When We Stand Before The Lord (Poem)

Some teens in our church went to a student convention last week, to compete with other sound Christian schools around the world. One teen came back today with the challenge that I turned into a poem. Hope it challenges you too. The challenge is the first line of the poem.

When We Stand Before The Lord

"When we stand before the Lord, what will we have to show?"
Will we receive praise from the Master, or will He have to answer, no?
When all our good works are examined, will they really stand the test?
Will they be built from precious stones, or will they be burnt up like the rest?

When we stand before our Father, will He truly say, “Well done.
You’ve died to yourself daily, did all in the name of My dear Son.
You’ve showed to the lost world the Gospel treasure in jars of clay -
Come, My precious child, enter into the joy of your Lord today.”

At the Judgement Seat of Christ, will we have reason to sing?
Will we have lived our lives for His glory, a precious offering?
Will it be a devoted sacrifice, one acceptable to the King?
When we stand before the Lord, what will we have to bring?

When you enter into eternity, when all is said and done,
Did you live to please your Saviour, did you magnify God’s Son?
Will the Master say, “Well done. You’ve glorified your Lord -
You’ve laid your treasures up in Heaven, and here is your reward.”

Will you give your all to Jesus? What kind of harvest will you sow?
"When you stand before the Lord, what will you have to show?"

June 7th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Timothy Lasegan, who brought this Biblical challenge.
May we all live to please our Lord day by day!)

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

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

Matthew 25:19-21 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

As The Lily Among Thorns (Poems)

 

As The Lily Among Thorns

Jesus is the Lily of the Valleys,
Our Saviour is the fairest of delight.
In the darkness of this world,
He’s the bright and shining light.

As the Lily among thorns,
So are His people in this life;
Transplanted spots of beauty,
In the midst of harm and strife.

In His eyes, so spotless, pure, and lovely,
Regal, transformed, and undefiled;
Like the precious flowers of the field,
Clothed with splendour is God’s child.

Living in the midst of thorns -
So tragic is their plight:
While they scorn and harm the lilies,
They dwell in the darkest night.

But sometimes a seed is planted
Among the thorns; yes, tis true;
As the Gospel seed is watered,
We may find a surprising view.

The wonder of the Saviour’s love,
Touching hearts and souls His way -
Can a forgotten thorn become a lily,
Changed and transformed in a day?

In this life, a mystery to imagine,
But now a splendour to behold.
Once, reckless and abandoned,
A new sheep welcomed to the fold.

Live your life for Jesus’ glory;
Be as your Saviour in this world -
Sow the seeds of the Gospel,
And watch as new life unfurls.

March 17th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

Song of Songs 2:1-2 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

Matthew 6:28-30 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Matthew 9:36-38 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Acts 9:4-6 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Stand Fast (Poem)

 

Stand Fast

We look around at a world
That is changing day by day.
A little here, a little there,
Truth and Justice fade away.

We can't condone these changes.
The churches must shine a while more.
We must learn to love the sinners
While our hearts are torn by war.

A battle between God's Spirit
And the lawlessness of man.
While the Lord still extends His mercy,
The end must come as planned.

We must keep walking in the Spirit,
Holding forth the Word of Life,
And pray that they will hear it
Amidst the emptiness and strife.

Petitioning our Father
For the souls that come our way.
With our hearts in one accord,
Waiting for that coming Day.

As brethren in Christ Jesus,
We must firmly hold our ground.
Watching for our Lord's return,
Praying a faithful remnant will be found.

Pleading for the Righteous Judge
To establish Justice once again,
Waiting for the Prince of Peace
To begin His endless reign.

June 23rd, 1996
Jerry Bouey

2 Peter 3:9-13 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Psalm 85:9-12 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

For the sake of clarity and striving for the truth, I have removed the original second verse.

It is so easy to react,
To point our fingers and to judge,
But we must learn to forgive.
It only hurts us to hold a grudge.

