Between Heaven And Hell (Poem)

Based loosely upon the idea found in this quote:

"For a Christian, this world is the only Hell they will know; for the unbeliever, this world is the only Heaven they will know.”

Between Heaven And Hell

Never feeling quite like we belong here, as believers in this pilgrim land we dwell;
We know so many trials yet we have God’s blessings - life has its good times and its bad as well;
We want the best of both worlds, though sometimes it seems we are living between Heaven and Hell.

Looking unto Jesus Christ, the Saviour, who took all our sins and on whom all our judgement fell;
Though innocent and treated like a criminal for our sakes, He bore our wrath and heard death’s cold knell;
Lifted up for all to see on Calvary, crucified somewhere between Heaven and Hell.

We live by faith in this dark world, waiting with hope for these shadows to dispel;
Anticipating our risen Lord’s return - someday soon we believe, but only time will tell;|
Looking forward to the sunlight, living in the twilight, somewhere between Heaven and Hell.

April 12th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 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.

2 Peter 1:19 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:

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.

Worthy Is The Lamb (Poem)

Exodus 12:26-27 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Worthy Is The Lamb

Here we are on the mountaintop, after three long uncertain days.
Here is the wood for the fire, father, and I see the knife upraised;
But where is the unblemished sacrifice, tell me, Father Abraham?
Oh my son, never fear - God will provide Himself the Lamb.

Here we are gathered on Passover, now our house is nearly filled -
Yet, oh my father, why must the Lamb, our little pet, be killed?
He has become so dear unto us, we’ve treasured Him as our own…
But why must our Lamb be sacrificed, and His blood be sprinkled on our home?

We are so guilty, all of us - all we like sheep have gone astray;
But the Messiah was the Lamb that was led to the slaughter that day.
A blameless Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ - by Him we are reconciled;
Look to the Lamb of God - He is the only Saviour, my child.

Behold the Lamb of God that takes away all of our sin;
Look to the Passover Lamb - unblemished and spotless within;
He is the blameless Lamb - pure, sinless and forever undefiled;
He is the only sacrifice God has provided - trust in Him, my child.

No one else was worthy - the Lion of Judah paid sin’s heavy price;
No one else was worthy, except the Lamb of God - our Sacrifice!
One day Jesus Christ is returning again - the coming King, the great I Am;
The only Saviour who died for all our sins - oh my child, behold the Lamb!

March 29th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Exodus 12:3-7, 12-13 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it… For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 53:6-7 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Revelation 5:4-6 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

In The Morning (Poem)

In The Morning

Even when we smile, with each breath our hearts break;
Though you’re in Heaven now, inside our souls ache;
But when we think of you, our spirits stir awake -
We will see you in the morning.

In this gloomy land of shadows and dark night, 
We will walk by faith in the Lord, and not by sight;
Even in our deep sorrow, our future is so bright -
We will see you in the morning.

The Sun of Righteousness rises with healing in His wings;
With all your pain gone now, we know your spirit will sing.
The Comforter will come with the strength only He can bring -
Reminding us, we will see you in the morning.

There is a day coming soon that shines brighter by far,
You’re living now in the presence of the Bright and Morning Star;
In the land of forever where no tears can ever mar -
We KNOW we will see you in the morning.

March 26th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the memory of Pat Nevokshonoff)

“The words of the seraphs looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow and to the time when earth, which saw His advent in lowliness, should see Him come in power and great glory. So certain are the purposes of God that Heaven could speak of the future as though already realized. "The whole earth IS full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). It is not only that the earth shall be filled with His glory, but that nought else could be its fullness. Where sin had wrought its havoc and death had wielded its pale scepter, only the glory of the Lord Jesus could fill the scene with joy and peace. For this glad day our poor earth waits, and though night's darkest hour is still to come, there shall follow the morning without clouds when sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” - H.C. Hewlett, The Companion Of The Way.

1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope… Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

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

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

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.

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.

The Stranger On The Road To Emmaus (Poem)

The Stranger On The Road To Emmaus

Fellowshipping together, talking about Jesus on the way;
We have so many questions, and today is the third day.
Is He the Kinsman Redeemer? We were so sure of this very truth -
All the Scriptures come back to mind that we had learned in our youth.

Did Jesus fulfill all the prophecies - is He the Son of David as we believed?
Is He the Messiah promised to the world, the Saviour which we had received?
Oh, were we wrong about Him - is He still dead, lying silent in the grave?
Or did Jesus rise again in glory, the Redeemer, mighty to save?

Pondering deeply these very thoughts, turning them over again in our hearts,
We met the Stranger on the road, and the blessed conversation starts.
“Let Me walk you through God’s Word, there’s some things you need to see…”
Thus began the Bible study of the ages, filled with wonder for you and me.

