Through Darkened Skies (Poem)

Through Darkened Skies

When once bright prospects now seem so dim,

And thoughts of the future appear so grim -

You feel your steps start to falter and fail;

Your life now seems so much more uncertain,

You can’t see what lies beyond the curtain -

Anchor your faith steadfast within the veil.

With storm clouds racing across the sky

Sudden waves of doubt and fear draw nigh - 

So soon your day has turned to darkest night;

Testing will come, but don’t light your own way,

Hold tightly to God’s Word, trust and obey -

Choose this day to walk by faith, and not by sight.

With the very own Author of our faith,

As our example to run in this race -

We have a hope that lights up our darkened skies:

Looking to Jesus, our faithful Guide,

Trusting our Saviour to lead and provide -

We can run the race with patience, and win the prize.

Through darkened skies to Jesus.

April 7th, 2021

Jerry Bouey

(With help from Angela Trenholm)

“Remember that to trust God in the light is nothing — but to trust Him in the dark — that is faith!” Charles Spurgeon.

Matthew 6:34 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 6:18-20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 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.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Two Roads Or Three? (Poem)

 Two Roads Or Three?

There are two roads you can travel on,
Maybe three at the most -
One is broad and one is narrow;
One seems a little bit of both;
One is boundless and so easy;
One is hard and rough sometimes;
The third road takes some effort -
There are so many hills left to climb.

The first road is the world;
It’s the simplest one to choose.
It doesn’t take much effort -
You don’t need any special clues.
Be self-willed, keep on walking,
Make your own path day by day,
Don’t ever look to Jesus.
From His Word just keep away.

The second road is tougher -
Not to start on, but to stay.
It takes God’s amazing grace,
And saving faith to light the way.
It takes believing wholly in Jesus,
Trusting the Saviour, tried and true.
God’s love and sinless sacrifice
Already paved the way for you.

The third road is the most difficult:
There’s no redeeming light of day -
You must trust your own religion
And try to make it your own way.
You give a token belief in God’s Word,
Add your traditions and each good deed...
There’s destruction straight ahead -
The warning signs you just won’t heed.

The first road is the broad way -
The way to Hell is its intent.
The narrow way is through God’s Son:
The Gospel is Heaven-sent.
The third road is for “righteous” Pharisees,
But the bones and filthy rags are so immense.
You can only receive or reject Jesus Christ,
Because the Devil owns the fence!

November 19th, 1998
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 23:25-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

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)

Two Roads Or Three?

Running To Jesus (Poem)

Running To Jesus

Running to Jesus, but then stopping short;

Oh listen to this message, this solemn report:

Don't stop when you see Him - go on, go on -

Accept the salvation found in God's Son.

Running to Jesus, but then holding back -

There is only one thing you so sorely lack:

Turn away from all sin that stands in your way;

Come running to Jesus, come running today.

Running to Jesus - oh but time is fleeting;

You also are running to that final meeting.

There's an appointment with death that awaits you ahead;

Find refuge in Jesus and the blood that He shed.

Running to Jesus, but that is not all:

Receive Him, believe Him, and answer His call;

Oh sinner, don't let it be said on that great Judgement Day,

That you weren't running to Jesus - you were running away...

May 16th, 2001

Jerry Bouey

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

(Mark 10:17-22)

I Am Debtor - Poem by Robert Murray M'Cheyne

I Am Debtor

When this passing world is done,

When has sunk yon glaring sun,

When we stand with Christ in glory,

Looking o'er life's finished story,

Then, Lord, shall I fully know -

Not till then - how much I owe.

When I hear the wicked call

On the rocks and hills to fall,

When I see them start and shrink

On the fiery deluge brink, -

Then, Lord, shall I fully know -

Not till then - how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,

Dressed in beauty not my own,

When I see thee as thou art,

Love thee with unsinning heart,

Then, Lord, shall I fully know -

Not till then - how much I owe.

