Jesus In You (Poem)

Jesus In You

Day by day, and throughout all the years,
You taught us by faith what was right and true;
You modelled our Saviour in word and in deed -
We learned so much about Jesus through you.

Faithfully trusting and serving our Saviour;
We are amazed by all that our God can do
Through those who follow in the footsteps of faith -
We know we can see Jesus living in you.

Through the years, I’m sure you’ve entertained angels;
By your example, we know our hearts grew too;
You showed compassion in your care for us all -
We see Jesus loving others through you.

You showed us this life’s not the end of the story,
You modelled for us the eternal view,
In this world with all of its fading glory,
In the way you live, we see Jesus in you.

December 10, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my Pastor, Randy Hoxie, and his wife, Ruth,
with love from your church family at Faith Baptist Church.
Christmas Project 2023)

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

My Prayer For Sanctuary (Song)

My Prayer For Sanctuary

I need a quiet place, Lord, where I can get away;
Where I can seek Your face, as I kneel to pray;
Somewhere there’s a refuge, away from the world outside,
Where I can be at peace, Lord, as I’m walking by Your side.

I need a Sanctuary, my own hiding place,
Somewhere I can get away and daily seek your grace;
A place of peace and solitude, a place to call my own -
Where I can focus on my Saviour, and spend time with Him alone.

A place I can put my worries away up on a shelf;
A place of joy and comfort, where I can be myself.
A solace and a refuge, Lord, a haven in Your sight;
A shelter from this world - my own harbour of delight.

Somewhere life does not intrude and Your peace is in my heart.
Seeking You in spirit and truth is the only place to start.
You and You alone are all that my soul wants to view,
When this world comes knocking, they’ll know I spent much time with You.

A place of calm refreshing, of soothing healing in Your arms, 
Where I can lay my burdens down, and take shelter from the storm;
You’re my Prince of Peace, my Rock, and my high tower,
My own Sanctuary - oh, how I need You every hour!

Lead me day by day, Lord, make all my pathways straight and true,
Gently speak to my heart - remind me my Haven of Rest is You!

November 17th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Ryan and Jen Hoxie - Christmas Project 2023)

Isaiah 8:14a And he shall be for a sanctuary…

Isaiah 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Isaiah 32:2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psalms 107:29-30 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalms 18:1-2 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Our Little Miracle (Poem)

Our Little Miracle

You were so small, our tiny little baby;
The doctors said that you couldn’t survive,
But in our hearts, we knew you were special;
Our wondrous miracle - the Lord kept you alive.

God knew you before He ever made you.
In the womb, you were formed by His hand.
In His love, all your moments were written,
All designed according to His plan.

“Fear not, thou worm Jacob…
I will help thee, saith the LORD,”
God whispered these words to me,
And I knew I could trust in His Word.

Though “the mountains depart, and the hills be removed,”
We believed our Heavenly Father was in control;
We could leave you safely in His tender care,
Knowing He watched over your body and soul.

I will gently lead you beside Me,
Guide your steps as you carry this son,
And one day your worries will be over,
In your own arms, you’ll bear this little one -
Zachery, your own little miracle son.

November 12, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to the Schultz Family - Christmas Project 2023)

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 41:10, 13-14 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness… For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Psalms 139:13-16 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

The Gift Of Myrrh (Poem)

The Gift Of Myrrh

The wise men came to Bethlehem,
Came to worship the young Child;
They brought their gifts to offer Him -
Jesus, the Saviour, so meek and mild.

Each of the treasures the wise men gave
Told of great riches they had in store;
Though worth much to this poor family,
What they symbolized was so much more.

The wise men brought to Him their gold -
Oh what a precious offering.
A fitting tribute for this Child
Who was born the King of kings.

They also gave Him frankincense -
These wise men from the East;
For many Scriptures testified:
The Son of God would be our High Priest.

The greatest gift they gave to Jesus,
More important than all the rest,
Was the gift of myrrh they offered Him,
Signifying His coming death.

