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.

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.

A Breath Of Prayer (Poem)

A Breath Of Prayer

A breath of prayer in the morning

Means a day of blessing sure;

A breath of prayer in the evening

Means a night of rest secure;

A breath of prayer in our weakness

Means a clasp of a Mighty Hand;

A breath of prayer when we're lonely

Means Someone to understand.

A breath of prayer in our doubtings

Assures us the Lord knows best.

A breath of prayer in our sorrows

Means comfort and peace and rest;

A breath of prayer in rejoicing

Gives joy an added delight.

For they that remember God's goodness

Go singing far into the night.

There's never a year nor a season

That prayer may not bless every hour,

And never a soul need be helpless

When linked with God's infinite power.

Frances McKinnon Morton

Luke 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

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.

Following (Poem)

 

Following

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

First Steps (Poem)

 

First Steps

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

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

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

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

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

August 28th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

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

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

Our Little One (Poem)

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

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

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

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

God is gracious!

Our Little One

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angela Trenholm
September 26, 2000

Wings (Song)

 

Wings

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

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

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

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

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

December 10th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

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

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

True Love (Poem)

 

True Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 13th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

Our Little Miracle (Poem)

Our Little Miracle

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

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

“Fear not, thou worm Jacob…
I will help thee, saith the LORD,”
God whispered these words to me,
And I knew I could trust in His Word.

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

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

November 12, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the Schultz Family - Christmas Project 2023)

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

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

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

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

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

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage (Poem)

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage

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

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

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

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

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

December 3, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Debbie Wark - Christmas Project 2023)

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

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.

Standing On The Promises (Hymn)

 Standing On The Promises
(Hymn by R. Kelso Carter)

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

For a devotional study that builds on this theme:
Resting On The Promises

Faith To Face (Poem)

 

Faith To Face

Looking through a glass darkly,
I find many things hard to explain,
But as I steadfastly gaze within God's Word,
The Lord makes all things plain.

Faith to faith is what I'm living.
Day by day, I learn to see,
In a life that's so uncertain,
I know that Jesus still walks with me.

Faith means I learn to trust Him
And forget walking by sight.
As I'm filled with His peace and wisdom,
God's Word lights up the night.

Faith to face, it's a tiring journey,
Walking through this pilgrim land.
Though I cannot see around every corner,
I'm clinging tightly to my Saviour's hand.

He's preparing me for service,
Enabling me to walk through open doors;
I fight the battles that Christ gives me,
Knowing that He's already won the war.

Face to face, the day of His return is coming,
Until then, there are mountains to climb.
I will keep looking for that blessed hope -
Someday soon - It's just a matter of time.

Faith to face, I look forward to seeing Jesus -
What a glorious day that will be.
It will no longer be by faith,
Because, face to face, my Lord I will see.

Faith to face.

November 23rd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17

For now we see through a glass, darkly;
but then face to face: now I know in part;
but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1 Corinthians 13:12

And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.
Revelation 22:4

Dream Or Reality? (Poem)

 

Dream Or Reality?

Is it just a distant dream, this vision that I see
To know my Heavenly Father as a warm reality?
To sense the blessed comfort within His precious Word
To know His deep compassion behind each word I've heard.

To understand the heart that knows the real me
To believe that I'm protected, that He's my security
To know that He is near, His Spirit is inside me
To believe that He will never leave as a strong certainty.

To experience the presence of God that evil cannot harm
To give all my cares to Him and rest within His arms
To feel His joy and fellowship, His love without an end
To know God as my Father and as my trusted friend.

To believe I can depend on Him to provide my greatest needs
To know that He sees into my heart and hears my silent pleas
To believe He is there for me and holds my hand when I'm alone
As a parent stands beside their child and loves their very own.

To know that He created me and I will never be forsaken
To understand He is my fortress and He will not be shaken
To believe He is grieving with me as I suffer through my pain
To know that He will strengthen me and hold me once again.

To be confident that everything in my life is in His control
To believe that my Father is watching me and guarding my soul
To sense His love so real, to experience Him in my heart
What comfort and peace to know we will never, ever part.

Yes - that is my deepest prayer, my dream that I want to see
And I thank you, Father, that this dream can be a present reality.

May 9th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

 And because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6

Fear (Poem by Martha Snell Nicholson)

FEAR

My friend went on ahead

And left me here

To walk my last, long mile

Alone; and Fear

Stepped to his vacant place

And said that he

Would walk with me, and my

Companion be.