When the praise of heav'n I hear,

Loud as thunder to the ear,

Loud as many water's noise,

Sweet as harp's melodious voice,

Then, Lord, shall I fully know -

Not till then - how much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass

Darkly, let Thy glory pass,

Make forgiveness feel so sweet,

Make Thy Spirit's help so meet,

Even on earth, Lord, make me know

Something of how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,

Wakened up from wrath to flee,

Hidden in the Saviour's side,

By the Spirit sanctified,

Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,

By my love, how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud,

Dark, as midnight's gloomy shroud;

But, when fear is at the height,

Jesus comes, and all is light;

Blessed Jesus! bid me show

Doubting saints how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread,

Oft by sin I'm captive led;

Oft I fall - but still arise -

The Spirit comes - the tempter flies;

Blessed Spirit! bid me show

Weary sinners all I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign -

Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;

But a night Thine anger burns -

Morning comes and joy returns;

God of comforts! bid me show

To Thy poor, how much I owe.

May 1837.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Philippians 3:7-14  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Death Meets His Match (Poem)

Death Meets His Match

Father Time met pale King Death
Sittin' by a tomb.
"Hello, old friend, I guess you're here
To seal somebody's doom."

"You might say that," sly Death replied.
A smile slid up his face.
"Inside reposes that Jesus man
Who said He'd save the race."

"And you, Time, why you stoppin' here?
Don't you have things to do?"
"I come each day to draw the veil
And let the mornin' through."

"Say, why you watchin' jus' one grave,
With all your vast domain?
Looks like you'd be out ramblin' round
And smitin' folks with pain."

"Well, this one's somethin' special.
He challenged me, they say.
Said He'd rest here just three days
Then stir and walk away."

"Now I'm the conqueror you know,
They don't talk up to me.
When I steps in to cut 'em down
It's for eternity."

"I sure can testify to that,"
Responded Father Time.
"I ain't seen one shake off the dust
Since you been in your prime."

"Well, I got other things to do,
I must be on my way.
I'll see you when I come back by
To make another day."

So whiskered Time went up the hill
To bid the sun to rise.
He left Death standin' by the tomb
Lookin' strong an' wise.

Next day, Time ambled by again,
"And how are things?" he queried.
"Kinda quiet," Death replied.
"I'm startin' to be wearied."

"I won't be here when you come by
About this time tomorrow.
I'm anxious to be on my way,
An' spread some grief and sorrow."

Now Father Time was quite surprised
When he came back to see
Death a quiverin' on the ground
In frightful agony!

His eyes were set, his throat was marked,
His clothes in disarray.
It wasn't difficult to see
That Death had had his day.

"What happened Death?" asked Father Time,
"What makes you look so bad?"
"I've never see you shake this way
Or seem so scared and sad."

Death pulled himself up on a rock
A-lookin' sick an' humble.
Hung his head an' wrung his hands
And Time could hear him mumble.

"Was sittin' here before the dawn
About to take my stroll,
When all at once this whole wide world
Began to reel and roll."

"That rollin' stone jumped off the door
An' skipped on down the hill.
Then everything grew dark and quiet,
Seemed like the earth stood still."

"I saw Him standin' in the door,
He didn't move or speak,
Just looked at me an' all at once,
I felt so tired and weak."

"He came and got a hold on me,
And threw me to the ground,
Put His foot here on my neck
Then took my keys an' crown."

"Two angels came to talk with Him,
They glistened like the sun.
He said, 'The plans all finished now,
Redemption's work is done'."

As they passed the garden gate
I heard him say, just then,
"He's settin' free my captives
And givin' gifts to men."

Time and Death met once again
Off yonder by the gate.
"It's good to see you," said Old Time.
"I've wondered 'bout your fate."

"I'm just a lowly servant now,
There's little time to roam,
I just push open this old gate
And help the saints get home!"

~Elwood McQuaid~

To hear the presentation of this poem in church, please visit this page:
Death Meets His Match

But We See Jesus by Annie Johnson Flint (Poem)

But We See Jesus

"I don't look back, God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets,
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And mercifully forgives, and then forgets.

I don't look forward, God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home,
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.

But I look up - into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled,
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled."

