He Maketh No Mistake

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.

Tho’ night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He'll make,
Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,
He made not one mistake.

By A.M. Overton

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.

Job 23:8-10 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

God's Workmanship (Poem)

God’s Workmanship

Line upon line, each day Jesus Christ is working in me.
Transforming every single page, changing the outcome that I see.
Not a free verse poem, there’s order and progression in my life;
My Father has His perfect plan, bringing eternal glory out of strife.

Laying out His framework, the pattern He sees still;
Writing out each fresh verse according to His will.
There’s a rhyme and a reason, He has a purpose in His mind -
In each finished stanza of my life, many wondrous delights do I find.

Maybe my story will be a new song, a hymn to the Risen Lord,
Where each part flows into the next, working all out in one accord.
The melody sounding forth from a spirit that once was broken,
Transformed by the Spirit of God, now filled with praise outspoken.

One day, God’s ballad will be complete, my time here at an end;
The light and shadows, the trials and triumphs, will all be in perfect blend.
When the lyrics of my life are over, my symphony will one day cease,
Oh may You be pleased, my Lord, with Your heavenly masterpiece.

"He... will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

June 28th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Workmanship is from the Greek word poemia, where we get our English word poem from. We are God’s workmanship, His poem!

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Transformed is metamorphoō, where we get metamorphosis from - like the change a caterpillar goes through - from the inside out, through the work of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Changed is the same word as transformed in Romans 12:2. Changed by the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

Psalms 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Philippians 1:6 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:

Wings Of Gold And Silver (Poem)

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

Wings Of Gold And Silver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 9th, 2026

Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

True Perseverance (Poem)

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

True Perseverance

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

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

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

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

True Perseverance

Holding on when all else fails;

Holding on when all seemed lost;

Grasping firmly with determination -

Holding on despite the cost.

Holding on when we falter;

Holding on against the flow;

Holding tightly with your hands -

Holding on, never letting go.

Grasping tightly and holding on;

Persevering by your might;

Holding on with all you have -

Grasping on, and holding tight!

It’s not my grasp on my Saviour,

That keeps me safe, day by day -

It’s the Lord holding onto me,

Even when I struggle or stray.

It’s not that I have Jesus,

And I am holding Him so tight -

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

Hold me close, through darkest night.

He is holding onto me -

That is salvation, tried and true

It’s not that you are holding onto Jesus -

But that He is holding onto you.

Now go back and read those first lines,

Consider them through the eyes of faith;

Your Heavenly Father is holding you -

Keeping you forever by His grace!

Holding on when all else fails;

Holding on when all seemed lost;

Grasping firmly with determination -

Holding on despite the cost.

Holding on when we falter;

Holding on against the flow;

Holding tightly with Your hands -

Holding on, never letting go.

Grasping tightly and holding on;

Persevering by Your might;

Holding on with all You have -

Grasping on, and holding tight!

Jesus Christ paid the cost,

And He is holding onto you -

Forever!

December 5th, 2025

Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

Notice the progression of faith:

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

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

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

I am His!

December 5th, 2025

Go, And I Am With You (Poem)

Go, And I Am With You

Go, My child, for I am with you,
Go, in the fullness of My love.
I know the thoughts that I think towards you -
I’ve given you a mission from above.

I have sent you out into the world,
Go ye therefore boldly in My name -
Bring the lost sheep home to Jesus - reach them -
And know they will never be the same.

I am with you through all your trials,
In the darkness, I am the True Light;
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee” -
In all your battles, go forth in My might.

All that you need to serve your Saviour
Is available to you by My grace;
Be strong, and of a good courage,
For I am with you as you run this race.

Go, in the power that I give you, though the pathway may seem rough;
I am with you still, My child, My provision will be enough.
Go, ye into all the world, Oh, beloved, go in faith today.
I will go before you every moment, and I will prepare the way.

Go, for I am with you - today!

October 12th, 2025
Jerry Bouey

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.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 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.

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:

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 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… 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.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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.

God Is Still Upon His Throne (Poem)

 

God Is Still Upon His Throne

I know that there's a reason for the brokenness in me:
There's a purpose, there's a plan for all the things I see.
When I'm ready to give up and feel abandoned on the shelf,
Sometimes it's only just a matter of getting past myself.

Even through my trials, there’s a purpose in God’s plan:
There’s a higher will at work that does not depend on man.
When I bow to Your will, Father, all things fall into place.
One day at a time, running with patient hope in this race.

Putting my eyes back on the Lord, looking to Jesus alone.
Trusting fully in my Saviour; He’s made all my cares His own.
There’s a peace within my soul, for God is still upon His throne,
And I am secure in Him forever; my heart is safely home.