For not the blood of bulls and goats,
Nor our righteous works could ever wash away
The stain of sin of fallen man -
Forgiveness couldn’t come that way.

The King of kings came from on high,
The Priest who would be our Sacrifice;
The Son of Man which came to die,
Only He could bear that costly price.

Jesus is that spotless Lamb of God
Who fulfilled all of the Laws demands;
Only He could pay redemption’s price,
And bring salvation down to man.

December 17, 2023
Jerry Bouey

Though there are various aspects to the “Christmas story”, and this poem is based on the meaning behind the gifts of the wise men (their story is told in Matthew 2:1-13), here is the message about the coming Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, as told to the shepherds on the night He was born as a Baby in a manger. Sometime around the age of two years old, the wise men came to the Child in the house where He as living in Bethlehem. As the account of His life unfolded, He lived and grew up in Nazareth until He became a Man. He was thirty years old when He began His public ministry. But to be our Saviour, the Son of God not only had to be one of us and grow up among us, Jesus Christ had to shed His blood and die upon the cross one day for our sins. He did that, fulfilling by Himself all that was needed to save us, and then He arose again three days later and ascended up to Heaven, where He is now the believer's High Priest, petitioning the Father on our behalf until the day He takes true believers home to Heaven to be with Him forever. That is the story of Christmas, and the story of the Bible!

Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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.

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage (Poem)

Be Strong And Of A Good Courage

“Be strong and of a good courage,” My child,
“Fear not, nor be afraid,” saith the Lord.
May your life be filled to the brim with His promises,
Overflowing with hope and wisdom gleaned from God’s Word.

Jesus is your Shepherd who will lead and guide you;
He will walk beside you every step of the way;
He will lift you up and carry you there in His arms,
Bring you back close beside Him whenever you stray.

There is so much the Lord wants to do for you,
So much your Heavenly Father has in store;
Just when you think that you can’t be more blessed,
God surprises your life with even more.

In His Word, you have His promise to be with you,
Through all the sunny days, and even the bad.
He will work out all things together for your good;
There are so many reasons to “rejoice and be glad.”

As a pilgrim and a stranger on this journey,
May all of your days be filled with Heaven’s best.
As you look back over your life in reflection,
May you find that you have been truly blessed.

December 3, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Debbie Wark - Christmas Project 2023)

The phrase, “be strong and of a good courage” (or a slightly different wording of it) occurs seven times in the two chapters wherein Moses and the Lord (and Joshua) are giving instructions to the nation of Israel before they enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31 and Joshua 1):

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 31:23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

It also appears in the following verses:

Joshua 10:25
1 Chronicles 22:13; 28:20

He will not fail/leave thee, nor forsake thee is used seven times in the Bible:

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Kings 8:57 The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:

1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Psalms 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

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

In light of the promise in Hebrews 13:5,

Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Walking on the Water With Jesus (Poem)

Walking on the Water With Jesus

Walking boldly on the water with Jesus,
Knowing the waves are under His full control;
Having sure footing in the midst of the storm,
Oh, the joy and wonder that thrills my soul.

Stepping out in faith is so amazing,
Though this situation seems almost unreal;
I’m the only one brave enough to stand on the waves,
Imagine what all these fishermen must feel.

But looking out upon the deep is very daunting -
The wind is scattering the clouds across the sky;
Slowly, I’m beginning to sink in the water;
Faltering, “Lord, save me” is all I can cry.

Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught me,
He held me up safely though the storm raged about;
Soon we were in the ship and the waves stopped their roaring;
He said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”

Whether in the ship or out upon the water,
The Master of the waves controls the windswept sea.
It’s not the storm or calm without the ship that matters -
But the peace within my heart that my Lord gives me.

If all you can do is cry out to your Saviour
When the wind and the waves flood your soul,
Remember the Shepherd shelters you in His arms -
Jesus holds you close and will never let you go.

November 27, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to a friend who feels she is sinking in the waves)

Matthew 14:22-33 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Only In Jesus (Poem)

 

Only In Jesus

The eternal God is your refuge,
Holding you up, keeping you close.
There’s a comfort in His presence
Only the child of faith truly knows.

