Songs In The Night

  Poems Presented In Church In 2021 to 2022, for about 10 months in the two main Sunday services, I presented poems in church as a ministry. Usually I shared an introduction to the poem (perhaps the story behind it if it was one of mine or if I knew of the events surrounding it), then I presented the verses behind it and a Biblical exhortation to draw closer to the Lord.  While we were recording the sermons preached each service, we did not think to actually record the poem presentations until about the last four months. The poems were a blessing to share and God's hand was definitely upon that ministry, as the poems and challenges I read often went with the theme of the sermons preached, the songs chosen, and many times both - yet the hymns chosen each day and the Pastor's themes or passages were not announced to me in advance. It was a ministry wholly dependent upon the Lord's guiding, and His hand was very evident for all those months. For various reasons, the Lord guide...

Because You Passed My Way My load's a little lighter now, Because you passed my way - The sun's a little brighter And the clouds have passed away. I've found my Saviour nearer, And each day He grows still dearer And I'm on my way to Glory, Because you passed my way. I was lost and no one seemed to care Until you passed my way, You saw me, and led me to Christ Oh, what a happy day, Now I'm living all for Jesus, And with Him I'll be some day, For I found a new beginning, Because you passed my way. And when in realms of glory, I see His precious face, And hear the angel voices Within that heavenly place, I'll remember that sinner, Who once had gone astray, Might not be there in Glory, Had you not passed my way. - Eleanor Taylor Rhodes, in Gospel Herald 2 Corinthians 5:14-21  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto t...

FEAR My friend went on ahead And left me here To walk my last, long mile Alone; and Fear Stepped to his vacant place And said that he Would walk with me, and my Companion be. And so he dogged my steps In this dark vale Where death's wings shadow me. My face grew pale, My spirit quailed. I called One precious Name In my distress, and lo, That loved One came! He closely holds my hand, This tender Friend, Nor will He let me go Until the end. And as He walks with me, Daily more dear, I find that trust and love Have cast out Fear. Martha Snell Nicholson (From A Daily Visit To Ivory Palaces ) Romans 5:1-5  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the lo...

On the Death Of An Aged Minister Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved employ! The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy. The voice at midnight came, He started up to hear; A mortal arrow pierced his frame, He fell, -- but felt no fear. Tranquil amidst alarms, It found him on the field, A veteran slumbering on his arms, Beneath his red-cross shield. His sword was in his hand, Still warm with recent fight, Ready that moment, at command, Through rock and steel to smite. It was a two-edged blade Of heavenly temper, keen; And double were the wounds it made, Where'er it glanced between. 'Twas death to sin, -- 'twas life To all who mourn'd for sin; It kindled and it silenced strife, Made war and peace within. Oft with its fiery force His arm had quell'd the foe, And laid, resistless in his course, The alien armies low. Bent on such glorious toils, The world to him was loss, Yet all his trophies, all his spoils, He hung upon the Cross. At midn...

Take Another Look At Jesus Take another look at Jesus, And see Him clearly once again; Observe how the Mighty God Dearly loves the children of men. See Him in the Passover Lamb, Yearly offered for our sin; For those whose view is clouded, Take another look at Him. Take a clearer look at Jesus, Even when the view seems dim; See Him often in types and shadows - All of Scripture speaks of Him. See Him anguished in the Garden, See Him suffering upon that tree; Now risen at the right hand of our Father, Pleading fervently for you and me. Take a look at all creation - Marvel greatly at what you see; Then take a greater look at Jesus, For He’s the Creator of you and me. February 16th, 1999 Jerry Bouey Isaiah 45:22  Look unto me , and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God , and there is none else. 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 . Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we...

 I Sleep, But My Heart Waketh I sleep, but my heart waketh - my Shepherd is near - The voice of my Beloved is knocking; I’ve grown so comfortable here in my room - Outside, in the cold, I hear Him talking. “Arise, and come away with Me, My love,” He tenderly calls to me, but I waver. Though due to my sin, He withdraws Himself; Yet, in the night air, I still smell His savour. Slowly, I rise, but can’t feel His presence: The dark street seems so desolate and empty; I cannot find where my Beloved has gone - My own lukewarmness made Him depart from me. The watchmen of the city wounded me sore, They tore my veil away and left me senseless; Stripped of my covering, there was nowhere to hide; My own compromise had left me defenseless. My heart leaped in anguish and I cried out in fear; Repentant, I sought Him whom my soul loveth; No longer desiring to be left on my own, Quickened again, I called out for my Beloved. “What is thy Beloved more than another beloved?” The daughters of Jerusale...