In 1996, I meant something entirely different about not judging than the "Christian" world means today. We are not The Judge, but the Lord God has commanded all of us to judge all that we see around us, including teachings and actions, by the Word of God. This is how we learn to discern between truth and error, between the people of God and the lost, between true Bible preachers and teachers and false teachers and false brethren whose ultimate goal is to lead us astray from God and His Word.

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Martyr's Song/Victory (Poems)

 

Martyr’s Song

(Inspired by John Huss - who was martyred in 1420 AD)

I go to my death singing sweet praises to the Lamb;
I breathe my last breath, saying, I love the Great I Am;
I worship the Creator, who formed the Heavens and the Earth;
I commit my soul to Him, who chose me before my birth;
I bend my knees and bow to the Lord who rules above;
And I truly know this now, that my God is truly love.

December 10, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Victory

I’ll take the pain, Father, I’ll take the loss;
I’ll face the future, not minding the cost;
For You, Lord, I’ll crucify myself each day,
So in me others may see Christ, and find the way.

I’ll risk it all for little profit or gain;
Never give up hope when all seems in vain.
I’ll reap a harvest if I persevere;
When Christ is my life - whom shall I fear?

I’ll help plant the seed so others may grow;
The fruit of the Spirit - I’ll reap what I sow;
A martyr for the Lord, that’s what I’ll be;
I know I can’t lose - in Jesus is victory!

September 7, 1993
Jerry Bouey

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Personal Testimony: When I wrote the poem above, I remember other Christians around me thought it was presumptuous for me to think I could ever be a martyr for the Lord Jesus Christ and for my faith in Him, but I do know two facts:

1. If you don't LIVE for the Lord, you could never DIE for the Lord.
2. Like many precious believers in the past, God promises to give grace to His children that He calls to die for His name. So if I am ever called to do so, my God is still the same as He was through all the ages of the past. Just like He gave those faithful martyrs His Spirit to work in and through them, gave them the words to speak (as He promised in Mark 13:9-13), and the strength to be faithful to Him and to die for their faith in the Saviour, so too will He give me the strength and faith to do likewise, if He so wills.

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.

How Do I Remain Faithful? (Poem)

 

How Do I Remain Faithful?

In a darkened world that is rapidly racing toward the end,
I see many Christians compromising like it's the latest trend;
I know for God's truth, I must earnestly contend,
But, my dear friend, how do I remain faithful?

As the signs become clearer for God's children to see,
Lukewarm believers rush madly towards apostasy,
And this world beckons so alluringly to you and to me -
One question remains, how do I remain faithful?

Soon we'll have a one-world economy, a one-world religion;
Tolerance is the byword - they say it's their decision;
As worldly Christians quickly lose all conviction,
Tell me again, how do I remain faithful?

The world follows doctrines of devils, deception's so strong;
Some believers are so blind, they say that nothing's wrong,
But God's Word rings out deeply like a resounding gong,
And I wonder, how do I remain faithful?

Inside, I have no intention of walking away -
But how come the battle seems so strong today?
This world is calling me - I must look away,
And find everything I need in Him.

"Come out of their midst, My people, and live righteously,
I, your God, have chosen you from all eternity;
Keep My Word, My children, awaken and be free;
Blessed are those faithful servants I find waiting for Me."

Only Jesus' blood can rescue from the bondage of sin;
Only God's power can stop us from giving in;
Only His Spirit can strengthen and purify within;
By His compelling love, I can remain faithful.

February 5th, 1997
Jerry Bouey

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 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 themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Revelation 18:4-5 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Blessed Is That Man (Poem)

 

Blessed Is That Man

Blessed is that man whose trust is in the Lord,
Whose heart is wholly yielded to God's Holy Word,
Whose faith rests upon a solid foundation,
Who has trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Blessed is that man who delights himself in God's Word,
Who wields the same as a sharp double-edged sword,
Has a mind for the battle, is willing to fight,
That brave warrior who stands in the strength of His might.

Blessed is that man whose mind is on eternity,
Who stands faithfully in the gap for you and me,
Fighting spiritual battles in the whole armour of God,
Following in the footsteps that other saints have trod.