Peace that passeth all understanding,
Guarding your spirit and your mind;
Assurance from the heart of God,
That only the trusting soul can find.

Underneath are His everlasting arms;
Lifting you up from the miry clay,
Covering you with His sheltering wings,
Giving you the strength you need each day.

Only in Jesus is that perfect peace,
Only in Jesus can you find that rest,
That yoke, walking side by side with Him -
In the hands of the Saviour you are blessed.

Only in Jesus.

April 10th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my friend, Julie. May the Lord hold you close in His everlasting arms during this trying time.)

Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

Deuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

Psalms 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Just As I Was (Song)

I really do love the hymn, Just As I Am, that tells about salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing we need to bring to Him to save us - just repentance of our sins (ie. a change of mind about our sins that we see them as wicked in His sight and we no longer desire them the way we did before - we want the Saviour instead) and faith in His shed blood and finished work upon the cross of Calvary. Unfortunately, to many in the religious world, Just As I Am becomes a creed to justify staying as we are - no change, no repentance, nothing different - but somehow still saved and Heaven bound! When we sang this song as our closing hymn in church yesterday, I was thinking about the difference true salvation does make - and that difference is eternal. The Lord God changes us, cleanses us, adopts us as His children, gives us eternal life, regenerates us and makes us new creatures in Him, and so much more. I came to the Lord just as I was - but praise the Lord, I did not stay that way!

(My friend, Angela, really helped me iron this poem out and turn it into a song.)

Just As I Was

Just as I was, I came to You;
You took my heart and made it new;
Transformed by Your grace - Lord, I love You.
Oh Jesus, my Saviour, I’m Yours, I’m Yours.

Not as I was - my sins are all gone;
I’m now adopted as Your son;
For on the cross, it all was done.
Oh Heavenly Father, I’m saved, I’m saved.

Not as I was - in darkest night;
You opened my eyes and gave me sight;
Washed by Your blood, and changed by Your might.
Oh Lamb of God, I’m cleansed, I’m cleansed.

Now as I am - You’ve shown me Your way;
For when I bowed my head to pray,
You gave me new life that very day.
Lord, by Your Spirit, I’m changed, I’m changed.

November 19, 2023
Jerry Bouey and Angela Trenholm

Jeremiah 31:33-34 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Jeremiah 33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Blazing A Trail God’s Way (Poem)

 

Blazing A Trail God’s Way

Way back in olden times, in the pioneer days,
“Go West, Young man,” was an often heard phrase.
Go make your own mark, go blaze your own trail -
In the eyes of the world you will never fail.

But the way to make a difference in the eyes of the Lord
Is to base your whole life upon the truths found in God’s Word.
Jesus is the Author of your faith - He’s already blazed the way;
Follow closely in His footsteps, cling to Him every day.

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” you’ll never walk alone;
He has a plan and a purpose that you can call your very own;
He will provide all things that will need to serve Him faithfully;
Stir up the gifts He’s given you; keep your eyes on eternity.

He’s the Finisher of your faith - that means He has a plan;
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Remember the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and to save;
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not” - be Brave!

The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day -
Go forth, Young man, and blaze your new trails in God’s perfect way.

November 17, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to young preachers setting out in the ministry, and especially my friend, Ahikiriza Brave)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Timothy 1:6-7 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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

Go Forward On Your Knees (Poem)

The quotes are actual statements by missionaries or preachers of the past.

Go Forward On Your Knees

How brave and sure were those missionaries of old,

Those faithful prayer warriors - they were so bold;

Courageously saying, “Give me souls or I die!”

“Go forward on your knees” was their fervent battle cry.

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”

Go forward boldly, following your Saviour from on high;

Though “You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God” -

“Go forward on your knees” - follow the footsteps Jesus has trod.

By faith we know, “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world!”

Under the banner of the cross, let your flag be unfurled.

Victory is promised, but it will not be on beds of ease -

A life of dedicated service - “Go forward on your knees”!

