Not My Will, But Thine (Poem)

Not My Will, But Thine

Lord, I know You have power to heal me. 
Faithfully, I will daily seek Your will.
Like Job, I will keep my eyes upon You -
Though You slay me, I will trust You still.

Though sometimes the trials we face,
The reasons we may not understand, 
But I know that everything I face in life -
Every test or trial - comes from Your hand.

Dying to myself, I know,
You will work all things out in Your own way;
Will it be soon, I wonder,
Or on some future glorious day?

I believe that one day that is coming,
I will be healed fully in Your sight -
Will it be down here upon the earth,
Or in the land where there is no night?

All that I have and I face each day|
Comes from the heart of my loving Father;
So I’m trusting in Your will, my Lord -
Trusting in the wisdom of the Heavenly Potter.

May 30th, 2026
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to brother Bob. We long for your healing,

but will trust the Lord to work out His will.)

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Matthew 6:9-10 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

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.

If Ye Love Me... (Poem)

If Ye Love Me…

If you’re religious and of the world, say you love Jesus - that’s the most popular way.
But Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” - We show our love to Him when we obey.

Anyone can profess spirituality - that’s always been the way of men;
But if you want to truly please the Saviour, you must be born again.

It’s not a mouth that’s filled with words that sound pleasing to the ear,
But a humble heart that’s filled with faith - that’s to whom the Lord will come near.

Don’t be a worldly wiseman, full of religious thoughts that you have not observed;
Be a dedicated believer, who takes and applies God’s Holy Word.

It’s the Bible that transforms our hearts, opened up to us by the Holy Spirit.
It’s not merely those who have a Bible that are blessed, but those heed and hear it.

If you want to show your love for Jesus, get into that precious Book today.
But don’t just think about what you read - hide it within your heart; trust and obey.

God will draw near to those who truly seek Him - so search the Scriptures fervently.
Your Heavenly Father will reward and bless you, when you take and apply what you see.

Blessed are those who read… and heed!

April 22nd, 2026
Jerry Bouey

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 15:9-15 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

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.

In Jesus' Name (Poem)

 

In Jesus' Name

Lord Jesus, I want it to be:

Your will I seek
Your Word I speak

Your life I live
Your blessings I give

Your love I show
Your Truth I know

Your Knowledge I learn
Your fire inside that burns
You that my soul yearns

Your Wisdom to refute fools
Your Spirit that completely rules

You that my heart enthrones
You that I crown alone

Your peace that guards my mind
Your riches that I seek to find

Your glory that I make my aim
My life I live in Jesus' name.

November 26th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 22:42

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17

I Love You, Lord (Poem)

 

I Love You, Lord

I love You, Lord -
Oh help me to see
How infinitely precious
I am to Thee.

Help me to rest
In Your tender care;
Believing in faith,
And trusting in prayer.

Help me say "no" to myself
And "yes" to Your will;
My mind totally yielded,
My heart quiet and still.

Change me, Oh Lord,
Tame what is wild;
Transform my life,
Grant me faith like a child.

January 23, 1997
Jerry Bouey

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Is Your All On The Altar? (Hymn)

 Is Your All On The Altar?
(Lyrics by Elisha A. Hoffman)

You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Chorus:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.

Romans 12:1-2 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. 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. 

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.

Following (Poem)

 

Following

Following in Abraham's footsteps,
You are going like never before.
Though uncertain of the outcome,
In faith you will trust the Lord.

While you wait upon God's guidance,
Unsure of where to start,
Like Moses of so long ago,
Waiting for that Sea to part.

Like the Israelites in the wilderness,
Receiving Manna from the skies,
You will follow God's own leading,
As His path opens before your eyes.

For we know Jesus has great plans for you,
A future that's laid up in store;
A path of peace and holiness,
With Christ's blessings forevermore.

It's in Him we live and move and have our being,
Trust in His Word - it's worth believing.
As you seek wisdom and leading from the Lord above,
You'll find what you need through His mercy and love.