That good soldier of Christ, that mighty man of God,
Blessed is that man!

November 12th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to solid preachers of God's Word)

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust.
Psalm 40:4

And They Shall Run (Song)

 

And They Shall Run

In this world of pain and woe,
You may stumble and falter.
Grab the hand that reaches down
From your Heavenly Father.

He will lift you up high,
So that you may rise above;
And He will hold you there
By the power of His love.
And you shall run...

They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength,
They shall mount up with wings as eagles;
And they shall run...

The battles are often fierce
In this dark world we live in.
You may find your soul is weak,
And you feel ready to give in.

But don't give up, just press ahead,
Keep reaching for that high prize.
Keep on looking unto Jesus -
As your strength begins to rise...
And you shall run...

And they shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
And they shall run...
They shall be more than conquerors.
And they shall run...

There are voices crying out -
To break your will and compromise.
But stand fast, and hold your ground;
Mount up on wings, towards the skies...
And you shall run...

They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength.
And they shall run...

They shall be My sons and daughters.
And they shall run...
And they shall run...

November 30th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

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.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

A Faithful Man (Poem)

 

A Faithful Man

A faithful man - Oh who can find?
But you are of that faithful kind!
It's been a great blessing, that's for sure,
Learning from you how to persevere.

Sharing the treasures you've found in God's Word,
Drawing us closer to Jesus our Lord.

A faithful witness, a beloved Pastor,
A trusted guide, and a good friend.
Exhorting us with Godly wisdom,
On which the Christ-filled life depends.

A true testimony to all
of God's amazing grace;
A blessed example to us
of how to run in this race.

For being our Pastor,
We, the sheep of your flock,
Wanted to say,
"We love you with all our hearts!
And thank you for being so faithful..."

Written Christmas 2001
by Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to our Pastor, Claude Madle
People's Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC)

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:17

Remember them which have the rule over you,
who have spoken unto you the word of God:
whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:7

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:
for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17

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.

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen (Poem)

The following poem was taken from chapter 11 of A Minister's Obstacles. I am not sure if the author of the book is also the author of the poem.

The Hand That Held It Was Not Seen

He held the lamp that Sabbath day
So low that none could miss the way,
And yet so high, to bring to sight
That picture fair of Christ the Light,
That, gazing up, the lamp between
The hand that held it was not seen.

He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below;
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bade him drink when sick and faint.
They drank, the pitcher them between,
The hand that held it was not seen.

He blew the trumpet soft and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear;
And then with louder note and bold,
To storm the walls of Satan's hold;
The trumpet coming thus between,
The hand that held it was not seen.

And when our Captain says, 'Well done,
Thou good and faithful servant; come,
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp;
Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,'
The weary hands will then be seen
Clasped in the pierced ones, naught between.

~ Author Unknown ~

I Will Never Leave You (Poem by Jan McIntosh)

I Will Never Leave You

I will never leave you,
I promised it in My Word.
I, Jehovah God, your Creator,
Your Master, your Friend, the Lord.

WILL of My own free choice,
Not because I must,
But because I love you so dearly
And desire that in Me you trust.

NEVER will I leave you,
You can depend solely on Me.
Though friends and family forsake you,
I'm with you for eternity.

LEAVE you? -- No, not ever.
I will stay right by your side.
You will always be in My presence,
With Me you will forever abide.

YOU -- Yes you, dear believer,
My most precious valued one.
Because you turned away from sin
And believed in My Holy Son.

Yes, just as He has told us,
As He promised in His Word,
"I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU",
Oh, what a wonderful Lord!

© 1991 Jan McIntosh
(Used With Permission)

Wait On The Lord (Poem)

Wait On The Lord

My soul, wait only on the Lord,
Expecting nothing save from Him.
Rest all on His unfailing Word
Nor ever let thy faith grow dim.
Thine every need shall be supplied,
Thy heart's desires be freely given,

And no good thing shall be denied
The soul in harmony with heaven.
All human strength but disappoints,
Its wrecks along life's path are strewed;
But they who wait as God appoints
Shall daily find their strength renewed.