I wanted to try something new, so I created two new blogs. One new blog, called  The Substance Of Things Hoped For (Faith-based Stories and Illustration) , was created for a place for me to be able to quickly repost all the stories and illustrations that Angela Trenholm (my webpartner) had on her family site (Trenholms Of Kelowna).  EarnestlyContending.com  (our domain and the central hub for all our personal sites) got repeatedly hacked a little over two years ago and we lost all the content and had to rebuild from scratch. It is a lot of work trying to repost articles, stories, songs, etc. that were posted from approximately 21 years ago onwards, but I am making a valiant effort. Doing it in a blog format also gives me the opportunity to easily add new content. The second blog is for posting Daily Devotionals once again - devotionals and poems. I had done that for several years back in 2004 onwards, but eventually it became too much work to keep doing that project and w...

  Under Construction Under construction by the Lord, Pieced together in perfect accord, Bit by bit, each part joined carefully, Fitted and arranged with wisdom, tenderly. As the Holy Spirit smoothes the edges, And transforms His vessel into honour, These changes, blessed by God's own touch, Are wrought by His glorious power. When God's final product is presented, It will have been tested and proved. Fired in the kiln of life's afflictions, Refined and the impurities removed. Though I can't imagine the end result as yet, This work of art will someday be done. Molded by the Potter with His very hands, Lovingly crafted into the image of His Son. August 22nd, 1995 Jerry Bouey Romans 8:28-30 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. Moreover whom he ...

  Take A Second Look At Calvary When I went through times of loneliness, I thought, “Lord, where were You? Don’t You know, Lord, can’t You see all this pain I’m going through?” Then in the midst of my devotions, I was thunderstruck one day When I realized: in my Saviour’s darkest hours all His friends had turned away. When I struggled through depression, I cried, “Lord, where were You? Can’t You take these doubts and fears away; help me somehow make it through?” But I knelt in sweet submission, surrendered all and my heart was still, As I remembered my blessed Saviour praying, “Not Mine, but Your will.” When my heart ached in bitter anguish, grief-struck and broken too, I cried through tears of agony, “Oh my Lord, where were You? I can’t fight this battle anymore, I can’t overcome this gloom.” Then in my self-pity, I recalled, that Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb. When I think that I’m forsaken, bitter, anguished and alone, I remember that my Saviour made all my pain His own. He tasted...

  Still If the stars should fall down from their place, If the tears fell slowly down my face, Lord, still would I trust You, And give You my praise. If the world should be overcome by evil, Still would I thank You for the good that remains; If I am overcome by evil, Lord, I ask You to remove the stains. If life ever becomes too much to bear, Remind me of how much You deeply care. If all Your blessings suddenly ceased to pour, Still I want it to be You that I adore. Yea, though You slay me, Lord, Still would I trust You. Though my path may seem dark, Still would I follow You. Still would I wait for You, Until Christ is standing at the door, But no matter how much I love You, Lord, Still I know that You love me more. April 30th, 1995 Jerry Bouey Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it (Christ's return) is nigh, even at the...

  His Voice Cries Out When this world loudly screams at you, And steals away your song, God's gentle voice whispers deep within, "To Me, My child, you belong." When you're overwhelmed by the things you've done, And are haunted by your past, A tender voice cries out and shelters you, "Mine is a love that will last." When it seems your heart is hardening, And you sense that there's a blindness, Remember the Lord Himself has called you, And drawn you with lovingkindness. When the hurting is so very real, And the pain seems to touch your soul, Jesus is beckoning so softly, "Come to Me. I will make you whole." When the aching inside overwhelms you, And you need a friend who's near, The voice of Heaven keeps on calling out, "Oh My child, I am here." When you feel that you're left all alone, And through these tears you can't even see, God's voice still cries out to comfort you, "My dear child, you are precious to Me....

  For A Season For a season, there will be troubles, For the needed time, then they will go. God has a purpose for every trial; They are only for a season, you know. Overwhelmed with sudden loss and anguish, With a heavy heart, broken in despair. Look up to Jesus for His comfort - Even for this season, He will be there. For a season, sufferings are our portion, But, then, in a moment, they will pass away. And after the season of our sorrows, Heaven's glory will shine bright as day. February 24th, 2002 Jerry Bouey (Dedicated to the Lockharts) Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season , if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. 1 Peter 1:6 The Bible teaches that we will have manifold (many kinds of) trials. That we are to rejoice in them. That there is a need for us to go through them, that the Lord has a purpose for every trial He allows in our lives. There is also a bright ray of hope shining through that verse, wh...

The Good News When you compromise and give in to your gravest sin, and you realize that it’s not what you thought it would be, When you look within your heart and abhor the blackest parts, and wonder who can cleanse and make you free. When you tremble at the thought of all the pain and grief you’ve wrought, and you shudder down to your very soul, With horror at your shame, you realize that you’re to blame, and you long to be forgiven and made whole. When you think that it’s the end, think again my friend, Jesus died upon the cross for you and me. He was our sacrifice for sin. He died and rose again, so that we could have peace with God eternally. Our sins deserve the wrath of God entire in the eternal lake of fire, but there is yet a better way. Jesus Christ offered Himself in our place, and by repentance and faith, we can be reconciled to God this very day. If you need another reason; remember sin’s pleasures only last a season, but the joys of Heaven last forevermore. If you forsake ...

