Songs In The Night

The Rich Man (Luke 16) I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven, There’s no comfort in this place. I am tormented in this flame And worms are my covering of disgrace. I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven, I find there’s no escape to be had. There’s a great gulf I cannot pass, And this thirst near drives me mad. I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven, Alone, in endless darkness, I look around. But the weeping and gnashing of my own teeth Are the only cursed sounds. I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven, Excluded forever from God’s face. I rejected Jesus Christ, the only Saviour, And here there’s no more offer of His grace. I’ve gone home – but not to Heaven, Where am I? Oh, please do tell… I am the rich man who knew Lazarus And I am tormented in this eternal Hell. In my heedless life, I took my ease. Oh, how I mocked and ridiculed. Now I languish forever in this prison, And realize how much I played the fool. All the Scriptures come back to haunt me; Oh, every word of the Prophets was true. If only so...

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon My breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad; I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.” I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light; Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.” I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun; And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done. by: Ho­ra­ti­us Bo­nar (1846)

One By One He Took Them From Me One by one He took them from me, All the things I valued most. Until I was empty-handed; Every glittering toy was lost. Then I walked earth's highway grieving, In my rags and poverty; 'Til I heard His voice inviting: Lift your empty hands to me. So I held my hands toward Heaven, And He filled them with a store Of His own transcendent riches, 'Til they could contain no more. Then at last I comprehended With my stupid mind and dull, That God could not pour out His riches Into hands already full. ~By William Cowper~ (I am unsure of the actual title of this poem.)

The Answers Why I asked the Lord one day why there were so many mountains in my life, So much grief and heartache, so much trouble and strife? I read His Word very carefully, looking for the answers why, And deep within my soul, I heard His Spirit reply. I am working all things out for your good; Removing the debris that shouldn't be there. There is so much damage that sin has done, There is so much I need to repair. There are works that I am doing - if you could only understand - I am fulfilling all My promises according to My Plan. The mountains are for reminding you of My goodness and My love, The weakness is to cause you to lean upon My arms above. Rest upon My provision, and trust that I will guide you along Life's way, And rejoice in My grace and mercy that will lead you safely Home one day. There's a work I am doing inside your very heart, So one day up in glory, My likeness to you I will impart; So don't fret about the things that you don't understand, Just ...

He Goes Before Dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown morrow! Dark is life's way, for night is not yet o'er; The longed-for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow; But, this I know and trust, HE GOES BEFORE. Dangers are near! and fears my mind are shaking; Heart seems to dread what life may hold in store; But I am His - He knows the way I'm taking, More blessed even still - HE GOES BEFORE. Doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows o'er me, Doubts that life's best - life's choicest things are o'er; What but His Word can strengthen, can restore me, And this blest fact; that still HE GOES BEFORE. HE GOES BEFORE! Be this my consolation! He goes before! On this my heart would dwell! He goes before! This guarantees salvation! HE GOES BEFORE! And therefore all is well. J. Danson Smith (Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

My Hiding Place Lord, You are my hiding place through life's stormy gale; You are my fount of grace when my strength begins to fail. Chorus: Lord, You are my hiding place, Standing strong and sure, My refuge in the storms of life, A fortress that will endure. You are my hiding place though enemies surround; You fill my heart with Your peace - peace that always abounds. When my sins come back to haunt me and I need a hiding place, You shelter me under Your wings, and remove all of sin's trace. Lord, You are my hiding place – Whom shall I fear? Why should my soul be cast down When You are always near? You are my hiding place - You took in this lonely waif - In Jesus, I know I am secure, I know I'm forever safe. When the tempests come - their winds and waves crash over me, You are my hiding place - the only place I long to be. December 25th/02 Jerry Bouey Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah...

Call Back If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back­; 'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track; And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low, Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go. Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm; Call back, and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn; That when the heavens thundered and the earthquake shook the hill, He bore you up and held you where the very air was still. O friend, call back and tell me, for I cannot see your face; They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race; But there are mists between us, and my spirit eyes are dim, And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him. But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry, And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky,­ If you have gone a little way ahead, O friend, call back,­ 'Twill cheer my heart and help my fee...

