There's A Blessing (Poem)

 

There's A Blessing

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing from above;
When we fellowship together,
And our hearts are knit in love.
We're one family united,
Joint-heirs by His blood.

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing in this place;
Hear the preaching of God's Word,
As we seek the Saviour's face.
With love, exhorting one another,
Bound together by His grace.

Don't miss out on church -
There's a blessing on the way;
Bring all your tithes and offerings,
And watch how Jesus does repay.
There's a blessing in the work,
When we go, and give, and pray.

Don't miss out on the blessing!

September 15th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

(Written for the Tenth Anniversary of People's Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC)

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:41-42

Prayer For My Friends (Poem)

 

Prayer For My Friends

Oh Lord, my heart is breaking for my friends,
I am grieved and I don't know what to do.
I've done all I can to offer them hope;
All that's left, Father, is to lift them up to You.

I can't change the situations in their lives,
Oh God, they seem so powerless and weak.
Jesus, You who share their every sorrow,
Fill their hearts with the strength and peace they seek.

Lord, let me stand in the gap for all my friends,
Let me lift them in prayer to You each day,
Let me be faithful, Lord, to show Your love,
And shine a beacon of hope to light the way.

Let me be a witness of all that You can do
Through a life that's set apart for Your glory,
And when the raging tempests come their way
Let perfect peace and comfort be their story.

Let my example be a source of hope,
A vivid picture of Your redeeming love.
Let me always tenderly point the way
To the refuge found in Jesus Christ, above.

May 27th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

(For my friend, Alma
I'm praying for you!)

A bruised reed shall He not break,
and smoking flax shall He not quench...
And in His name shall the Gentiles trust.
Matthew 12:20-21

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD
in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1 Samuel 12:23

And I sought for a man among them,
that should make up the hedge,
and stand in the gap before Me for the land,
that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
Ezekiel 22:30

Let me stand in the gap, Lord!

One Heartbeat From Heaven (Poem)

One Heartbeat From Heaven

So many trials to discourage,
So many mountains to block your way,
But you're just one heartbeat from Heaven,
Where the shadows will flee away.

My brother, why are you cast down?
My sister, why are you distressed?
You are just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From a land filled with peace and rest.

My friend, why are you so fearful?
Anxious? - Oh ye of little faith.
You are just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From seeing Jesus face to face.

Storm clouds may dim the horizon,
As lightning bolts streak through the sky,
But you're just one heartbeat from Heaven,
From your mansion prepared on high.

July 17th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Philippians 1:21-24 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Going Through The Door (Poem)

 

Going Through The Door

I'm dying now, he thought, there's no one here to hold my hand -
No one but my Saviour, though I know He understands.
Times have sure been lonely, and my friends have gone away,
I sit here in my easy chair, waiting for the end of day.

My chest is hurting more now and the pain seems awful strong,
But there's a peace within me and on my lips a whispered song.
I try to reach for the phone now, but it seems too far away.
I want to call out to my wife but all I can do is pray.

There are no words coming forth, but my thoughts are racing fast;
In sweet silent meditation, I look back over my past.
Short of breath, I stop to wonder, "Was my life worth it all?"
Then I think of Jesus, and His loving Gospel call:

How He came to me and saved me, changed my heart from within,
How He purchased my full redemption and took away my sin.
Through many years of service, no, I've no regrets,
Because I have a home in Heaven that still awaits me yet.

A sudden sharp pain pricks me, and I slump down to the floor -
Now I can see all my loved ones that I knew had gone on before.
Look there is my beloved daughter, whom the fever took years ago,
And my precious little brother, who had that awful accident in the snow.

Oh, they look so bright and cheerful, how can this vision be true?
Then I remember that Jesus, my Saviour, was their Saviour too.
I reach out for my daughter and she stretches forth her hand,
And says, "Daddy, let's go see Jesus, and walk through Heaven's land."

I look all around me, but this old world seems mighty dim,
And then I see my Jesus, and my soul is awed by Him.
As I stand up to receive Him, into His arms I flee,
And the pain is gone forever, as my strength returns to me.