Handle With Prayer May the Lord who weaved us in our mothers' wombs, Knit our very hearts together. May our God who knows us intimately, Be our comfort in stormy weather. May the Lord who made us family in Christ, And has our very lives in His hands, Be the one we pour out our hearts to - Because I know He understands. May Jesus, who walked this way before us, And knows our deepest sorrow, Give us grace to help in time of need, So that we can face tomorrow. He experienced our temptations, Our trials, and our pain; He knows what it is like to press on Through the driving rain. May the Lord who has graven us On the palms of His hands, Be our source of lasting hope, The Rock on which we stand. There is nowhere we can go to That our Lord isn't by our side; He has given us life eternal - A love that can never be denied. God knows our deepest emotions; In Him we can truly confide. He is our trust, our treasure, His Spirit is our guide. When the burden is heavy and life Weighs us down...

The Darkness Is Passing Away The shadow of death will turn to morning like the breaking of the day, Our trials will turn to blessings in God’s own wondrous way; These light afflictions are for a moment, then they too will pass away, When the brightness of His glory is here forevermore to stay. The light shines through the darkness, though sometimes the way seems dim; Follow your Saviour through the shadows - Just keep your eyes on Him. The path that once seemed so uncertain grows ever brighter by the day, Soon the darkness will be gone forever when the shadows flee away. Though the shadows overwhelm you, and you can’t see the path ahead, At times the storm clouds gather round you, and frighten you with their dread; Jesus will turn your mourning into dancing; your sorrow and pain will pass away - The bright Morning Star is coming soon - with the dawning of a new day. One day, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, We’ll pass from death to immortality, when we meet our Lord in the ...

Will You? Will you be submissive to God's leading in your life? Will you accept His very best when searching for a wife? Will you search for wisdom, as others search for gold? Will you give Jesus your whole heart, and not a part withhold? Will you always stand for truth, and defend against the lies? Will you live a life of righteousness, and not of compromise? Will you abide daily in God's counsel, and take heed unto His Word? Will you strive to be more Christlike, more like our precious Lord? November 28, 1998 Jerry Bouey (Dedicated to my nephew, Andrew, who is searching for God's will in his life.  I found this old poem in a box in 2023, written literally two weeks before he was born.) Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what...

Wrestling Until The Break Of Day Alone with God - salvation’s story, Wrestling until the break of day. This is worth the greatest glory, To cling to Jesus come what may. Wrestling, praying, holding on so tight, Like a prince, I won’t let Him go. Transformed by grace throughout the night - Oh how much He must love me so! Running from fear, and troubling trials, Faltering, afraid, stopped in my tracks; From worry, to peace - yet, all the while, Knowing inside there’s no turning back. Wrestling until the darkness shatters, A part of me won’t give up this fight; But it’s not my hold on God that matters: He is wrestling with my soul tonight. Struggling, pleading, in desperation, Until my strength is taken away, Wondering at my situation - Believing He’s the victor this day. Within my own heart, there is a peace: He will not leave His work undone; Transforming my life piece by piece, Until the rising of the sun. Wrestling in faith, like Jacob of old, Until his life was rearranged - Now touch...

A Reststop Along The Way When the valleys of life seem so dreary, And the way ahead seems so hard, My soul aches and cries out for a reststop - Somewhere safe I can let down my guard. A place of calm within the tempest, A hiding place from the wintery blast. A place of refuge for my troubled heart - Where Shiloh’s waters flow gently past. A comfort in my time of trouble; A haven of rest in my darkest day; A sanctuary where my soul is safe, A blessed shelter along the way. When I am dry and my soul is thirsty, You alone bring soothing to my pain; You are the only shadow in this weary land - The refreshing cloud that comes with the rain. My soul is hid in the cleft of the Rock - You’re my High Tower in the midst of my strife, You hold me close in your everlasting arms, And feed me with Your words of life. All that I need I find in You, Jesus - You are the Shepherd that leads me each day; Your peace prevails in this heart of mine, In You, I find the rest I need along life’s way. You are m...