Whether you serve your Father here, or serve the Lord abroad,

“Expect great things from” Him, and “Attempt great things for God.”

Wherever you may go, around the corner or across the seas -

Be faithful to the Lord in prayer - “Go forward on your knees!”

November 14, 2023

Jerry Bouey

Before reaching Honan, Goforth had received a cordial letter from Hudson Taylor, telling him of the tremendous obstacles ahead and reminding him of his need of super-natural assistance. "Brother, if you would enter that province," Taylor wrote, "you must go forward on your knees." Goforth did just that. Not a day passed but that circumstances and events caused him to recall his life text and to rely on its promise, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). (Quoted from Giants Of The Missionary Trail by Eugene Myers Harrison)

“Give me souls or I die!” - Praying Hyde

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” - Hudson Taylor

“You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God.” - Hudson Taylor

“Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.” - Charles Spurgeon

“Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God.” - William Carey

Several other great missionary quotes:

“All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” - Hudson Taylor

“Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” - CT Studd

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” - CT Studd

How Shall They Call? (Poem)

How Shall They Call?

In a world that is blinded by darkness,

Men’s souls that are shadowed by night,

We shine out among those around us -

To the lost and perishing, we are the light.

How shall they call unless they hear the truth.

How shall they respond unless they know;

How shall they ever hear the Gospel,

Unless someone here tells them so.

Jesus Christ paid the price that was needed

To redeem mankind back from their sin;

The Holy Spirit came to this world,

So that lost man could be born again.

But how shall they call unless they hear Him;

How shall they respond unless they know

How shall the lost world hear of Jesus,

Unless someone saved is willing to go?

We need to see the lost souls around us;

Hear their cries, let them touch our hearts;

We’ve been sent out by our Father -

Let us be faithful and each do our part.

How shall they call unless they hear Jesus;

How shall they respond unless they know;

How shall they ever believe the Gospel,

Unless someone here is willing to go?

November 12, 2023

Jerry Bouey

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Philippians 2:15-16 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.

Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind (Poem)

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 9th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Isaiah 26:3-4  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

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

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

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

ABC's Of Heaven's Glory (Song)

 

ABC’s Of Heaven’s Glory

Adopted as God’s child,
Born from above,
Carried to Heaven on the wings of His love.

Destined for glory,
Eternity is in view,
For consider the
Great plans
He has for me and you -
In His wisdom He will follow them through.

Jehovah, Jesus,
King of Kings,
Lord of Lords;
Marvel at our Saviour, worship Him in one accord.

No name is greater -
Only Jesus will reign;
Ponder the promise He is coming again!

Quiet the inward struggles,
Rest in His gentle arms, be
Still your anxious thoughts - He will calm the raging storm.

Tarry in prayer a moment,
Until He answers you;
Verily God has promised -
Watch Him come through.

EXalt your great Leader, follow Him day by day -
You’re marching upward to
Zion, and He’s leading the way!

Always
Be
Careful, to watch and to pray.

November 7, 2023
Jerry Bouey

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.

Please visit this page for two of my other ABC poems, written when I was much younger:
ABC's Of Faith/Alphabet Poem

Lift Up Their Hands (Poem)

Lift Up Their Hands

Lift up the hands that have fallen down,
Oh, my brethren, strengthen the feeble knees…
But what if it’s your hands that have grown weaker,
What if it’s you that falters in times like these?

What if your hands are feeling too heavy for you,
What if the burdens you carry seem too much to bear,
What if your soul is overwhelmed by your own struggles,
Where are those dear friends to lift you up in prayer?

Lord Jesus, bring an Aaron alongside their path,
To walk beside them and lift up their hands.
They’re faltering and weary and feel so weak -
They need a comforter to help them to stand.

A friend who can stand in the gap for Your people,
To lift up their spirits when they wander from home,
A brother to bring them before the throne of God;
To help them remember where their true strength comes from.

Let me be that servant that will petition for them,
Who will hold up their hands through the long dark night,
Let me be the warrior that comes alongside,
To help them to win in these battles they fight.

