Of Pain

If my days were untroubled and my heart always light,

Would I seek that fair land where there is no night?

If I never grew weary with the weight of my load,

Would I seek for God’s peace at the end of the road?

If I never knew sickness and never felt pain,

Would I search for a hand to help and sustain?

If I walked without sorrow and lived without loss

Would my soul seek solace at the foot of the cross?

If all I desired was mine day by day,

Would I kneel before God and earnestly pray?

If God sent no winter to freeze me with fear,

Would I yearn for the warmth of spring every year?

I ask myself these and the answer is plain,

If my life were pleasure and I never knew pain -

I’d seek God less often and need Him much less,

For God is sought more often in times of distress.

And no one knows God or sees Him as plain -

As those who have met Him on the "Pathway of Pain."

Helen Steiner Rice

Ecclesiastes 7:2-5  It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:14  In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross? (Hymn by Isaac Watts)

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross?

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'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.

By Isaac Watts

No Other Way? (Poem)

No Other Way?

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 (Song)

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

(Dedicated to my friend, Kat Aulin, who put this song to music.

I look forward to the day I will hear you play your beautiful music again.)

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

I Wonder... (Poem)

I Wonder

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

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

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

~Author Unknown~

The Race (Poem)

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!”

~by DH (Dee) Groberg~

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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.

Proverbs 24:16  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Psalm 37:23-24  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

I Am Learning, Lord! (Poem)

I Am Learning, Lord!

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

But, I am learning, Lord.

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

But, I am learning, Lord.

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

And, I am learning, Lord.

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

For, I am learning, Lord.

~Author Unknown~

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