Unfolding The Rose A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals. The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem... It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design; But I cannot unfold the petals With...

In Jesus In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - peace; The heart of the whirlwind where its roarings cease, A little home waiting, still and light and warm, A safe sanctuary from the night and storm. In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - rest; A sure place of refuge for the sore-opprest, A guarded pavilion no device can take, A strong-walled fortress no assault can shake. In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - joy; A full cup of gladness that can never cloy, A sweet fountain rising out of Marah's tide, A spring of rejoicing that is never dried. In the world, tribulation; but in Jesus - peace; A deep, quiet harbor where the high waves cease, A long-desired haven on a friendly shore, Where the wild winds of oceans sweep the soul no more. In the world, tribulation, trials all around, For on earth no resting and no joys are found; Let us flee to Jesus where all sorrows cease; Here alone is gladness, here alone is peace. ~Annie Johnson Flint~ John 16:33 These things I have spo...

Disappointment - His Appointment "Disappointment - His appointment," Change one letter, then I see That the thwarting of my purpose Is God's better choice for me. His appointment must be a blessing, Though it may come in disguise, For the end from the beginning Open to His wisdom lies. "Disappointment - His appointment," Whose? The Lord, who loves me best, Understands and knows me fully, Who my faith and love would test; For, like a loving earthly parent, He rejoices when He knows That His child accepts, unquestioned, All that from His wisdom flows. "Disappointment - His appointment," "No good thing will He withhold," From denials oft we gather Treasures of His love untold, Well He knows each broken purpose Leads to fuller, deeper trust, And the end of all His dealings Proves our God is wise and just. "Disappointment - His appointment," Lord, I take it, then, as such. Like the clay in hands of potter, Yielding wholly to Thy touch. A...

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 redee...

The year this poem was written was the first year I conquered the depression in my life (and have not been overwhelmed with it since). I remember meditating upon Psalm 23 and thinking it was a wonderful testimony of David's trust in the Lord his God. I wanted that same testimony to be mine (not just to be able to claim the promises contained herein, but also to have others look at my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, and say that this is my testimony too). This poem came out of those musings. The Valley Of Faith (Based on Psalm 23) The Lord is my Shepherd. He’s proven faithful throughout the years. Though I walk through death’s dark valley, His grace calmly soothes all my fears. As I closely follow His leading, He provides for my every need. Oh, the waters are so peaceful, And the pastures are rich indeed! When I get weary and heavy laden, When the labour of love takes its toll, I go to the Shepherd for refreshing, And He gently restores my soul. As I lean upon the Shepherd, He guid...

The Hidden Glory If we knew of our dependence on the God who gave us life; If we knew of His compassion as He sees us in the strife; If we only saw the glory that is shining over there; We would read His Word more faithfully and study it with care. If our minds were not so crowded with the cares and things of time; If our thoughts could soar to Heaven and explore that blissful clime; If our eyes could see the vision of that land so far away; We would read His Word more carefully and sense it as we pray. If we'd contemplate the future looking thence for sure rewards; If we'd tune our ears to listen to those sweet and heavenly chords; We'd go pressing towards the mark of that glorious aftermath With His Word a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path. ~Author Unknown~

The Lord Our Righteousness I once was a stranger to grace and to God, I knew not my danger, and felt not my load; Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree, JEHOVAH TSIDKENU was nothing to me. I oft read with pleasure, to soothe or engage, Isaiah's wild measure and John's simple page; But e'en when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree, JEHOVAH TSIDKENU seemed nothing to me. Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll, I wept when the waters went over His soul; Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree, JEHOVAH TSIDKENU -- 'twas nothing to me. When free grace awoke me, by light from on high, Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die; No refuge, no safety in self could I see -- JEHOVAH TSIDKENU my Saviour must be. My terrors all vanished before the sweet name; My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free -- JEHOVAH TSIDKENU is all things to me. JEHOVAH TSIDKENU! my treasure and boast, JEHOVAH ...