On eagles' wings of faith they rise
And far above earth's tumult sail,
They run, unwearied, toward the prize,
They walk, and neither faint nor fail.
However, hope!, as seems thy case,
Go spread it out before the throne;

And in His boundless, matchless grace,
Our God will make His power known.
Then in His strength go meet thy task,
Assured He bears with thee the load.
If great thy need, then largely ask;
All things are possible with God.

- Mrs. W. A. Vroman

(Taken from A Practical Primer on Prayer)

"God Meant It Unto Good" (Poem)

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

"GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD"

"God meant it unto good"--O blest assurance,
Falling like sunshine all across life's way,
Touching with Heaven's gold earth's darkest storm clouds,
Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

'Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brethren
Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;
Nor was it chance which, after years of suffering,
Brought him before the monarch's throne to stand.

One Eye all-seeing saw the need of thousands,
And planned to meet it through that one lone soul;
And through the weary days of prison bondage
Was working towards the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive,
The iron entered even to his soul;
His eye could scan the present path of sorrow,
Not yet his gaze might rest upon the whole.

Faith failed not through those long, dark days of waiting,
His trust in God was recompensed at last,
The moment came when God led forth His servant
To succour many, all his sufferings past.

"It was not you but God, that sent me hither,"
Witnessed triumphant faith in after days;
"God meant it unto good," no "second causes"
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

"God means it unto good" for thee, beloved,
The God of Joseph is the same today;
His love permits afflictions strange and bitter,
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

Thy Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,
Hath purposes for thee of love untold.
Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,
Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

There, when thou standest in the Home of Glory,
And all life's path lies open to thy gaze,
Thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustest,
And magnify His love through endless days.

--Freda Hanbury Allen

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

Romans 8:28 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.

The Ninety And The Nine (Hymn)

The Ninety And The Nine

There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold,
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold --
Away on the mountains wild and bare,
Away from the tender Shepherd's care.

Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?
But the Shepherd made answer, "This of mine
Has wandered away from me,
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find my sheep."

But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed,
Nor how dark was the night that the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry --
Sick and helpless, and ready to die.

Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way
That mark out the mountain's track?
They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.
Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.

But all through the mountains, thunder-riven,
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gates of heaven,
Rejoice! I have found my sheep!
And the angels echoed around the throne,
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Lyrics by Elizabeth C. Clephane
Music by Ira Sankey

Testing (Poem)

Testing

Are you passing through a testing?
Is your pillow wet with tears?
Do you wonder what the reason,
Why it seems God never hears?
Why it is you have no answer
To your oft-repeated plea,
Why the heaven still is leaden
As you wait on bended knee?

Do you wonder as you suffer,
Whether God does understand?
And if so, why He ignores you,
And fails to hold you in His hand?
Do black doubts creep in, assail you,
Fears without, and fears within,
Till your brave heart almost falters
And gives way to deadly sin?

All God's testing have a purpose-
Some day you will see the light.
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight.
Do not fear when doubts beset you,
Just remember - He is near;
He will never, never leave you,
He will always, always hear.

Faithful is He who has promised,
He will never let you fall,
Daily will the strength be given;
Strength for each and strength for all.
He will gladly share pain with you,
He will gladly give you peace,
Till your tired and weary body,
Finds its blessed, glad release.

When the darkened veil is lifted,
Then, dear heart, you'll understand,
Why it is you had to suffer,
Why you could not feel His hand.
Giving strength when it was needed,
Giving power and peace within,
Giving joy thru tears and trial,
Giving victory over sin.

So till then just keep on trusting,
Thru the sunshine and the rain,
Thru the tears and thru the heart-aches,
Thru the smiles and thru the pain.
Knowing that our Father watches,
Knowing daily strength He'll give,
Victory for each passing hour,
This is life, so let us live!