~Annie Johnson Flint~

Thirsting In This Wilderness (Poem)

In 2005, after my Mom died, I spent time with my family attempting to comfort them by preaching about her saving faith at her memorial. I came back so spiritually dry and thirsty from this time, and was unexpectedly empty. I came across these words in Isaiah during my very next Bible reading and they really soothed my soul.

Isaiah 41:17-18 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

As a result of these verses, I put together various studies on living water, but I don't think I ever tried to put these ideas into a poem. Recently reading through Ecclesiastes has brought them back to mind, and this is my attempt to do so. I feel like I'm priming a rusty water pump - as this is my first poem in a long while. Feel free to give me your input. I promise I will not be offended and will consider it.

Thirsting In This Wilderness

I've been striving so long in this wilderness so cruel,
Wandering around aimlessly, in fact I've been a fool;
Searching for something else to fill this empty void inside,
So blind to my own decision to leave the Saviour's side.

Growing rough and weary, no solid footing for my feet;
Stumbling through the Tempter's snares only brought me swift defeat.
This endless barren desert brings a parching, aching thirst -
That can only be quenched by the True Love I knew at first.

Faltering in the darkness, with treacherous paths ahead;
Surrounded by fiery serpents, each shadow marked with dread;
Crying for some guidance, grieved I had ever gone astray;
I heard a voice call out to me, "My child, this is the way."

Turning to heed God's Word, I see my Shepherd standing there -
With provisions to strengthen me, all my burdens to bear.
With streams of living water, Jesus fills that thirst within,
Works His peace deep in my soul, brings me back to life again.

June 14th, 2012
Jerry Bouey

Deuteronomy 8:15-16a Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna...

Isaiah 30:18-21 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. For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

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)

Thirsting In This Wilderness

Boasting In The Lord (Poem)

Boasting In The Lord

So many will boast of their status and wealth -
For too many that is all that's worth living;
I'd rather boast in my spiritual health -
I'll rejoice that I am saved and forgiven!

So many will boast in who and what they know -
Their connections are the things they do treasure;
I would rather boast in the Lord Jesus Christ -
His Word is my only sure guide and measure!

So many will boast in the things they have made -
As if this life was the end of the story;
But I would rather boast in the world to come -
Heaven above is in what I will glory.

So many will boast that they have now arrived -
Trusting in themselves - a sad situation!
But I'd rather boast in what Jesus has done -
Singing aloud of His wondrous salvation!

So many will boast of things under the Sun -
Things that will one day be shaken and scattered;
I will boast in my Father's, "My child, well done" - 
In eternity, that's all that will matter!

January 9th, 2011
Jerry Bouey

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovindkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Hebrews 12:26-28 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifying the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Matthew 25:21 His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

What will you be boasting about this year?

So Amazed (Song)

So Amazed

Basking in Your presence at the start of the day,

I meditate in wonder and begin to pray.

“So amazed,” is all my raptured soul can say.

Who am I, Lord, that You would love me this way?

Once burdened by sins that my mind couldn’t erase,

Now, forgiven – in Your sight there’s not even a trace.

So amazed and awed by Your amazing grace.

Who am I, Lord, that You would die in my place?

At the mountaintop, at last, I rest from my climb,

Rejoicing in the soothing peace that I find.

So amazed, in Christ I have victory this time.

By staying focused on Him, steadfast in mind.

So amazed, Lord, by Your amazing grace,

So amazed, Jesus, that You died in my place,

So amazed by all the wondrous things that You do,

So amazed, my God, I’m so amazed in You!

April 5th, 2002

Jerry Bouey

And David the king came and sat before the LORD,

and said, Who am I, O LORD God,

and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

1 Chronicles 17:16.

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross? (Hymn by Isaac Watts)

Am I A Soldier Of The Cross?

Am I a soldier of the cross -
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Since I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy word.

By Isaac Watts

Love Broke Through (Song)

Love Broke Through

I left my shelter, wandered out into harm;
My faith grew so weak in the path of the storm.
A trial of my choosing; no one else to blame;
But His love broke through when I called on His name.