Dressed in robes of purest white, through pearly gates I walk along
Into the land of forever, with a joyous heart-felt song,
And see multitudes around me, praising and calling out His name,
With love in their hearts flowing, and their souls kindled flames.

I think about my darling wife now, and I know she will be home soon,
When she has finished running her course, for the Lord has prepared her room.
Face to face at last with Jesus, what a beauty our eyes can see,
And I am overwhelmed anew by the love my Saviour has for me.

December 13th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

(This poem is dedicated to my Dad. I miss you and know we will see each other again in glory.)

This is one of the few fictional poems I have written as a believer. Most are written to share Bible promises, to exhort others to trust the Lord in their trials, to express what I am going through, to put in emotional words what I am learning from God's Word - but this is one of the few that was just written as a "what if?" type of poem, sharing ideas I had read about that some other believers were going through at the end of their lives.

In April 2006, my relatives adapted this poem to be read at my Dad's memorial. They removed the fictional family references, but basically kept the rest. My Dad got saved about a year or two before he passed away. Part of this poem fits him - he passed away in another room by himself, stopped breathing, one second he was here, the next he was in glory. I am sure Jesus took him through the door to Heaven.

Freely Forgiven (Poem)

 

Freely Forgiven

Freely forgiven - Jesus counted the cost.
He loves you so much, even though you are lost.
Freely forgiven - Jesus paid the price,
Suffered in your place, He is your sacrifice.

Freely forgiven - But the price was so high.
Freely forgiven - The Son of God came to die.
Freely forgiven - Forgiveness won't cost you a thing.
Freely forgiven - Because, for you, Jesus gave everything.

Freely forgiven - Jesus gave His life for you.
He suffered for your sins - What will you do?
Freely forgiven - But it cost Jesus all.
He died to redeem you - Will you answer His call?

August 18th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Luke 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

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

Contend For The Faith (Poem)

 

Contend For The Faith

When this lost world wants to bring you down,
When the error of the wicked everywhere abounds,
Hold fast what you have, that no man take your crown.
Contend for the faith - you're standing on holy ground.

For the unsaved that God places in your path each day -
For the prodigal sons that have wandered astray -
Put on your Gospel Armour and enter the fray.
Contend for the faith - and fervently pray.

For the lost in a world that is reaching its end - contend!
For the precious souls of your loved ones and friends - contend!
Against a society that doesn't dare to "offend" - contend!
For the Truths on which eternal life depends - contend!

June 19th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 17-19 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Faith To Face (Poem)

 

Faith To Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith to face.

November 23rd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

The Alabaster Box (Poem)

 

The Alabaster Box

(Mark 14:1-9)

She did it; she broke it, there was no turning back.
It was all or nothing; now the box was forever cracked.

The ointment was poured forth, diffused throughout the room.
Jesus' body had been anointed, prepared for burial in the tomb.

It was an offering of love and devotion to her Lord,
But He remembered it forever, recorded in His Word.

It wasn't broken for show, only Jesus knew her heart.
But as the spikenard flowed out, the aroma filled every part.

The good work has been done, but there's a lesson to learn:
In all of life's opportunities, now it's my turn.

The alabaster box of my heart was broken one day.
On the altar of service, there the precious ointment lay.

Dedicated to my Lord - fervent and sincere.
I gave it all to Him, and the cost was dear.

The sacrifice was offered, well-pleasing to God.
I presented it with tears, and a soul that was awed.

Thank You, Lord, for Your plan that includes even me.
And in reasonable service, my life is broken for Thee.

July 23rd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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.
Romans 12:1

Mark 14:1-9 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Dedicated to Bob Garner and Chris Gallegos, whose two messages preached at People's Baptist Church (June 9/2002 and June 26/2002 respectively) were influential in me submitting to the Lord's call of preaching on my life.

"Mark 14:1-9

Yes, she has done what she could.

The alabaster box was broken, the ointment poured forth, in service and honour of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour.

I give myself to You, to do what I can for Your glory and the sake of Your kingdom, The box of my life has been broken. I pour forth my heart and will at your feet, in service to You, my Lord.

I surrender all to You, Jesus.

June 26/2002"

Message written in the front of my Bible.