~Author Unknown~

I found various versions of this online, and adapted it to what seemed to be the most common lines. If someone knows the original author and/or edition of this poem, please let me know. Thank you.

The Altar Is Empty (Song)

The Altar Is Empty

The altar is empty - The sacrifice has walked away.
The heart's gone cold - Where's the willingness to pray?
Something is wrong, it shouldn't be,
No peace within, convicting me!

Chorus:
Kindle my heart, stir into a flame.
Restore my soul, as I call on Your name.
Oh Lord above, grant me the grace
To deny myself and put Your will in its place.

The altar is empty - There are no prayers offered today.
The heart's lukewarm - Where's the desire to pray?
The field is white, but no reaping done,
No hearts breaking, pleading for God's Son.

The field is empty - Where are the labourers today?
Those faithful servants Standing in the gap to pray.
Oh hear God's voice, His Spirit's call;
Repent, you watchmen, upon the wall.

2nd Chorus:
Quicken my heart, in Jesus' name, 
Cleanse me from my sin - bring to life again.
Send me, oh Lord, and I will go -
Go and tell the world Jesus loves them so.

July 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Matthew 9:36-38 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

My Elijah Friends (Poem)

This poem on friendship is dedicated to those Christians who desire to be faithful to their Lord in this apostate society.

My Elijah Friends

God bless all my Elijah friends,
And give them comfort, Lord, tonight -
Those faithful few who will not compromise,
Who cling to You with all their might.

God bless those precious servants, Lord,
Who are so dear to Your own heart.
They walk alone in this world at times
When friend and foes alike do part.

Taking refuge there on Higher Ground,
In that cave, sheltered from the storm;
Listening to Your still small voice
That will soothe all fear and alarm.

Hidden in the cleft of the Rock -
Outside the tempest is fierce this hour.
Give them peace within their souls;
Keep them close and safe by Your power.

Under the shadow of Your wings,
Precious Jesus, there's no other place -
Held so close beside Your heart,
Where all else dims in light of Your face.

God bless all my Elijah friends,
There's not too many left, Lord, I know.
Grant them bright rainbows in their darkest nights;
Light the darkness in this world below.

January 10th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

"God's promises are rainbows in the night."

"The prospects are as bright as the promises of God." - Adoniram Judson
("Prospects" are our expectations of the future.)

The Path of Life (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

Poem For Sunday

The Path of Life

Lord, is my life a stumblingblock,
To babes in Christ around me?
Is it consistent with Your Word,
Or filled with hypocrisy?

Have I caused Your little ones,
To falter from the straight way?
My heart breaks at the very thought,
Dear God, of leading one astray!

Lord, search my reins and try my heart.
If there be any wicked way,
Pluck it out by its evil roots;
Let none of its vileness hold sway!

As David cried, so I plead of You,
"Create in me a clean heart!"
Renew a right spirit within me;
only You Lord, give a new start,

That I may arise and proclaim,
Teaching sinners of Your redemption,
That they may be converted unto You,
Praising You in acclamation.

Keep my heart tender, oh Lord,
To hear that still small voice
That convicts the humble heart of sin,
And makes righteousness its choice.

Order my footsteps in Your Word;
Let me not falter in times of strife.
Let this my daily prayer be,
To walk in the paths of life.

December 26th, 2003
Angela B Trenholm

Angela's testimony regarding this poem:

The concerns and responsibilities of being a Mom can be so overwhelming. How often do I feel that the task is too big and I am so frail. How often do I cry out to my Lord to help me to be the Mother He wants me to be, so I can raise up the precious children He has given me in a way that is pleasing to Him.

I wrote this poem when I was feeling very much a failure as a mother, but I knew I had to get my eyes back on the only one who could help me raise up our precious daughters in a way that would bring honour and glory to the Lord.

If I did not have His precious promises in His Holy Word and the comfort of His Holy Spirit living in me to lean on, the task would soon become unbearable. How thankful I am for a loving, merciful Saviour, who takes great pleasure in comforting and uplifting those who trust in Him.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23