Persevere in the race and stand firmly too.
As you are transformed by His grace
Let His love shine through.

April 7th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

I am the light of the world, he that followeth Me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:27

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

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.

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind (Poem)

Choosing To Guard My Heart And Mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 9th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take A Second Look At Calvary (Poem)

 

Take A Second Look At Calvary

When I went through times of loneliness, I thought, “Lord, where were You?
Don’t You know, Lord, can’t You see all this pain I’m going through?”
Then in the midst of my devotions, I was thunderstruck one day
When I realized: in my Saviour’s darkest hours all His friends had turned away.

When I struggled through depression, I cried, “Lord, where were You?
Can’t You take these doubts and fears away; help me somehow make it through?”
But I knelt in sweet submission, surrendered all and my heart was still,
As I remembered my blessed Saviour praying, “Not Mine, but Your will.”

When my heart ached in bitter anguish, grief-struck and broken too,
I cried through tears of agony, “Oh my Lord, where were You?
I can’t fight this battle anymore, I can’t overcome this gloom.”
Then in my self-pity, I recalled, that Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb.

When I think that I’m forsaken, bitter, anguished and alone,
I remember that my Saviour made all my pain His own.
He tasted death, He suffered much, He was tempted, tried, beset,
And in all His trials and afflictions, Jesus loved me yet.

A man of sorrows - He knew our grief, He bore our sin and shame,
He was forsaken by God above that we may never be again.
He was wounded for our transgressions - as the Bible has revealed -
But most of all, Jesus shed His blood and by His stripes we are healed.

So when you are feeling lonely, depressed, and are haunted by your grief,
Here’s a solution that, through eyes of faith, will surely bring relief:
When you are wondering if the Lord cares and if He is watching from above
Take a second look at Calvary – and there behold God’s wondrous love!

March 12th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

But God commendeth His love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

If you are interested, please visit the link below to hear this poem presented in church:
(The audio recording is at the top of the page)

Take A Second Look At Calvary

Will You? (Poem)

Will You?

Will you be submissive to God's leading in your life?
Will you accept His very best when searching for a wife?
Will you search for wisdom, as others search for gold?
Will you give Jesus your whole heart, and not a part withhold?

Will you always stand for truth, and defend against the lies?
Will you live a life of righteousness, and not of compromise?
Will you abide daily in God's counsel, and take heed unto His Word?
Will you strive to be more Christlike, more like our precious Lord?

November 28, 1998
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my nephew, Andrew, who is searching for God's will in his life. I found this old poem in a box in 2023, written literally two weeks before he was born.)

Romans 12:1-2 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. 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.

Wrestling Until The Break Of Day (Poem)

Wrestling Until The Break Of Day

Alone with God - salvation’s story,
Wrestling until the break of day.
This is worth the greatest glory,
To cling to Jesus come what may.

Wrestling, praying, holding on so tight,
Like a prince, I won’t let Him go.
Transformed by grace throughout the night -
Oh how much He must love me so!

Running from fear, and troubling trials,
Faltering, afraid, stopped in my tracks;
From worry, to peace - yet, all the while,
Knowing inside there’s no turning back.

Wrestling until the darkness shatters,
A part of me won’t give up this fight;
But it’s not my hold on God that matters:
He is wrestling with my soul tonight.

Struggling, pleading, in desperation,
Until my strength is taken away,
Wondering at my situation -
Believing He’s the victor this day.

Within my own heart, there is a peace:
He will not leave His work undone;
Transforming my life piece by piece,
Until the rising of the sun.

Wrestling in faith, like Jacob of old,
Until his life was rearranged -
Now touched by God, lo and behold,
I find myself forever changed.

When trouble comes to darken our trail,
Though it seems we can’t find our way,
Our Saviour’s love will never fail -
Wrestling until the break of day.

June 1st/2022
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my nephew, Andrew. It's wonderful to see you grow in your faith day by day.)