October 15th, 2024
Jerry Bouey

(Christmas Project 2024,
Dedicated to Craig Watson)

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

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.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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.

(Part of this poem was originally written on January 29th, 2010, but I found it saved in a folder on October 15th, 2024, and decided to use and adapt it as the first poem for this year's Christmas Project. May the finished poem be a blessing to you.)

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.

The Weaver (Poem)

The Weaver

My Life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors;
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

~Author Unknown~

(Doing an online search reveals various editions of this poem. Most editions do not contain the last stanza, so it was probably not part of the original poem - though it is a welcome addition to me.)

My Captain (Poem)

Two worldviews contrasted - that of humanism/atheism (ie. the world's vain philosophies) versus that of true Christianity (ie. of faith). Which view is yours? Which one reflects the condition of your heart?

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.

by William Ernest Henley

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God...
Psalm 14:1

My Captain

Out of the night that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole,
I thank the God I know to be
For Christ the conqueror of my soul.

Since His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under that rule which men call chance
My head with joy is humbly bowed.

Beyond this place of sin and tears
That life with Him! And His the aid,
Despite the menace of the years,
Keeps, and shall keep me, unafraid.

I have no fear, though strait the gate,
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate,
Christ is the Captain of my soul.

by Dorothea Day

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I Shall Come Forth As Gold (Song)

I Shall Come Forth As Gold

No longer on the mountaintop,
The tempests wax fierce and hot;
Though the way ahead may seem rough,
His grace will always be enough -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

Chorus:
As gold, as gold, I shall come forth as gold;
As gold, as gold, I shall come forth as gold.

As I walk through the shadow of death,
This valley seems to steal my breath;
Though I cannot yet see my way,
I will trust in Jesus come what may -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

When storm clouds carry doubt and fear,
I will not fret for God is near.
Though I walk through the darkest day,
Through faith, my Lord will light my way -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

Someday my skies will clear again,
The clouds will part - I shall see Him!
Now by faith, but then by sight,
I'll behold my King in all His might -
For when He has tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.

June 22nd, 2003
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my friend, Kat Aulin, who put this song to music.

I look forward to the day I will hear you play your beautiful music again.)

Behold, I go forward, but He is not there;
and backward, but I cannot perceive Him:
On the left hand, where He doth work,
but I cannot behold Him:
He hideth Himself on the right hand,
that I cannot see Him:
But He knoweth the way that I take:
when He hath tried me,
I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23:8-10

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 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

Unfolding The Rose (Poem)

Unfolding The Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

~© Bryan T. Burgess ~

Disappointment - His Appointment (Poem)

Disappointment - His Appointment

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be a blessing,
Though it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like a loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, unquestioned,
All that from His wisdom flows.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
"No good thing will He withhold,"
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold,
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

"Disappointment - His appointment,"
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan is Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining -
"Father, not my will, but Thine."

~Edith Lillian Young~

Job 23:14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

This I Know (Poem)

This I Know

I do not know what next may come
Across my pilgrim way;
I do not know tomorrow's road,
Nor see beyond today.
But this I know -- my Saviour knows
The path I cannot see;
And I can trust His wounded hand
To guide and care for me.

I do not know what may befall,
Of sunshine or of rain;
I do not know what may be mine,
Of pleasure and of pain;
But this I know -- my Saviour knows
And whatsoe'er it be,
Still I can trust His love to give
What will be best for me.

I do not know what may await,
Or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail its opening wings;
For this I know -- that my Lord
Shall all my needs be met;
And I can trust the heart of Him,
Who has not failed me yet.

-- E. Margaret Clarkson

"No Accidents" (Poem)

One of my best friends is my Pastor's (Claude Madle's) brother in law, Bill Smith. Just before Christmas this past year, he and his family (including six children) were travelling in their truck, and hit an icy patch. They went off the road, and Bill's wife, Reesa, was thrown through the windshield and died. Everything they had with them was destroyed with the truck, though the rest of the family was fine. One of the older girls had injured her ankle, but nothing serious. When they picked up Reesa, they found her Bible - the only remaining object from the truck - underneath her. No doubt it was a legacy to her children, and a reminder that even in the hardest times, the Lord is still in control, and still with them.

This poem was passed on to me tonight by my pastor's daughter, Reesa's niece, in the hopes that I would use it and pass it on - perhaps placing it in my next poetry book (Lord willing). It was written by a close friend of Reesa's and put in the funeral bulletin. This summer, when my pastor's daughter does to their yearly Youth Retreat at Oklahoma Bible College (the college my pastor and his wife, as well as Bill and Reesa Smith went to), she will try to personally contact the author for any contact information, which she does not have now.

"No Accidents"

There are no accidents in the life of a Christian:
Our God has an ultimate plan.
Although troubles and trials may come,
He is present even when we don't understand.

Each new day is a part of His creation,
Perfect and absent of any mistakes;
And when life seems to take a turn for the worse,
We can trust Him for His sufficient grace.

When life's tragedies seem to close in upon us,
And its pressures are just more than we can bear,
We can remember His comforting promises,
And know for His saints, He is always right there.

God is not the author of confusion;
He is in complete and utter control.
His ways may not always be our ways,
But He gives peace and comfort to our aching soul.

Yes, there are no accidents in the life of a Christian,
And there will be times when we do not understand His plan.
But, yet one thing will remain for certain:
He is holding us in the middle of His Almighty hand.

We can know His will and His way is always best,
Even when His timing and dealings are not our own.
Our God is sovereign and merciful to His children,
And His love to us will always be shown.

We do not need to doubt Him.
We do not have to fear.
He will give grace and comfort,
And He will hear every prayer.

His Word is a source of comfort and strength.
We can stand on His promises within.
His unknowing plan will be accomplished,
As souls turns their hearts from sin.

"Remember, there are no accidents, my child,"
He will whisper softly in our heart's ear.
"Please continue to fight the good fight of faith and trust me.
For you, I will always be right here."

So when you feel like you cannot possibly go on,
And the strength you once had is no longer there,
Please remember, there are no accidents in the life of a Christian,
And you are always in His omnipotent care.

~Felicia Doss~
A college friend of Reesa Smith (Nov. 7, 1968-Dec. 20, 2006)
(Used With Permission)

To hear this poem presented in church, click here:
"No Accidents" - by Felicia Doss 

Waiting For A Change (Poem)

This poem was originally passed on to me by a friend going through a tough time. As time went on and her situation never seemed to be resolved, I decided to dedicate a page to her. As I was trying to determine what poem to send out for today, I read this to my sister, and it really fit a trial in her life. She was encouraged and exhorted me to use this for today.

Waiting For A Change

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait!"

"Wait?, you say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is Your hand shortened? Or have You not heard?
By FAITH I have asked, and am claiming Your Word."

"My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign."

"And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, as we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting... for what?"

He seemed then to kneel and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want -- but, you wouldn't know ME."

"You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see."

"You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save ... (for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart."

The flow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST."

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for your loved ones overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss! if I lost what I'm doing in you!"

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
THAT THE GREATEST OF GIFTS IS TO GET TO KNOW ME.
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late,
My wisest of answers is still but to WAIT."

~Author Unknown~

And we know that the Son of God is come,
and hath given us an understanding,
that we may know Him that is true,
and we are in Him that is true,
even in His Son Jesus Christ.
This is the true God, and eternal life.
1 John 5:20

In His Time (Song)

This note was written the same time the poem was, last August. The following poem was written by way of encouragement to those dealing with difficult decisions and issues in their lives, who desire to do right, but are uncertain of the way the Lord would have them go right now. It was written to the tune of Day By Day - a hymn that has truly had an impact on my life these last few months. The first line of my poem came into my mind to that tune and I couldn't get it back out again - so I started praying for the Lord to give me the words to make a song out of it. He brought some passages to mind, and here is the result. I hope it is a blessing to you.

One thing that blessed my heart about the song I wrote: a friend sang it in her church in Australia as a special on the Sunday after it was written.

In His Time

In His time, He makes all things beautiful -
With tear-dimmed eyes, we may not see how.
Keep on trusting in your Father's wisdom,
Do not fear - you're in His hands right now.
Jesus Christ, your Saviour and Redeemer,
Loves you so - of that you need not doubt.
He has a plan - thoughts of peace, for your good -
His plan, that He is working out.

In His time, He makes all things beautiful -
Working all according to His plan;
He has a purpose He set in motion -
Even though we may not understand.
Father, perfect that which concerneth me -
Help me, Lord, to lay these burdens down.
Grant me peace, to know I am in Your will;
Strengthen me, with joy surround.

In His time, He makes all things beautiful -
He heals the soul, binds up the broken heart.
He comforts with a grace beyond all measure -
Hope in Him, and let Him do His part.
He knows your needs before you even ask Him.
Give Him your cares - whether great or small.
Just trust the Lord - He knows the best time
To make all things beautiful!

August 24th/05
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my Sis, Lori)

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

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.

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.