Count It All Joy (Poem)

 

Count It All Joy

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials in this race.
Count it all joy, my brethren, as you seek the Saviour's face.
Jesus is with you through every trial.
He will stand by you all the while.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials that you've seen.
Count it all joy, my brethren, for nothing can come between,
And separate you from the Lord.
Just cling to Jesus and His Word.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, this trial is but for a season.
Count it all joy, my brethren, the Lord has planned it for a reason.
He is working out all things for your good,
As only our Heavenly Father could.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials that you go through.
Count it all joy, my brethren, for the fires that purify you.
As He molds this vessel to perfection,
Someday Jesus will behold His reflection.
Count it all joy.

March 12th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

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.
Romans 8:28-29

God's Precious Promises (Poem)

 

God's Precious Promises

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

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

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

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

April 8th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

Have you claimed any precious promises lately?

The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage (Poem)

 

The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage

In the springtime of your pilgrimage,
There's a new beginning, a fresh view.
There's a quickening of the spirit,
As you find the Saviour walks with you.

In the fervency of your First Love,
There's a freedom and peace to be found.
The burden of sin has been lifted
And the joy of salvation abounds.

In the summer of your pilgrimage,
The burning sun waxes fierce and strong.
Yet amidst all the trials and sorrows,
Jesus still fills your heart with a song.

Jagged mountains block the horizons
But above them your spirit has soared.
You receive more strength to be a victor,
As you patiently wait on the Lord.

In the Autumn of your pilgrimage,
Wisdom tempers your walk with the Lord.
With earthly treasures all left behind,
You find He is worth all these and more!

You're learning to be a conqueror,
Fighting the good fight with help from above.
You're serving Him faithfully with joy,
So amazed and awed at His love!

In the wintertime of your pilgrimage
Your physical strength is fading fast,
But the joys of Heaven seem so near
And you long for your Home that will last.

Now after a lifetime in His service,
Rejoicing, you lift up your heart to sing.
As you step through His door to open arms,
With tears of gladness, you behold your King!

In the springtime of Heaven's glory,
Awed by all the wonders that you can see,
You're filled with His love, as you behold Jesus -
In Heaven, it's springtime eternally.

November 25th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Jacob's (Israel's) Testimony Of His Pilgrimage With The Lord:

Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Genesis 28:20-21 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

Genesis 48:15-16a And he (Israel) blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads.

Psalms 119:54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The Pilgrim Wrestling With The Lord

Genesis 32:25 And when He saw that He prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with Him.

Our greatest victories are wrought out through pain, and purchased at the cost of the humbling of the flesh. Jacob learned that the secret of prevailing with God and man was not in the strength, but in the weakness and suffering of the flesh. It must ever be so. The victor Lamb bears still the scars of Calvary, and appears as one who had been slain.

Had Laban met Jacob that morning, he would have pointed to that limp as an indication of God's wrath and displeasure; but if he had looked into his face, he would have seen all its hardness and cunning gone, and would have been arrested by the unwonted tenderness in his voice.

The shrunken sinew counteracts pride. - So high a spiritual achievement as to prevail with God might have tempted Jacob to arrogance and self-esteem. But God anticipated the possible temptation by this physical infirmity, which was constantly present to Jacob's consciousness.

The shrunken sinew was the secret of victory. - Had it not been shrivelled by the angel's touch, Jacob would have continued to resist in the pride of his strength, and would never have clung convulsively to the angel, crying, "I will not let Thee go." (Genesis 32:26) It was only in that act that he became Israel, the Prince.

The shrunken sinew makes us think little of this world and much of the next. - From this moment Jacob takes up more of the pilgrim attitude. He finds that for him, at least, the pace will have to be slower; but it is well, for he relaxes his hold on the seen to entwine more tenaciously about the unseen. "The days of the years of my pilgrimage" (Genesis 47:9) - such is his epitome of his life.

(Taken from Our Daily Homily by F.B. Meyer)

For A Season (Poem)

 

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, which at first, in the darkest moments, we may overlook. It is just five simple words:

Though - though it may not seem joyful when we are going through them. Our hearts may be heavy and weighed down.

Now - right here, right now, you are going through a trial, but the trial isn't all there is on the horizon. All is not bleak or gloomy, though it may seem like it now.