Chorus:
Love broke through the clouds, Love scattered the rain;
God’s love brought healing in the midst of my pain.
When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed the storm, and His love broke through.

The wind rose so sudden, the thunder now roared;
I was all but sinking; my faith came unmoored.
A trial to test me – how could I survive?
Love broke through and showed me, “My Saviour’s alive!”

When loved ones were drowning; all seemed nearly lost,
I wanted to save them, whatever the cost;
But my strength was useless – oh, what could I do?
I called on the Saviour, and His love broke through.

When the wind and the waves were all I could view,
Jesus calmed my storm, and His love broke through.

December 24th, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Matthew 8:23-27 And when he (Jesus) was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?

Matthew 14:24-33 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth, thou art the Son of God.

P.S. Poem edited slightly on January 2nd, 2011, due to the input of two friends. Thanks for helping me make this song even better! ;)

Everything's Changed (Poem)

Everything's Changed

I once was blind, but now I see -
Oh praise the Lord who died for me.
He opened my eyes to see my sin;
I opened my heart to let Him in.

I once was deaf, but now I hear -
Immanuel – my God – came near.
I heard of how Jesus died for me –
His blood – from my sin, has made me free.

I once was dumb, mouth closed by sin -
Wicked words and thoughts dwelt within;
My own heart, the source of all this woe –
There’s nowhere else but Jesus to go.

I once was lame, but now I’m healed –
My evil deeds have been revealed.
My heart’s been cleansed from every stain;
My footsteps turned to walk right again.

I once was blind, deaf, dumb, and lame,
Lost, alone, heart shattered by pain;
Then I trusted in the Saviour’s name –
Since I believed everything’s changed.

I once was blind, deaf, dumb, and lame,
But praise the Lord that Jesus came!

December 21/2010
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah 29:18  And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Isaiah 35:5-6  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Matthew 11:4-5  Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

O Holy Night (Hymn)

This is probably my most favourite Christmas hymn - at least the first stanza. I first remember hearing it as a young teenager (or possibly pre-teens) when an actor sang it on a popular TV show (Robert Guillaume sang it in a Christmas episode of Benson - at least I was told it was actually the actor singing it and not just putting on a performance). I in no way endorse that show, and honestly don't remember much of it anyway - but that song stuck with me. (Click here to hear it on Youtube.) It was so emotional; perhaps part of the impact was the fact that here was a black man singing about the slave being our brother (ie. our fellow man - according to the Bible, all of mankind is of one blood and we are all related physically through Adam and Eve; though, we are only brothers and sisters spiritually through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ). After I trusted Christ for salvation, I later came across the lyrics of this song and memorized the first stanza, now knowing the meaning of the hope and purpose that salvation in Christ gives to the weary soul. It still touches me today. I think some versions have "the weary world rejoices," but this version from Nethymnal (which should be true to the original) has "the weary soul rejoices." That makes more sense. The whole world is not rejoicing in the Saviour, but the soul that has the burdens of sin and oppression lifted will rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a hymn of hope - which is what the Lord seems to be emphasizing to me in all the messages I have been preparing and preaching for Christmas.

O Holy Night
(Lyrics: Placide Cappeau)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need — to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Ephesians 2:12-13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Christmas Without Christ (Poem)

Note: I am not for nativity scenes, as I am against pictures/images of Jesus Christ. I wrote this poem as a fairly young Christian - but the point still applies today: If we let the world remove all traces of the reason for the season (ie. the Lord Jesus Christ and the message of His free gift of salvation - whether in sermons or songs) at "Christmas" (when we are professing to worship the Lord and celebrate His birth - which was essential in His coming and dying for our sins on the cross), then what do we have left?

Christmas Without Christ

If we take Christ out of Christmas
What's there left to do?
We have all the tinsel and the presents -
But we don't have You-know-who.

If we ban all the Christmas songs
That, to some, may slightly offend,
Then we'd have to remove the Nativity scene...
Tell me - where would it end?

If we couldn't worship Christ this Christmas,
What's there left to celebrate?
All we have left is Santa Claus.
We've sold out - is it too late?