Jesus Christ is found in all the Bible - from the beginning to the end!
The Scriptures tell us of our Saviour, our Redeemer and our Friend.
Throughout all its pages, Jesus is its vibrant central theme;
All of God’s Word points to Him - truly, what does all this mean?

Jesus is the only Saviour, He is the Messiah long foretold;
He is the coming King of Kings, the everlasting Ruler from of old.
He truly is the Prince of Peace, Wonderful is His precious name;
God manifest in the flesh - from age to age still the same.

The fire burned bright within us, our hearts were now enflamed;
Seeing Jesus as the heart of every book, and the prophecies explained -
Opening our eyes to the miracle of our Saviour on every line;
Kindling, reigniting, and transforming - changing us each and every time.

Do you behold Jesus in the Scriptures? Can you see Him in every single part?
Does your mind fill with amazement, is the fire kindled in your heart?
Don’t lose that wonder and amazement, treasure this Book sent from above -
Be transfixed by your Saviour, and be in awe of His wondrous love.

March 20th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

Luke 24:25-27 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44-47 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Psalms 40:7-8 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Revelation 19:10b … I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Faith Conquers Fear (Poem)

Faith Conquers Fear

Afraid of the giants that live in the land;
Afraid of the journey, so afraid of man;
Afraid of many things that steal your very breath;
Afraid of dying, afraid of the shadow of death.

So many things in this life we fear and we dread,
But we don’t need to be afraid of the pathway ahead.
We have a Saviour that has prepared for us the way;
We can follow in Jesus’ footsteps each and every day.

The Lord has not given us the spirit of fear -
He will scatter our doubts when we choose to draw near.
When we boldly hold our shield of faith up high,
Satan’s fiery darts will be quenched as soon as they fly.

We have power for living, strength from the Lord;
He supplies all our needs from His great treasure store;
Love for all mankind from the very heart of God;
A sound mind to walk in the paths He has trod.

So when doubts surround us and fears darken our day,
Remember your Saviour, and let Him lead the way.
Following the footsteps of faith - oh, why should you worry or fret -
God made a way through the wilderness - and we are not home yet.

March 1st, 2026
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Brother Arnel, who challenged me to write a poem for his upcoming sermon.)

Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Job 18:11, 13-14 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet... even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength. His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

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.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

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.

Philippians 4:13, 19 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me... But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Saved By His Death, Saved By His Life (Poem)

Saved By His Death, Saved By His Life

On Calvary, He was crucified, and there God’s wrath was outpoured;
He shed His precious blood, and many witnessed the death of the Lord.
But after three days in the tomb He arose to new life;
Behold, your Saviour is risen, the Lord Jesus Christ.

By His death we are saved - our sin debt was fully paid -
They were all buried with Jesus in the depths of the grave.
The blood that Jesus shed washes our sins all away;
“It is finished” was the loud cry that was heard that dark day.

By His life we are saved, we are risen by faith;
When we trust in the Gospel, we are saved by His grace.
From death to life everlasting, He is alive forevermore;
Come, see the tomb is empty, and behold your risen Lord.

By His life we live eternally - we have power from on High;
By His death, by His life, we are saved - you and I.
Let us live for our Saviour, live each moment by His grace;
Watching and waiting for Jesus - till we see Him face to face.

March 1st, 2026
Jerry Bouey

Romans 5:6-10 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Deuteronomy 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Colossians 3:3-4 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The Depths Of Love (Poem)

The Depths Of Love

You did it, Jesus, You did it so well -
You saved this poor soul from death and Hell.
My heart does marvel in the depths of me,
How You saved this soul for eternity.

I store these wonders within my heart;
I’m so amazed at this brand new start.
It passeth knowledge, who could imagine
You’d find a way to forgive all my sin.

This amazing mercy and grace I find;
The blessed peace of God so fills my mind.
I’m wonderstruck, how can I ever tell -
Oh the love of God that saves from Hell.

Lord, Your greatness is unsearcheable,
Never-ending and so wonderful.
Gratitude floods the very depths of me -
This amazing love, how can it be?

You remember me in my low estate;
Your gentleness hath made me great.
As I ponder these things in the depths of my soul,
I’m amazed again at how You made me whole.

February 26th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

“The saints will learn of God forever, as there is no end to His Person and Character. His greatness is “unsearcheable” (Ps. 145:3). His understanding is “infinite” (Ps. 147:5; Isa. 40:28). His judgments are “unsearcheable” and His ways are “past finding out” (Ro. 11:33). His riches are “unsearcheable” (Eph. 3:8). His love “passeth knowledge” (Eph. 3:19). His peace “passeth all understanding” (Php. 4:7). - David Cloud.

Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Luke 2:18-19 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalms 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

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

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

Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Ephesians 3:18-21 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

In Every Thing Give Thanks (Poem)

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Giving thanks for everything, even when the road gets tough;
There is a purpose to God’s plan - His grace will always be enough.

I can trust the Lord in everything, in every moment, in every hour -
I have all that I need for every day, even His mighty strength and power.

I can praise the Lord for all things in my life, as I worship at His feet;
As He fights each battle that I face, I need never give in to defeat.

I can trust Jesus Christ in every situation; I need never be afraid.
I know that when I cry out to Him, He will always give me aid.

Even when I face great trials, and fight the darkness of this world,
I know that with my faith in the Lord, every oyster has its pearl.

My Father is working out all things for my good -
Past, present, future, until I see Him face to face.
With His Spirit within me, I have the victory -
Always - in every moment, by His grace.

Giving thanks in all things.

February 24th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

Grace - "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)."

Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Acts 2:46-47 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

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

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

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.

Wings Of Gold And Silver (Poem)

This poem came from the idea of the Japanese art of Kintsugi - taking broken pottery and mending it back together with glue and gold, to make it a treasure. Combining that idea with one of my favourite verses - Psalm 68:13 - and with the work of God our Heavenly Potter, and here is the result - a picture of what He is doing in the lives of His children.

Wings Of Gold And Silver

Created to be a vessel unto honour, to become so much more,

But now found broken and abandoned, shattered, forgotten on the floor.

Cracked and marred and scarred on the outside, considered worthless to the world,

But inside there is a valuable treasure, like an oyster with its pearls.

Fallen from the greatest of heights, scarred and chipped and nicked beyond all measure;

How can this damaged and broken vessel become a priceless treasure?

It’s in the eyes of the Beholder - in this case the Heavenly Potter -

Who alone can take worthless clay, and mold it into a son or daughter.

Picking up each broken piece, holding you so delicately in His care,

God won’t snuff out the smoking fire, that’s trembling and hanging on with prayer.

Dusting off the jagged shards, fitting them so carefully back together; 

With wisdom as the gold dust, and love binding through the stormy weather.

The King of Heaven tenderly fills the cracks, mending every shattered part -

The gold of His divine presence filling and gluing together the broken heart.

You were a broken shard of pottery, lying still among the pieces;

Now you are a treasure bound together by the Saviour, healed gently by Jesus.

February 9th, 2026

Jerry Bouey

Psalms 68:13 Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Jeremiah 18:2-6 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Looking Forward (Poem)

Looking Forward

Looking back - pondering and musing over this past year;
Remembering every struggle, every trial and fear;
Claiming each promise we find, they’ve been fully tested and tried;
Knowing, through all our days, You’ve always stood by our side.

Looking ahead - by faith, to the soon coming days,
Knowing, in Christ Jesus, we have many reasons to praise:
The same God who abundantly blessed us to the full
Is the same loving Saviour - always True and Faithful.

Looking forward - to the future: at times it seems unsure;
But it’s held safely in the Father’s hands, steadfast and secure;
We can trust fully in the Lord - from our sins we have been freed;
In Christ, we can trust our Heavenly Father to meet all our needs.

Looking up - there may be dark clouds, but we can still rise above;
Keep faithfully serving by faith the Saviour whom we love;
Keep building our lives and our future upon God’s most Holy Word;
Looking unto Jesus - praying this year we see the coming of our Lord.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

December 21st, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Maker Of The Universe (Hymn)

The Maker Of The Universe
(Hymn by Frederick William Pitt)

The Maker of the universe
As Man, for man was made a curse.
The claims of law which He had made,
Unto the uttermost He paid.

His holy fingers made the bough
Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow.
The nails that pierced His hands were mined
In secret places He designed.

He made the forest whence there sprung
The tree on which His body hung.
He died upon a cross of wood,
Yet made the hill on which it stood.

The sky that darkened o’er His head
By Him above the earth was spread.
The sun that hid from Him its face
By His decree was poised in space.

The spear which spilled His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God.
The grave in which His form was laid,
Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.

The throne on which He now appears
Was His from everlasting years.
But a new glory crowns His brow.
And every knee to Him shall bow.

Sometimes A Light Surprises (Hymn)

Sometimes A Light Surprises
(Hymn by William Cowper)

Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing on His wings;
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E'en let the unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may!