And so he dogged my steps

In this dark vale

Where death's wings shadow me.

My face grew pale,

My spirit quailed. I called

One precious Name

In my distress, and lo,

That loved One came!

He closely holds my hand,

This tender Friend,

Nor will He let me go

Until the end.

And as He walks with me,

Daily more dear,

I find that trust and love

Have cast out Fear.

Martha Snell Nicholson

(From A Daily Visit To Ivory Palaces)

Romans 5:1-5  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:17-19  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

Still (Poem)

 

Still

If the stars should fall down from their place,
If the tears fell slowly down my face,
Lord, still would I trust You,
And give You my praise.

If the world should be overcome by evil,
Still would I thank You for the good that remains;
If I am overcome by evil,
Lord, I ask You to remove the stains.

If life ever becomes too much to bear,
Remind me of how much You deeply care.
If all Your blessings suddenly ceased to pour,
Still I want it to be You that I adore.

Yea, though You slay me, Lord,
Still would I trust You.
Though my path may seem dark,
Still would I follow You.

Still would I wait for You,
Until Christ is standing at the door,
But no matter how much I love You, Lord,
Still I know that You love me more.

April 30th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender,
and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass,
know that it (Christ's return) is nigh, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Mark 13:28-30

Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him:
He shall also be my salvation.
Job 13:15a, 16a

The Darkness Is Passing Away (Poem)

The Darkness Is Passing Away

The shadow of death will turn to morning like the breaking of the day,
Our trials will turn to blessings in God’s own wondrous way;
These light afflictions are for a moment, then they too will pass away,
When the brightness of His glory is here forevermore to stay.

The light shines through the darkness, though sometimes the way seems dim;
Follow your Saviour through the shadows - Just keep your eyes on Him.
The path that once seemed so uncertain grows ever brighter by the day,
Soon the darkness will be gone forever when the shadows flee away.

Though the shadows overwhelm you, and you can’t see the path ahead,
At times the storm clouds gather round you, and frighten you with their dread;
Jesus will turn your mourning into dancing; your sorrow and pain will pass away -
The bright Morning Star is coming soon - with the dawning of a new day.

One day, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
We’ll pass from death to immortality, when we meet our Lord in the sky;
Working together in our lives for good all the parts we thought were wrong,
Transforming our darkness into light, and changing our sorrows into song.

June 12th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(2nd stanza added on June 26, 2024)

Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Throughout their lives, true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes this shadow looms over them for months and sometimes for years - but one day our Saviour will return again and turn the shadow of death into morning, overthrowing and transforming the time of darkness into glorious dawn, when our bright and Morning Star comes in glory to judge this dark world and take His people home to be with Him forever - another reason to be blessed by the repeated phrase in the Song of Solomon: Until the day break, and the shadows flee away...

Song of Songs 2:17 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 Songs 4:6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Psalms 30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Revelation 21:4 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.

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Day By Day (Poem)

Day By Day

Day by day, I will trust Christ
Day by day, He will provide
He will give me grace and mercy
If in His presence I abide.

Day by day, He knows my sorrows
Day by day, He shares my pain
Jesus is my joy and comfort
He's my strength and life again.

Day by day, I can trust Him
Though some days I come unglued
As I wait upon the Lord
I find my strength is renewed.

Day by day, I have God's blessings
Which Christ's sacrifice affords
I cannot rely on my own strength
I will rather boast in the Lord.
Day by day...

August 3rd, 1999
Jerry Bouey

"...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."
Deuteronomy 33:25b

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

Written when I was dealing with chronic muscle pain (Fibromyalgia) and realized that my own physical strength was undependable at times - and I wanted to remind myself that my Lord is always dependable, and His strength is always there for the asking.

Be Thou My Vision (Hymn)

 Be Thou My Vision

1 Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

2 Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
be Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

3 Be Thou my Breastplate, my Sword for the fight;
be Thou my whole Armor, be Thou my true Might;
be Thou my soul’s Shelter, be Thou my strong Tow’r,
O raise Thou me heav’nward, great Pow’r of my pow’r.

4 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
O High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

5 High King of heaven, Thou heaven's bright Sun,
O grant me its joys, after vict'ry is won;
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be Thou my Vision, O Ruler of all.

(Translator: Mary E. Byrne)

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

Ephesians 1:17-18  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,