Abide In Me (What I imagine Jesus would say to comfort and encourage someone) I am with you in sorrow, I will share your pain. I will stand beside you when the sun comes up again. I'll protect you and keep you safe in the day, Bring you back close beside Me whenever you stray. I'll bless you and hold you in My arms so strong, Sing you gently to sleep with a tender love song. My beauty will fill your heart with peace, My comfort and love will never cease. I'll stay with you forever, My truth will make you free. I'll be your joy, your hope, your life if you will only abide in Me. September 7th, 1993 Jerry Bouey The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 See also John 8:31-32, 36; and 15:4-5

Ready For Christmas? "Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh, As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high, Then wearily sat for a moment and read, Till soon, very soon, she was nodding her head. Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream, "Ready for Christmas? What do you mean? Ready for Christmas when only last week You wouldn't acknowledge your friend on the street. "Ready for Christmas, while holding a grudge? Perhaps you had better let God be the judge, Why, how can the Christ-child come and abide In the heart that is selfish and filled with pride? "Ready for Christmas when only today A beggar lad came and you turned him away Without even a smile to show that you cared? The little he asked - it could have been spared. "Ready for Christmas? You've worked, it is true, But just doing the things that you wanted to do. Ready for Christmas? Your circle's too small - Why, you are not ready for Christmas at all!" She awoke with a start a...

Christmas In Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, with tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place. Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face? I'll ask Him to lift your spirit as I tell Him of your love, so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above. Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing, for I am spending Christmas in heaven and I'm walking with t...

Facing Your Goliath You followed the Lord out of Egypt, Buried your old master in the Red Sea, Wandered around in the wilderness, Knowing your Redeemer has made you free. Crossed over the flooded Jordan, A new beginning, a brand new start; From death into life everlasting, God’s Spirit has given you a new heart. Now you are facing a fearsome foe, That causes swords and shields to rattle, Though weakened by the prolonged fight, You rush determined into battle. Like David versus Goliath, In the Valley of Strength that day, You face an enemy like no other - But the Lord has prepared the way. As you gather each smooth stone by faith, And grip your sling firmly in your hand, You are ready to claim God’s promises, And take each step as He has planned. Fully equipped in God’s armour, You fight for the Promised Land; Steadfast with the eyes of faith, Victorious, in Christ Jesus you stand. August 21st, 2023 Jerry Bouey (Dedicated to John Nevokshonoff, who is facing his own Goliath of cancer rig...

Day By Day Day by day, I will trust Christ Day by day, He will provide He will give me grace and mercy If in His presence I abide. Day by day, He knows my sorrows Day by day, He shares my pain Jesus is my joy and comfort He's my strength and life again. Day by day, I can trust Him Though some days I come unglued As I wait upon the Lord I find my strength is renewed. Day by day, I have God's blessings Which Christ's sacrifice affords I cannot rely on my own strength I will rather boast in the Lord. Day by day... August 3rd, 1999 Jerry Bouey "...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25b I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 Written when I was dealing with chronic muscle pain (Fibromyalgia) and realized that my own physical strength was undependable at times - and I wanted to remind myself that my Lord is always dependable, and His strength is always there for the asking.

 Be Thou My Vision 1 Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art; be Thou my best thought in the day and the night, both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light. 2 Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word; be Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord; be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son, be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one. 3 Be Thou my Breastplate, my Sword for the fight; be Thou my whole Armor, be Thou my true Might; be Thou my soul’s Shelter, be Thou my strong Tow’r, O raise Thou me heav’nward, great Pow’r of my pow’r. 4 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, be Thou mine inheritance, now and always; be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart, O High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art. 5 High King of heaven, Thou heaven's bright Sun, O grant me its joys, after vict'ry is won; Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be Thou my Vision, O Ruler of all. (Translator: Mary E. Byrne) Psalm 119:18  Op...

 Tender Moments Of The Heart The treasure of your memory will be with us always; We thank you for the love you shared and all your thoughtful ways. We miss you now and know that somehow we will go on; Reminded of the care you showed – the family ties are still strong. Things will be different now; We no longer have your laughter nor smile. Instead we have reminders that your love was so worthwhile. We see your faded photographs – now everything has changed. In every card, in every teardrop, love was so carefully arranged. We are so saddened by the suddenness with which you did depart, But we can rejoice in your memories – these tender moments of the heart. March 1996 Written by Jerry Bouey Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so ...

The Old Refiner He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat, As He watched by the precious ore, And closer He bent with a searching gaze As He heated it more and more. He knew He had ore that could stand the test, And He wanted the finest gold To mould as a crown for the King to wear, Set with gems with a price untold. So He laid our gold in the burning fire, Tho' we fain would have said Him 'Nay,' And He watched the dross that we had not seen, And it melted and passed away. And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright, But our eyes were so dim with tears, We saw but the fire--not the Master's hand, And questioned with anxious fears. Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow, As it mirrored a Form above, That bent o'er the fire, tho' unseen by us, With a look of ineffable love. Can we think that it pleases His loving heart To cause us a moment's pain? Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross The bliss of eternal gain. So He waited there with a watchful eye, Wi...