Foreign Words To My Soul (Poem)

 

Foreign Words To My Soul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 20th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

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

Walking With The Lord (Poem)

 

Walking With The Lord

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

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

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

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

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

February 16th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Truth? (Poem)

 

What Is Truth?

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

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

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

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

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

March 14, 1995
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Only God Knows (Poem)

 

Only God Knows

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

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

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

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

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

February 6th, 1996
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

My Rest (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

 

My Rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 13th, 2003
Angela Trenholm

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

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

My King James Bible (Poem)

My King James Bible

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 17th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's A Sad Thing To Be An Infidel (Poem)

 

It's A Sad Thing To Be An Infidel

It's a sad thing to be an infidel.
To deny there's a literal Heaven and Hell.
To reject all absolute claims that there's a loving God,
Then expect to live in Heaven someday - my, how odd!

It's a wretched thing to be a modernist.
To deny that every single one of us has sinned,
Then somehow expect that by calling God a liar,
Will miraculously make you right with Him!

It's a cursed thing to be a New-Evangelical.
Claiming to be God's friend when you won't trust or obey,
Somehow thinking that by being religious,
Will magically blot out your sins on Judgement Day!

It's a sorry thing to claim to believe the Bible
While you're doing your best to explain it away.
Stubbornly thinking that by doing good works,
Will compensate for the price our Lord had to pay!

It's a wonderful thing to actually believe the Bible.
To trust wholly that every Word of God is true,
To accept Jesus Christ as your very own Saviour,
Believing that He suffered on Calvary for you!

It's a blessed thing to believe all of God's promises.
Knowing that the Lord is sovereign in your life.
Clinging closely to Christ in the midst of the trials,
Having inward peace, even during outward strife!

It's an awesome thing to be a Christian.
No longer condemned and under wrath, but reconciled.
To know you have eternal life in Heaven,
With sins forgiven, and welcomed as God's dear child!

October 3rd, 2000
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

John 3:18-21 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

1 John 1:8, 10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us... If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Blessed Is That Man (Poem)

 

Blessed Is That Man

Blessed is that man whose trust is in the Lord,
Whose heart is wholly yielded to God's Holy Word,
Whose faith rests upon a solid foundation,
Who has trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Blessed is that man who delights himself in God's Word,
Who wields the same as a sharp double-edged sword,
Has a mind for the battle, is willing to fight,
That brave warrior who stands in the strength of His might.

Blessed is that man whose mind is on eternity,
Who stands faithfully in the gap for you and me,
Fighting spiritual battles in the whole armour of God,
Following in the footsteps that other saints have trod.

That good soldier of Christ, that mighty man of God,
Blessed is that man!

November 12th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to solid preachers of God's Word)

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust.
Psalm 40:4

Autographed By The Author (Poem)

Autographed By The Author

Composed like a Heavenly symphony
in which can be found no wrong,
That my Lord has forgiven me
fills my aching heart with song.

I've gladly turned over
that old tattered and torn page;
Jesus has erased all
of my pain, sorrow, and rage.

My once incomplete life is no longer
such a sorry, shameful mess;
He's replaced my emptiness
with love, peace, and righteousness.

Your awesome Word is written
on my trembling soul.
Until that day
the final trumpet doth toll,

Your kingdom, O Lord,
is what I'm striving for,
Because now I've been -
Autographed by the Author.

1993
Jerry Bouey

The love for which Christ has died,
For believers, cannot be denied.

We can rejoice in being alive,
And count Christianity's cost,
Because when the final trumpet sounds,
We won't be at a loss!

March 9th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

Song of Solomon 4:7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

God Is So Good (Poem)

 

God Is So Good

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

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

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

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

January 4th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

God's Precious Promises (Poem)

 

God's Precious Promises

God's precious promises are tried,
In the furnace of life - they are purified.
Every single promise of the Lord is true;
Test them yourself and watch Him come through.