Jacob was in distress and worried about his brother, Esau, and his 400 armed men coming his way. Left alone with the Lord, his only option was to cling to God until the day break. This is much like us, wrestling with ourselves and our Saviour, until the day break and the shadows flee away - not letting the Lord go until He blesses us by changing our situations or ourselves.

Genesis 32:24-31 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Jacob’s encounter with the Lord God changed his life forever!

Song of Songs 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Bether means “division,” ie. what separates us from our Saviour. Jesus will come leaping over the divisions and difficulties in my life.

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

From the time the Song of Solomon was written until the time of His return again, the Lord Jesus Christ would go to the mountain of myrrh (ie. myrrh meaning death, to face death on Calvary), and the hill of frankincense (ie. incense represents prayer, and He would go as our High Priest to pray to the Father for His brethren).

Song of Songs 8:14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

This song ends with the Shulamite looking forward to her Beloved Bridegroom’s return, much like true believers are awaiting Jesus’ return to take His bride home to be with Him forever.

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The last book of the Bible ends on the same note. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

For a devotional study on this theme, please read: Wrestling Until The Day Break

If you are interested, please click on the link below to hear this poem presented in church:

Wrestling Until The Break Of Day

Quietness And Confidence (Hymn)

Quietness And Confidence

I come to Thee, O Lord, to-night,
A glad and trustful child;
Thy light has made my darkness light,
Thy love my heart beguiled.

I came to Thee by sin oppressed,
Now many years ago;
And I have found that perfect rest
Thou only canst bestow.

My hand is placed in Thine, my Lord,
Thou canst not lead me wrong;
I stay my soul upon Thy word,
My pilgrim-way along.

Some call our life a wilderness,
A desert dark and drear;
To me this life is nothing less
Than Heaven begun down here.

They surely cannot know the grace
Which from Thy presence flows,
Which makes the solitary place
To blossom as the rose.

They cannot know the joy there is,
Which I have claimed as mine;
The joy - nay, more, the perfect bliss,
In this great love of Thine.

Oh! Thou, who to the mire and clay
Hast stooped for one like me;
Thou who hast washed my sins away,
When nailed to Calv'ry's tree;

Oh! set their feet upon the Rock
Who wander from Thee still;
At their dull hearts, oh, louder knock,
And bend the stubborn will.

Thou who hast put the glad new song
Within my mouth to praise,
Oh! let me all my way along,
Fresh Ebenezers raise.

And let my life more wholly be
Conformed to Thy pure word,
That those who are observing me
May glorify my Lord.

E. J. Carr
From Hand In Hand With Jesus, And Other Poems
Published 1877

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Isaiah 30:1-5 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes. They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Isaiah 30:7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

If you are interested, please visit the link below to hear this poem presented in church:
(The audio recording is at the top of the page)

Quietness And Confidence

For another poem by this same author, please visit this page:
The Fulness Of Jesus

Take My Life (Poem)

Take My Life

Take my life, Lord, take every part,

Look deep within and reveal my heart.

Show me the areas 

where I need to change.

Take my life - it's yours to rearrange.

Take my life, Lord, take it all.

Please pick me up each time I fall.

Grant me to know

what you love and hate.

Help me to enter through the narrow gate.

Wash my sins, Lord, wash them away.

Cleanse my heart, help me to obey.

Teach me self-control

and make me pure.

Grant me your strength, help me to endure.

July 12th, 1995

Jerry Bouey

True worship is humbling yourself before Jesus Christ for salvation, and committing yourself to following Him and obeying Him according to His Word. All else is just being religious, which doesn't please God and won't get you into Heaven. There's a reason Jesus Christ is called both Lord and Saviour. When both titles are put together in Scripture, it is always Lord and Saviour, never the other way around. You can only truly receive Christ as Saviour when you accept His Lordship in your life, then as His disciple you follow Him by seeking guidance from His Word.

But as many as received him (Jesus), 

to them gave he power to become the sons of God, 

even to them that believe on his name: 

John 1:12.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13.