Let me stand in the gap for my friends,
To lift up those hands that hang down.

Use me, Lord, to lift up their hands.

October 26, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to all my friends in the Lord.
Let me be an Aaron to lift up their hands in prayer when they struggle.)

Job 4:3-6 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Exodus 17:8-13 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

There Were None Like These (Poem)

There Were None Like These

In the time of the kings of Israel,
Way back in the olden days,
There were kings who made a difference,
With their righteous or wicked ways.
There are lessons we can glean from,
Oh, listen to me now, if you please -
In a Book filled with true examples,
Good or bad - there were none like these.

From the northern tribes, we had king Ahab,
From the southern, king Manasseh,
These two kings tore apart their kingdoms,
Filled them with their unrighteous ways.
With all the evil that they pursued, 
And all their abominable idolatries,
For utter destruction to their kingdoms -
No remedy was left - there were none like these!

With his kingdom in utter turmoil,
When faced with the Assyrian horde,
Hezekiah was a king like no other,
Despite all obstacles, trusting in the Lord.
He clung to the Lord with his whole heart,
Even in the midst of his greatest weakness;
Believing that God alone could heal -
For moving mountains - there was none like this!

We see Solomon with all his wisdom,
And David, a man after God’s own heart,
Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his might;
Good or bad, each king played their part.
But all of them needed a Redeemer,
All were bound by their iniquities -
No, a Saviour couldn’t come
from sinful men such as these!

From Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden,
To the last soul born on this earth,
All mankind has fallen short of God’s glory,
All are in need of a second birth.
From the best and worse among us,
All are filled with our iniquities;
Is there any who can deliver?
No, not from among ones such as these!

Till one day a righteous King was born,
Who was both God and Man in one -
The prophesied Messiah sent from Heaven,
Who was God’s only Begotten Son.
Only Jesus Christ alone was worthy,
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, can’t you see?
For none other had fulfilled God’s Law -
From our sins, none other could set us free!

Is there any other person who has paid all of mankind’s debt -
Who has borne all of our sins, and wherein mercy and truth have met?
There is only one Redeemer wherein righteousness and peace have kissed;
Jesus Christ is the Saviour with no equal - oh, there is none like this!

October 9, 2023
Jerry Bouey

1) King Ahab - 1 Kings 21:25-26 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

2) King Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

3) King David - Acts 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

4) King Solomon - 1 Kings 3:12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

5) King Hezekiah - 2 Kings 18:5-7a He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth.

6) King Josiah - 2 Kings 23:25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

7) King Jesus - 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. Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Psalm 85:10  Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

For the study that prompted this poem, please read Kingly Lessons - None Like These

The Darkness Is Passing Away (Poem)

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 sky;
Working together in our lives for good all the parts we thought were wrong,
Transforming our darkness into light, and changing our sorrows into song.

June 12th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(2nd stanza added on June 26, 2024)

Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:

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.

Throughout their lives, true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes this shadow looms over them for months and sometimes for years - but one day our Saviour will return again and turn the shadow of death into morning, overthrowing and transforming the time of darkness into glorious dawn, when our bright and Morning Star comes in glory to judge this dark world and take His people home to be with Him forever - another reason to be blessed by the repeated phrase in the Song of Solomon: Until the day break, and the shadows flee away...

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.

Song of Songs 4:6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Psalms 30:11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

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

Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

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.

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.

A Reststop Along The Way (Poem)

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 my Reststop along life’s way.

April 11th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

Dedicated to a dear friend who gave me this wonderful quote in the midst of the trial she is currently going through (and where the idea for this poem came from):

"This is God's will, His plan, the roadblocks won't stop Him. I don't know what is to come, but I do know God is paving the road. Somewhere, in His time, there will be a reststop, where the view will be beautiful, and our great God will be there to carry us home on the great wings of love."

Isaiah 32:2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Isaiah 8:6 …the waters of Shiloah that go softly…

Psalms 107:28-30 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Facing Your Goliath (Poem)

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 right now.)

Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1 Samuel 17:40-42, 45-48 And [David] took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance… Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.