For these precious promises there are conditions;
For this treasure, not everyone can stake a claim.
God's precious promises are only for His children -
For whosoever has called upon the Saviour's name.

For Noah's family, there was the rainbow,
For Abraham, there was his greatly beloved son,
For every child of God, there's perfect peace of mind,
blessings innumerable, and victories to be won.

In Jesus Christ, all these promises abound;
In the pages of His holy Word they are found.
They have been purified in this furnace of earth,
Test them yourself and discover their worth!

April 8th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

The words of the LORD are pure words:
as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6

As for God, His way is perfect:
the word of the LORD is tried:
He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30

For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are yea,
and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Corinthians 1:20

According as His divine power hath given unto us all things
that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature,
having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4

Have you claimed any precious promises lately?

Footsteps Of Faith (Poem)

 

Footsteps Of Faith

Order my footsteps in Your Word -
Teach me where You'd have me to go.
Make me willing to walk in Your ways -
Lead me onward in this path below.

Enlarge my footsteps, let not my feet slip -
Help me to walk in Your ways with care.
Guide me through the straits of this world -
"Let me not falter", is my earnest prayer.

Number my footsteps, and count them all -
Show me the path my spirit has trod.
Open my eyes and cleanse my heart -
Lead me onward in the ways of God.

Direct me in my Saviour's footsteps -
Teach me with patience to run this race.
Let me learn from the example of Jesus -
Let me follow in the footsteps of faith.

May 16th, 2003
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
ought himself also so to walk,
even as He walked.
1 John 2:6

Proverbs 4:10-13 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 

There's A Lion In My Heart (Poem)

 

There’s A Lion In My Heart

There’s a lion in my heart,
Running freely through my veins;
I can’t hold back this power -
I give the Lord free reign.

This old world hates the Bible,
There’s no place left for God’s Word;
But still it cuts so deeply,
Through soul and spirit, like a sword.

Reading and studying daily,
Like Mary, at Jesus’ feet;
Searching for hidden treasures,
Gleaning wisdom and digging deep.

Mind filled and overflowing,
Mouth filled and opened wide;
I am weary with forbearing -
I cannot hold God’s Word inside.

Though at times I cannot speak,
And feel I am but a child,
There’s a lion in my soul,
Breaking free and running wild.

November 1st, 2022
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to all who believe in an inspired, inerrant Bible that we can hold in our hands today.)

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” - Charles Spurgeon

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

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

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew 12:34-35 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Psalms 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Jeremiah 1:6-7 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

For a short devotional on this theme:
The Lion Of God's Word

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind (Poem)

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind

I made a covenant with my eyes,
Upon virtuous things my mind is stayed;
When temptation comes a-calling,
The decision has already been made.

Like prisoners of war, I’ve taken captive
The thoughts that roam this land;
When an invading army comes to battle,
I know, I’ve already made my stand.

Though I am walking in the flesh,
I choose not to war that way;
Your Word is hidden in my heart,
Before the enemy comes to stay.

I give all my cares to my Captain,
And He gives me His peace within;
Guarding my heart in this warfare -
In Jesus, the victory I will win.

I will put on Your whole armour -
Claim each promise that I find;
With the helmet of salvation,
I know Your Word will guard my mind.

I will think upon things that are lovely,
That are just, and that are true;
And keep on following my Commander
In everything that I say and do.

November 9th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my nephew, Andrew, who wants to make choices that honour the Lord)

Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Philippians 4:6-8 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. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

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:

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

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

Claiming God's Promises (Poem)

 

Claiming God’s Promises

When I am tempted to doubt, Lord,
And unsettling fears bar my way,
I seek You first and Your kingdom,
And You provide for me each day.

As I read Your Word this morning,
You say, prove Me, test Me today;
Claiming Your promises by faith,
Gives me bright hope to light my way.

Father, You promise to provide,
Even when the going gets rough -
If I keep my eyes on You, Lord,
I find there is always enough.

You’ve provided for all my needs,
In many ways I cannot forget;
You’ve come through for me in the past -
Oh, why should I worry or fret?