The Prodigal's Return The Far Country could never satisfy, Oh what a foolish soul I have been. I've come to myself, and I wonder now, Will my Heavenly Father take me in? Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned - I have wandered astray for many days; Now broken inside, I'm coming home again - I'm so tired of my wayward ways. My thoughts run faster than my feet can go - What kind of reception awaits me there? No, I won't falter, I have to know, "Will He receive me?" my only prayer. Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. No more wandering about in a daze - Cleanse my heart, make me whole again, Restore the joys of yesterdays. What is that on the horizon? Is that my Father waiting there? A thousand thoughts hedge my ways... But with arms opened wide, He receives me to Himself; My heart's so filled with love and praise. Like the Prodigal, I've come home again, So tired of my wayward ways - Now a peace within and a song of joy; My heart's so filled wit...

I Met The Master I had walked life's way with an easy tread, Had followed where comforts and pleasure led, Until one day in a quiet place I met the MASTER face to face. With station and rank and wealth for my goal, Much thought for my body, but none for my soul, I had entered to win in life's mad race, When I met the MASTER face to face. I had built my castles and reared them high, With their towers had pierced the blue of the sky, I had sworn to rule with an iron mace, When I met the MASTER face to face. I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see That His eyes, full of sorrow, were fixed on me; And I faltered and fell at His feet that day, While my castles melted and vanished away. Melted and vanished and in their place Naught else did I see but the MASTER's face. And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meet To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet." My thought is now for the souls of men, I have lost my life to find it again, E'er since one day in a quiet place I met ...

This I Know I do not know what next may come Across my pilgrim way; I do not know tomorrow's road, Nor see beyond today. But this I know -- my Saviour knows The path I cannot see; And I can trust His wounded hand To guide and care for me. I do not know what may befall, Of sunshine or of rain; I do not know what may be mine, Of pleasure and of pain; But this I know -- my Saviour knows And whatsoe'er it be, Still I can trust His love to give What will be best for me. I do not know what may await, Or what the morrow brings; But with the glad salute of faith, I hail its opening wings; For this I know -- that my Lord Shall all my needs be met; And I can trust the heart of Him, Who has not failed me yet. -- E. Margaret Clarkson

The following poem was taken from chapter 11 of A Minister's Obstacles . I am not sure if the author of the book is also the author of the poem. The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen He held the lamp that Sabbath day So low that none could miss the way, And yet so high, to bring to sight That picture fair of Christ the Light, That, gazing up, the lamp between The hand that held it was not seen. He held the pitcher, stooping low, To lips of little ones below; Then raised it to the weary saint, And bade him drink when sick and faint. They drank, the pitcher them between, The hand that held it was not seen. He blew the trumpet soft and clear, That trembling sinners need not fear; And then with louder note and bold, To storm the walls of Satan's hold; The trumpet coming thus between, The hand that held it was not seen. And when our Captain says, 'Well done, Thou good and faithful servant; come, Lay down the pitcher and the lamp; Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,' The weary...

I Will Never Leave You I will never leave you, I promised it in My Word. I, Jehovah God, your Creator, Your Master, your Friend, the Lord. WILL of My own free choice, Not because I must, But because I love you so dearly And desire that in Me you trust. NEVER will I leave you, You can depend solely on Me. Though friends and family forsake you, I'm with you for eternity. LEAVE you? -- No, not ever. I will stay right by your side. You will always be in My presence, With Me you will forever abide. YOU -- Yes you, dear believer, My most precious valued one. Because you turned away from sin And believed in My Holy Son. Yes, just as He has told us, As He promised in His Word, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU", Oh, what a wonderful Lord! © 1991 Jan McIntosh (Used With Permission)

The Battle Is The Lord's Our God is the God of the impossible, Oh stand still, and He shall make a way. Jesus is the Captain of the Lord's Host; Fear not, He shall fight for you this day. He's God of all the hills and valleys, All earth's treasures are under His command. Oh be not fretful nor discouraged, All we need comes from His loving hand. When evil seems to overwhelm you, Fear not sin's entanglements and cords, With steadfast faith, claim the victory, My brethren, the battle is the Lord's. May 26th, 2003 Jerry Bouey 1 Samuel 17:45-47 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild...