Prayer For My Friends (Poem)

 

Prayer For My Friends

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

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

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

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

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

May 27th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

Let me stand in the gap, Lord!

One Heartbeat From Heaven (Poem)

One Heartbeat From Heaven

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

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

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

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

July 17th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

My Rest (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

 

My Rest

He's my life, He's my all;
Without Him I would fall.
Every day, every hour;
Jesus keeps me by His power.

Through the assurance of His Word.
I know all His promises are true.
By faith, I stand upon them,
And my God makes all things new.

Though my trials like raging storms blow,
Help to endure is always present from above.
Not a sigh nor a loss in my life here below.
Could ever dim the glory of my Saviour's love.

Though clouds of sorrow seem to hide
His presence in the night,
There's not a moment in my life
When His guiding hand is not in sight.

All for His glory He will perform,
What He has promised in me, to conform.
He who hath begun a good work in me,
Will perform it until my Saviour I shall see.

Then one day I will cross over,
When He opens that final door,
And He transforms this corruptible
To His perfect likeness forever more.

When I stand to give account,
"Will I come forth as gold?" will be my test,
No more will I fight this robe of flesh
As in my Saviour I take my rest.

And with the saints in glory,
I stand with Him for eternal days.
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My Great Redeemer's praise!

June 13th, 2003
Angela Trenholm

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.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

My Prayer For His Will (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

Sometimes trials come and we truly want to question why, but for the child of God there is no need. God knows what is best for each one of us, and He uses our trials and tribulations to not only mold but refine us. He is making us into His image:

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. Romans 8:28

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13:9

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

This poem was written as I stayed up to keep watch on Melissa (2 1/2 years old at the time) when she had a high fever that would not go down. At this point, suspecting RSV or pneumonia. Found out the next day she did indeed have pneumonia and an ear infection. The Lord answered my prayers and healed our little girl.

My Prayer For His Will

As I lay beside you in your bed,
My heart is so full of concern.
How I want to see you well again –
Is the prayer that within me burns.

To hear you laugh, as only you can do;
To see your precious smile light your face.
Each moment you have been with us,
Is a reminder of my Saviour’s grace.

Though I knew you have a heart condition,
You’ve been so well, I had forgotten.
But seeing you lying there, so frail and weak,
My heart is burdened with overmuch grief.

Your sickness is a clear reminder –
That to us, you do not belong,
But are lent to us from The Master,
And I know He’ll not steer us wrong.

You are our Lord’s, and He knows best.
As He fulfills His perfect will,
In each of our lives, it’s a test,
And we need but to stand still.

Too often we try so hard to control,
The circumstances that come our way.
Then these become a burden to our soul,
As we’ve led ourselves astray.

Dear Lord, if you choose to call her home –
Though I know my sorrow would be great –
Cause me to see that your grace will uphold me,
Help me, as in your care I commit her fate.

Oh Lord Jesus, may this my prayer be:
“That all in Thee, do I put my trust;
That I not question Your perfect will,
And all that You have planned for us.”

Angela Trenholm
December 9th, 2004

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9a

My Heart's Desire (Poem)

 

My Heart's Desire

Lord, let my love go to Your people;
Let my heart break for the lost;
Let me give my life in service,
For the message of the cross.

Let me go to all the nations,
Or let me serve You here at home -
For wherever You will lead me,
Let me kneel before Your throne.

Let me see others as You see them;
Let me love them as You do;
Let my heart be burdened greatly,
To bring lost children home to You.

Let me pour my heart out to You;
Let me petition You each day;
Let Your love flow right through me,
Bowing before You as I pray.

Let me carry Your Word to others,
As You guide me by Your hand;
Let me boldly speak Your wonders -
Lord, open hearts to understand.

Give me wisdom, give me courage;
Let me be part of Your plan;
Let me always persevere
In this grace in which I stand.

Lord, as You go before me,
Let my feet so gladly follow.
Let me always share Your mercies
To a world lost and hollow.

Let me carry forth this Good News,
Lord, and set the captives free;
Let me serve You with my whole heart,
As I give myself to Thee.

November 4th, 1996
Jerry Bouey

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

When I Stop Praying (Poem)

 

When I Stop Praying

When I stop praying - my whole life falls apart,
No joy thrills my soul, no peace fills my heart,
My compassion soon dies and my desires are not met,
The future seems uncertain, and there's no end of debt.

When I stop praying - it is obvious, the Lord I have not sought,
I have not seen Him work in my life and heart as I ought,
The things that I loathe about myself are still there,
And the plans that I am making are castles built on the air.

When I stop praying - I have let reign fear and doubt,
I have taken the reins of my life and left the Master out;
To other Christians and the world, I have let it be known
That I am prideful and think I can do it all on my own.

When I stop praying - it's obvious to the Lord that I fell
From my own steadfastness while others are on their way to Hell,
I am not standing in the gap, nor caring for the lost,
I am not plucking brands from the fire, nor counting the cost.

When I start praying again - the reverse is quite true,
I have moved my eyes off of myself and put them back upon You,
Claiming God's promises, seeing hearts and lives truly changed,
With a burden for souls, my priorities are rearranged.

When I start praying - answered prayers are only part of the story,
Now my mind is transformed, and I am living for God's glory,
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the word on my lips,
And my soul is grieved when I let an opportunity slip.

When I start praying - Jesus is precious to my soul,
My heart is no longer broken, but perfectly whole,
Fellowship with my Lord is wonderfully sweet
As my life is filled with victory instead of defeat.

When I start praying - there are riches that are waiting to be found,
Joy fills my heart, and the peace of God does abound,
The Word of God opens up like a bounteous treasure chest;
As the burdens are lifted, I am secure in my haven of rest.

December 24th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.
Charles Spurgeon

Fervency is the fire on the altar of your heart
that burns the incense of prayer
and sends the sweet-smelling savour up to God.
Jerry Bouey

I was not looking at the little in hand, but at the fullness of God.
George Mueller, when his needs were great and the supply small

I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all;
but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.
Martin Luther

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
William Carey

All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God
because they reckoned on His being with them.
Hudson Taylor

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Jude 22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

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

Going Through The Door (Poem)

 

Going Through The Door

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 13th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

The Valleys Of Life (Poem)

 

The Valleys Of Life

There are so many valleys in this life;
Times of sorrow, heartache, and strife.
In this vale of tears that you are passing through,
I know our Lord will carry you.

As you're walking in the shadow of death,
This troubled life seems but a breath.
When it appears all around you is night,
The Lord will be your lamp and light.

Though giants of distress are drawing near,
My friend, there is no cause for fear,
For the Lord above still rules from His throne;
He will never leave you alone.

When the valleys of trouble loom ahead,
Look to Jesus with faith instead.
Forget the doubts along life's storm-tossed way.
Let God's Word light your path today.

August 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

Jesus is the Lily in all our valleys.
He is there in all of the Valleys of Life we go through!

For a study on this theme:
The Lily Of The Valleys

The Sparrow Has Flown Home (Poem)

The Sparrow Has Flown Home

She's just a little sparrow,
A weakened vessel made of clay;
Yearning for the day break,
When the shadows will flee away.

Looking for the Sun of Righteousness
To arise with healing in His wings.
As the Saviour waits with open arms,
This little sparrow begins to sing.

Her Heavenly Father numbers each little hair;
Not one of them can come to lasting harm.
Not a sparrow can fall apart from His will -
She is safely resting in His everlasting arms.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of one of His own.
Her Father waits to receive His child -
Into the loving arms of Jesus she has flown.

Now she is flying near God's Heavenly altar,
Forever to worship before His throne;
Dwelling in the Lord's presence -
This little sparrow has flown home.

August 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Carol Trenholm - now truly at Home with her Saviour)

Matthew 10:29-31  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7  Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Psalms 84:1-4 How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Selah.

The Father's Heart (Song)

 

The Father's Heart

The Father's heart is beating, pleading for the souls of men,
Yearning for His children to go and bring the lost ones in,
Crying out against the sin that plagues this darkened land,
The Father's heart is beating still - oh, can't you understand?

Chorus:
The Father's heart is beating for someone here to go,
To tell the prodigal child that He dearly loves them so;
The Father's heart is beating, yearning for the lost,
My child, are you willing to go and count the cost?

The Father's heart is beating, God is calling out your name;
If you listen to His pleading, you will never be the same;
Jesus Christ has paid the price, atonement has been made,
But the Father needs someone to tell them sin's debt has been paid.

The Father's heart is beating, pleading for the souls of men;
Hell is real, it is forever - go and plead with them!
The Father's heart is beating, His message rings loud and clear -
The sands of time are moving, there is no time for fear.

The Father's heart is beating, pleading from His throne,
Yearning for the shepherds to lead the lost sheep home,
The Holy Spirit's convicting, melting your heart of stone,
The Father's heart is beating - won't you make His heart your own?

Won't you make His heart your own?

The Father's heart is missions - won't you make His heart your own?

July 28th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

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.

Mark 16:15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 24:44-49 And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

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

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Full Assurance (Song)

 

Full Assurance

(To the tune of So Little Time)

Full assurance - we pray - of understanding
Is yours in Christ - you are complete in Him.
Riches above, are stored in Heaven waiting.
Rejoice, my friend, you're a child of the King.

Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our dear Lord supremely.
Let us be faithful, as we run this race.

Full assurance, stand fast in this your hope now.
Be diligent, be faithful to the end.
A crown of life, rewards for those who serve Christ -
Jesus remembers all that's done for Him.

Full assurance - steadfast is the eye of faith.
Approach God's throne, with boldness, plead for souls.
Let us draw near, give all our cares to Jesus;
Behold the prize - press on towards the goal.

2nd Chorus:
Today we serve, with fullness of understanding,
Assurance of hope, through eyes of faith;
So let us love our Saviour supremely.
Brethren, be faithful, as you run this race.

January 22nd, 2004
Jerry Bouey

That their hearts might be comforted,
being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God,
and of the Father, and of Christ;
Colossians 2:2

And we desire that every one of you
do shew the same diligence to
the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 6:11

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22

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

Birthday Poem For A Christian (Poem)

 

Birthday Poem For A Christian

Another year older, a year of living in the light of the Lord,
A time of changing, a time of growing,
A time of learning to use His Sword.

Maturing more as the days go on,
Telling others what Christ has taught you,
Touching hearts as you travel along,
Living love - we can see Him in you.

A miracle is working there in your heart,
A new beginning, He changed you right from the start,
And now you know that there is no turning back,
The grace of God you will never lack.

You're a picture of what our great Redeemer can do,
When you walk in His love, you make an excellent view,
You are changing on the inside, it's really plain to see,
Like a stranger to this world - living for eternity,
Committed to our Saviour, you are resting in His hands,
He planned your future long ago, before your life began.

Oh, delight yourself forever in the living Lord,
Wait on His gracious love and receive His Word,
Taste and see how good our God is,
He is awe-inspiring and His name is Jesus!

He is your refuge when your times get tough,
His provision will always be enough,
Your steps are directed by the Father of lights,
Trust fully in Him, your future is bright.

Shine out, my friend, and show them the way,
Light up the darkness, hold the shadows at bay,
Free the captives, as Christ has freed you,
Tell others the wonders of what our God can do.

Praise God and live a life pleasing to Him,
Lift up your voice and let your heart sing,
Seek the Lord's guidance and live in His will,
Come before Jesus and learn to be still.

Though this life seems so hard and you may fail sometimes,
Get on Hind's feet - there are still mountains to climb,
When you reach the highest peak, there will be joy without end,
God will say, "Well done, My servant and friend."

May 4th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

(Originally written for my sister, Lori)

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet,
and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Habakkuk 3:19

A Friend When You Need One (Poem)

 

A Friend When You Need One

It's so easy to get discouraged,
To be downcast or in despair.
When you feel all alone in your wilderness,
And it seems that no one cares.

That's when temptation hits the hardest,
Where the battle is nearly lost - or won.
When you stumble through dark valleys
And gloomy shadows hide the Son.

In your loneliness and your struggles,
Here's a solution that may seem odd -
Don't look around to man for comfort,
Instead, with hope, look up to God.

Jesus will provide the grace you require
And His Word will light the way.
All you need is faith to claim His promises,
And your night will turn to day.

The Lord knows your each and every need -
He knows, before you even ask in prayer.
Just keep on being faithful to Him,
And, in time, His answer will be there.

So instead of giving up in disgrace,
Do the work that must be done;
You will find that as you run the race,
God will bring a friend when you most need one.

December 8th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer;
and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:
and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

A Friend Loveth At All Times (Poem)

 

A Friend Loveth At All Times

A friend loveth at all times -
You've been so faithful and true.
A friend loveth at all times -
I know I've been loved by you.

You've been there through all the joy and pain,
In fact, you've stuck like glue.
When I needed someone, you stood by me,
And your words brought comfort too.

You shared God's Word to cheer my heart,
You cared so much for my soul.
You brought me before the throne of grace,
So in Jesus I would be whole.

You are my friend in Jesus Christ,
My Heavenly Father is your Father too.
When the trials came to test my faith,
I know my Lord sent you.

A friend loveth at all times -
I've learned so much from you.
You shared your joy in the Lord;
Now His joy is my strength too.

A friend loveth at all times -
God's promise stands sure and true!
A friend loveth at all times -
I know I have found a friend in you.

July 25th, 2003
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Kat Aulin, my friend)

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

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

Faith To Face (Poem)

 

Faith To Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith to face.

November 23rd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

The Alabaster Box (Poem)

 

The Alabaster Box

(Mark 14:1-9)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 23rd, 2002
Jerry Bouey

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1

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

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

"Mark 14:1-9

Yes, she has done what she could.

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

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

I surrender all to You, Jesus.

June 26/2002"

Message written in the front of my Bible.

Count It All Joy (Poem)

 

Count It All Joy

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

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

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

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

March 12th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

God's Precious Promises (Poem)

 

God's Precious Promises

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

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

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

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

April 8th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

Have you claimed any precious promises lately?