When the doubts come - there’s a promise,
Your Word stands the test of my faith;
I’m sustained and held by Your love,
And strengthened each day by Your grace.

You’ve provided my greatest need -
On the cross, Your Son paid the price;
You wiped out my sins forever -
Reconciled by His sacrifice.

Now I have new life in Jesus,
And have Your promises each hour;
Why should I be stressed and worried -
When I’m upheld by Your power!

This trial is a test of my faith:
My Father will provide - I’m sure!
I have proven His faithfulness -
Forever God’s Word will endure!

October 28, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Romans 5:3-5

One passage that is very appropriate to consider on the subject of remembering the Lord’s past mercies and provisions (and reminding yourself that He is capable of meeting all your present and future needs) is:

Romans 5:3-5 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.

The above verses state that tribulations (pressures, troubles, afflictions) work patience. (Worketh is present tense, which means continually works.) The word patience in the KJV means "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy; to stay under, remain, to bear trials, have fortitude, persevere." As we go through trials, we learn to endure them and persevere through them.

Why? Because patience works experience. Experience here means "trial, proof, test; by implication, trustiness." The more trials we experience, the more we learn to prove God, to put Him to the test and see Him work in our lives.

And lastly, experience works hope. Hope in the Bible does not mean "maybe it might happen, or I wish it would." Hope, according to the Bible, is "to anticipate (usually with pleasure); expectation or confidence." Basically, "confident expectation." Because we have seen the Lord work through our previous trials, because we have seen Him fulfill His promises and provide our needs, because we have received His perfect peace and all the grace that we needed in the past (if we stayed focussed on Jesus), we can endure through the current trials, and confidently expect that He is providently working all things out in our lives, for our good and for His glory!

Is God limited? Only by our unbelief!

Taken from the study, Is God Limited By Our Past?

Study written May 20th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey

Struggles And Victory (Poem)

 

Struggles And Victory

Part One

Lord, how long must I bear with the wicked,
When they surround me upon every side?
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
It seems there is nowhere left to hide.

Lord, how long must I struggle with my sin,
When I know I often falter and fail?
When it appears there’s no escape in sight,
It seems that I could never prevail.

Lord, how long must I bear with myself,
When these fears and doubts flood my soul?
When I’m overwhelmed by my troubled heart,
It seems I could never be made whole.

Part Two

The Word of God brightly lights up my path,
His promises are my shield and my stay.
Walking daily in the footsteps of faith,
I find I’m blessed as I trust and obey.

Standing strong in the full armour of God,
Though at me Satan’s fiery darts are hurled -
With steadfast faith in my Lord Jesus Christ,
I have victory to overcome this world.

Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress,
I’m safely kept as I walk by Your side.
Under the shelter of Your wings I trust;
Knowing in You alone I must abide.

September 10th, 2021
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my Sis, Lori)

Psalms 94:3-4 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

Psalms 94:17-19 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

When I Read The Bible Through (Poem)

 When I Read The Bible Through

I supposed I knew my Bible,
Reading piecemeal, hit or miss,
Now a bit of John or Matthew,
Now a snatch of Genesis,
Certain chapters of Isaiah,
Certain Psalms (the twenty-third),
Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs -
Yes, I thought I knew the Word!
But I found that thorough reading
Was a different thing to do,
And the way was unfamiliar
When I read the Bible through.

You who like to play at Bible,
Dip and dabble, here and there,
Just before you kneel aweary,
And yawn through a hurried prayer;
You who treat the Crown of Writings
As you treat no other book -
Just a paragraph disjointed,
Just a crude impatient look -
Try a worthier procedure,
Try a broad and steady view;
You will kneel in very rapture
When you read the Bible through!

by Amos R. Wells

2 Timothy 3:15-17  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The New Testament (Poem)

The New Testament

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~

Searching For Truth (Poem)

Searching For Truth

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?

My Bible and I (Poem)

My Bible And I

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