It can bring with it nothing,
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe His people too;
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Matthew 6:25-33 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 Habakkuk 3:17-19 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

The Light In The Darkness (Song)

The Light In The Darkness

Struggling within my darkness,
Feeling hopelessly lost and alone;
Oftimes I fear the voice that I hear
Crying out aloud is my own.

Shattering the silence,
Wondering if I can ever find
Someone who cares and would even dare
To give me hope and peace of mind.

And reaching out in the darkness,
Calling out to be heard,
There’s a shining Light that breaks through my night,
Coming from within Your Holy Word.

Reaching out through the darkness
Is the Saviour who died for me -
A prisoner within, enslaved to my sins -
But Jesus came to make me free.

Like a Good Shepherd searching
For the lost sheep that had gone astray,
He heard my cry, came down from on High,
And sought me out that day.

Now there’s hope beyond the shadows -
A Light shining out for all to see;
I see the Man with nail-pierced hands,
The Saviour who died to rescue me.

Jesus broke through all my darkness
When I heard the Gospel sound;
Now I know His voice, and I truly rejoice:
The lost sheep has now been found.

The Light is shining in your darkness,
Reaching out and seeking too;
God came near, and the voice you hear
Is the Good Shepherd calling you.

December 16th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Luke 15:4-7 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 

Revelation 2:28 [And he that overcometh], I will give him the Morning Star.

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.

2 Peter 1:19 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:

Luke 2:9-14 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

John 1:4-5, 9 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not… That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Have You Any Room For Jesus? (Hymn/Devotional)

 Have You Any Room For Jesus?

It is almost Christmas once again. Looking forward to time we will spend with family and friends. All too often we forget the meaning behind this holiday - the meaning we say we are celebrating Christmas for!

In the book of Luke, we see how their Heavenly Father worked out all things so that Jesus would be born of a virgin and be born in Bethlehem, in fulfilment of prophecy.

Luke 2:1-5 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

But all was not as rosy as it appeared. After travelling for days to get to Bethlehem, the married couple could not find anywhere to rest for the night.

Luke 2:6-7 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Just like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, even today the world doesn't have any room for Jesus. Yes, we have time for a holiday, to think about a little baby and what happened that long ago night - but all too often we don't think about the reason Jesus came to Earth as a baby: in order to one day die for our sins, He needed to become one of us. This baby was born, so He could grow up and one day be crucified. The world doesn't like to think about that part. The world is guilty before God, and in need of a Saviour, but the world would rather just think about the cute little baby.

Thirty three years later, Jesus did die on that cross for the sins of the world; He was buried; and He did arise physically from the grave after three days and nights. He is the Saviour that the Bible prophesied about and clearly proclaims that He is - rising from the dead is proof positive of who He is and the fact that He did pay the complete penalty that we deserved for our sins.

Yet, the world still has no room for Jesus. How about you? Is there any room in your heart and home for the Saviour this Christmas season (and all year round)?

We often think of Christmas gifts that we give to our loved ones. God gave the greatest gift we will ever need. You can turn to Him today and receive His free gift of salvation. It is a gift that cannot be earned, it must be received by faith. That means believing and trusting what God has already said in His Word - that Jesus will save all those who turn from their sins and turn to the Saviour. He offers you the gift of forgiveness, eternal life, a home eternally in Heaven with Him.

But just like any other gift, it must be received to be yours.

Will you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Do you have any room for Him?

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

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

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

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Have You Any Room For Jesus?
(Words adapted by Daniel W. Whittle)

Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinners, will you let Him in?

Chorus:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart's door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business,
But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died?

Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted,
Tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus,
Soon will pass God's day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
And thy Savior's pleading cease.

Written December 16th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

We Three Kings Of Orient Are (Hymn)

We Three Kings Of Orient Are
(Author: John H. Hopkins)

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Borrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.

True Perseverance (Poem)

Calvinism is such a prevailing doctrine, I might as well give into the pressure. I totally 100% believe the lines of this poem I have written. I have truly come to believe the doctrine of Perseverance. Please read this whole post - I think you might come to agree with me after you read it all.

True Perseverance

Holding on when all else fails;
Holding on when all seemed lost;
Grasping firmly with determination -
Holding on despite the cost.

Holding on when we falter;
Holding on against the flow;
Holding tightly with your hands -
Holding on, never letting go.

Grasping tightly and holding on;
Persevering by your might;
Holding on with all you have -
Grasping on, and holding tight!

Oh, sometimes I think I mixed up the perseverance of the saints with the preservation of the saints. Now read the full poem - AND NOTICE THAT THE FIRST THREE STANZAS ARE UNCHANGED.

True Perseverance

Holding on when all else fails;

Holding on when all seemed lost;

Grasping firmly with determination -

Holding on despite the cost.