And finally, for a season - There is an appointed time for every trial, there is a season of struggle that we go through, but like the seasons of the year, they will end in time, and a new period will begin in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God says "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Let the Lord fulfill His will in your lives, cling to Him through the trials, let Him teach you what He wants you to learn from this season, and cling to the Biblical hope that "...we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The Lord Jesus Christ knows what He is doing! Just trust Him, and if the road is rough, let Him be your refuge and let Him carry you safely in His everlasting arms. (See Deuteronomy 33:27)

Written February 24th, 2002

Jerry Bouey

ABC's From My Heart by Kate Plourde (Poem)

 

ABC’s From My Heart

Thou art my Advocate, always interceding for me.
My Bridegroom I will one day face-to-face see.
A Cornerstone Thou art to my Christian foundation.
My Deliverer from all trials as well as temptation.

My Everlasting Father, Thou hast a Hand of great mercy
A Fountain, My thirst Thou removest far from me
Thou art my Guide, without Thee I do wander
My High Priest, for my salvation Thou didst suffer

Immanuel, God with us, alone I won’t be
My Judge, Thou wilt judge me righteously
O King, how I long to witness Thy reign
Thou became a Lamb, for my salvation to gain

My Mediator, to the Heavenly Father Thou proclaimest
Thy Name is above all Names, Thou art surely the Greatest
Only Begotten of the Father, The First and the Last
Thou art the Passover, buried my sins in the past

Quicken my heart, Thy Spirit I desire
Redeemer of my sins and from hell’s eternal fire
O Shepherd of my soul, Thou carest for me
Thou art the True Vine, I would perish without Thee

United with the Father, Thy voice do I hear
Victorious o’er death, no more shall I fear
Word of Life, Thou has truly opened mine eyes
To witness Thy EXample of love from on high

You are the Almighty, Great and the Most High One
Thy Zeal for redemption, my soul Thou hast won!
You are Alpha and Omega, beginning and end
Your kingdom is coming, forever You'll reign.

Kate Plourde
June 17, 2002

(Used With Permission)

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Other poems written by Kate Plourde (one of my webpartners):

Jesus My Redeemer, My King

Under Thy Wings

Kate's Devotional site, Maranatha

O Taste And See (Poem)

 O Taste And See

There is an emptiness in all our hearts;

A longing only the Lord can fill.

There's turmoil inside, a restlessness,

Only the peace of God can still.

O taste and see.

The burden of sin weighs heavily -

A burden that is too much to bear.

You can cast them all upon Jesus Christ,

He died for your sins because He cares.

O taste and see.

There's a new beginning - a blank page -

Waiting to be written for you.

Turn to the Saviour; He can cleanse each stain.

He alone makes all things new.

O taste and see.

O taste and see that the Lord is good,

He loves you so much, that's true!

O taste and see that the Lord is gracious,

See how much He cares for you!

O taste and see.

O taste and see that the Lord is good,

The Shepherd is seeking and calling you.

The price was paid for all who will come.

Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you.

O taste and see!

December 2nd, 2002

Jerry Bouey

O taste and see that the LORD is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

Psalm 34:8

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby:

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

1 Peter 2:2-3

Casting all your care upon Him; 

for He careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

So Amazed (Song)

So Amazed

Basking in Your presence at the start of the day,

I meditate in wonder and begin to pray.

“So amazed,” is all my raptured soul can say.

Who am I, Lord, that You would love me this way?

Once burdened by sins that my mind couldn’t erase,

Now, forgiven – in Your sight there’s not even a trace.

So amazed and awed by Your amazing grace.

Who am I, Lord, that You would die in my place?

At the mountaintop, at last, I rest from my climb,

Rejoicing in the soothing peace that I find.

So amazed, in Christ I have victory this time.

By staying focused on Him, steadfast in mind.

So amazed, Lord, by Your amazing grace,

So amazed, Jesus, that You died in my place,

So amazed by all the wondrous things that You do,

So amazed, my God, I’m so amazed in You!