Holding on when we falter;

Holding on against the flow;

Holding tightly with your hands -

Holding on, never letting go.

Grasping tightly and holding on;

Persevering by your might;

Holding on with all you have -

Grasping on, and holding tight!

It’s not my grasp on my Saviour,

That keeps me safe, day by day -

It’s the Lord holding onto me,

Even when I struggle or stray.

It’s not that I have Jesus,

And I am holding Him so tight -

It’s those nail-pierced hands that hold me;

Hold me close, through darkest night.

He is holding onto me -

That is salvation, tried and true

It’s not that you are holding onto Jesus -

But that He is holding onto you.

Now go back and read those first lines,

Consider them through the eyes of faith;

Your Heavenly Father is holding you -

Keeping you forever by His grace!

Holding on when all else fails;

Holding on when all seemed lost;

Grasping firmly with determination -

Holding on despite the cost.

Holding on when we falter;

Holding on against the flow;

Holding tightly with Your hands -

Holding on, never letting go.

Grasping tightly and holding on;

Persevering by Your might;

Holding on with all You have -

Grasping on, and holding tight!

Jesus Christ paid the cost,

And He is holding onto you -

Forever!

December 5th, 2025

Jerry Bouey

“When you and I arrive in heaven, my dear friends, we’ll realize that we’re not there because we held on when others gave up, but because he held on to us.” - Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

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

Romans 8:35, 38-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Notice the progression of faith:

Song of Songs 2:16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Songs 6:3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Songs 7:10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

I am His!

December 5th, 2025

The Fingerprints Of God (Poem)

The Fingerprints Of God

Searching for God’s presence, looking all around,
Seeking out the evidence, and examining what I’ve found,
Considering the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars -
And realizing the Creator loves us, and reaches down to where we are.

There are fingerprints of God all throughout my life;
In the times of victory, and in the times of strife.
When I gaze through all my past, I may not always understand -
But it’s clear the Lord has a purpose, and I am part of that plan.

Though I may not see clearly all the paths He has led me through,
I can see His hand of mercy, His presence in every part I view.
I have never been alone - though I did not know it then,
His love has been ever seeking me, like a Shepherd, like a friend.

When I saw my sin in His sight, how I had wandered from God’s throne,
My Heavenly Father took me in, and welcomed me to His home;
Like the prodigal son, I came running to the Lord for grace;
Accepted in the Beloved, when I trusted Jesus Christ by faith.

The footsteps of the Saviour led me onward from that day;
And one day up in glory, I know I’ll be able to say,
“With God’s fingerprints on my heart, and His mercy from above,
I know I am forever God’s child, because of His grace and of His love.”

December 3rd, 2025
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my friend and brother in Christ, Craig Watson)

From Craig - “I always tell my dad God left breadcrumbs leading to Him. And they had His fingerprints all over them .”

Psalms 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

The Greatest Story Ever Told (Poem)

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Awestruck and wonder-filled, we slowly gaze around;
Feel the light patter of the snow gently falling down.
Cheerful children laughing and playing without a care,
While smells of Christmas waft upon the wintery air.
Songs of the season sound serenely throughout the night,
All of these sensations touch our souls with joy and delight.

Feel the warmth of the crackling fire as you come in from the cold;
Sense the wonder and the thrill of The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Sit back and listen while your hearts fill with utter joy;
Hear the Gospel writers tell of the birth of a little Boy.
Not just any boy, mind you - listen, and let your imagination unfurl;
In Bethlehem was born the Son destined to change the world.

Picture the scene in your mind of God coming down to earth -
Not in majesty or splendour, but by a lowly birth;
Surrounded by rustling animals in a manger filled with hay;
No room for them in the inn, from its shelter they were turned away.
Feel the nip in the air, and hear the silence broken by a cry -
The cry of the Baby born, the Baby born to die.

"For unto you is born this day…
…a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

He came to fulfill the prophecies all the prophets had foretold;
From the foundation of the world, His suffering was planned of old;
From the first couple in the garden to the last soul ever born,
The Messiah would bear their sins and sorrows, with cruelty and scorn.
On the wooden cross He shed His blood, by Him the wrath of God was borne;
Till another cry broke through the silence, and the temple veil was torn.

“…and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.”

“It is finished,” cried out Jesus, and died that very hour -
But three days later, the Son of God arose again in power.
“It is finished” - the tomb is empty, go to the brethren and tell:
“He is not here: for He is risen” - He shook the very gates of Hell.
Jesus Christ died for all our sins - that is the Gospel story;
Go tell it boldly to the world - the Saviour arose again in glory.

“It is finished!”

December 3rd, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.