April 5th, 2002

Jerry Bouey

And David the king came and sat before the LORD,

and said, Who am I, O LORD God,

and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

1 Chronicles 17:16.

My Son, Give Me Thine Heart (Poem)

I found this in one of my saved emails and wanted to post it along with the poem, to give the thoughts behind writing it:

Dear friends,

The following poem was written by Jerry Bouey in response to our article "Not Forgetting the Children." This is an excellent poem that truly conveys the spiritual truth we wanted to convey. It also speaks to the real spiritual problem in rearing our children to serve the Savior and why many fail to do so. We hope it is an encouragement to you.

Pastor Terry L. Coomer
Hope Biblical Counseling Center

Terry,
I just wanted to say thank you for all your messages. They are a blessing to me. I do not have children, but want to glean all the wisdom I can in preparation for a Godly home some day - if the Lord wills me to be married.

Many of the points you emphasized today, as well as the main verse - Proverbs 23:26, were preached on at our church Sunday night. The Lord loves getting our attention and repeating what He wants His children to hear!

I wrote a poem this morning that I wanted to pass on to you. Feel free to use it if you'd like. It is called My Son, Give Me Thine Heart.

My Son, Give Me Thine Heart

"My son, give me thine ears,"
Is a saying that may seem wise.
While they listen to your words,
You don't know what goes on inside.
They may appear to pay attention,
To respond to all you have to say,
But nothing is changed in their lives;
They may heed, but do not obey.

"My son, give me thine eyes;
Observe all that I do.
Overlook all my hypocrisy,
And copy the good and true."
While that saying may seem right,
It's only part of what God has to say -
They may watch all of your actions,
But inside, they're unchanged each day.

"My son, give me thine heart,"
Seek the Lord with all diligence.
Jesus works from the inside out;
That's what makes the difference.
Because when God really has your heart,
You will observe all He tells you to:
Obey your parents, read God's Word,
And glorify the Lord in all you do.

December 4th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

My son, give me thine heart,
and let thine eyes observe my ways.
Proverbs 23:26

He's Still Got The Whole World In His Hands (Poem)

He’s Still Got The Whole World In His Hands

I was worried and discouraged -
Life had me quite upset.
I was ready to give in and break down,
But a still small voice whispered, "Not yet."

I was reminded of God's love for me;
A gentle assurance brought me hope.
The Lord is not limited by my situations,
And that reminder helped me cope.

His Spirit lives within me,
And I know I have been born again.
Whatever happens to this old world
I know it is still held in His hands.

Yes, He's still got the whole world in His hands,
Though sometimes I may not see;
But Jesus reminds me from His Words of Life
That with those same gentle hands He still holds me.

I need not fear for my tomorrows,
And my past is all but gone,
But when I look toward my future,
His bright promises shine on!

July 29th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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.

For a Bible study on this theme of being held by God's hands, please read: Upheld By The Lord

The Rich Man (Poem)

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 someone would tell my brethren,
Lest they come to this place of torment too.

March 26th/02
Jerry Bouey

This is the story of the rich man in Luke 16. I had written a poem called I've Gone Home - which has become one of my most popular poems. It was an attempt to give a Scriptural glimpse of Heaven to offer comfort to some friends of mine who had lost a saved loved one. Then my webpartner on EarnestlyContending (Angela Trenholm) challenged me to do a poem on Hell, starting with the same phrase, "I've gone home," but then leading to a description of Hell instead of Heaven - as a warning and exhortation for those who are not saved to trust the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation before it is too late.

I like to think of I've Gone Home as Lazarus' story, and use both poems to present the contrast of what Heaven and Hell are truly like Biblically.

Are you prepared for eternity? Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from your sins and give you a home in Heaven when you die. The Bible does clearly refer to where we go after we die as our "long home", because that is where we will spend eternity:

Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Where is your home in eternity? Heaven or Hell?

If you are not sure that Heaven is your home, please prayerfully read the following Gospel tract, which will show you from the Bible how you can be saved and be assured of a home in Heaven: God's Simple Plan Of Salvation. Why be unsure when God says you can know? Take God's Word on it!

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

The Answers Why (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 trust my eternal wisdom, and know it's all according to My Plan.

December 20th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

Being confident of this very thing,
that He which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

According to the eternal purpose
which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Ephesians 3:11

My Hiding Place (Song)

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.
Psalm 32:7