If we couldn't have the Prince of Peace,
Then our peace would vanish soon.
All our fondest dreams would lie in ashes
While we all sing empty tunes.

If we had nothing left to offer
But a jolly fat man in red,
Then Christmas couldn't be called Christmas,
And our hope would soon be dead.

If we take Christ out of Christmas,
Then what would there be?
A world in need of a Saviour
But they've left Him no place to be.

December 13th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,
and given Him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

What Child Is This? (Hymn)

What Child Is This?

(William C. Dix)

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

(Chorus)
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud -
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear - for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh -
Come, rich and poor, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings -
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

God's Gift (Poem)

God's Gift

Come now all you troubled people,
I've got a message for you to hear:
God is giving out His grace this Christmas -
Free for all who dare to draw near.

In a world filled with gloomy night,
Here's a Gift that is full of Light.

A Gift of forgiveness, mercy too,
A Gift of hope from Christ to you.

A reason for living wrapped up in Love,
An Ever-Present Saviour who came from above.

The Gift is truly priceless,
And inside, you will be made new,
But you must accept His Gift
For it to belong to you.

If you stop to think about the miracle
of the birth of Christ this year,
Remember His precious Gift of Life -
He offers peace to all who will draw near.

December 14th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

God so loved...
that He gave...
John 3:16

For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

But as many as received Him,
to them gave He power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on His name:
John 1:12

O Save Us Now (Song)

O Save Us Now

Before God made the world, redemption was planned;

In the fullness of time, God became a man.

From Heaven, God's Son came; was in a manger laid;

The Christ had arrived - soon our sin debt would be paid.

Simeon in the Temple, and Anna nearby,

The shepherds in the field, knew the Saviour was nigh.

The wise men saw the star as it shone from the sky;

They followed it far to the King from on High.

To a world darkened by sin

The light of hope is shining in,

The Promised Son has appeared,

The Saviour is now here -

O save us now!

Years have passed by; this child has grown into a man;

Now it was time to fulfill God's wondrous plan.

On the cross, for our sins, His precious blood was shed,

Three days later, our Saviour arose from the dead.

To those searching for truth, the time has come at last;

Salvation has been purchased; sin's darkness has passed.

The morning has dawned, the night is now gone;

To souls filled with sin, the Redeemer has come.

The Messiah was foretold,

His origins are from old,

We've been waiting for so long,

But Jesus has now come -

O save us now!

The Promised Son has drawn nigh.

This Saviour was born to die.

"It is finished," was His shout -

His blood can blot your sin debt out.

He will save you now!

December 13th, 2003

Jerry Bouey

Hosanna means "O save us now."

And the multitudes that went before,

and that followed, cried, saying,

Hosanna [save us now] to the Son of David:

Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord;

Hosanna in the highest.

Matthew 21:9

Save now, I beseech Thee, O LORD:

O LORD, I beseech Thee, send now prosperity.
 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD:
we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Psalms 118:25-26

Isaiah 9:1-2 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came (Poem)

While the theology of this poem is off somewhat on the events of the Lord's second coming/return, it makes an excellent point: Are you ready for the Lord's return?

‘Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there. 

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY! 

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself. 

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said “it’s not here” my head hung in shame. 

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around. 

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. 

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

Author Unknown

Christmas Without Jesus (Poem by Angela Trenholm)

Christmas Without Jesus?

Christmas without Jesus, And all that the Saviour has wrought;
Can you begin to comprehend, why I just cannot bear the thought?
Christmas without Jesus, means more than an empty manger,
Or a wasted trip for wise men, on a road of untold danger.

Christmas without Jesus, means more than a tree with no gifts;
More than no holiday fixings, or no extra-overtime shifts.
Christmas without Jesus - What does it all really mean?
What impact does it have for me, my life, my hopes and my dreams?

Christmas without Jesus, means my sin debt, by me, still is borne.
It still has never been paid for, for His body had never been torn.
Christmas without Jesus, means Heaven cannot be attained;
We've all sinned; there's no remedy. Our good works are useless and vain.

Christmas without Jesus, means an eternity of pain;
No hope for all mankind was brought. without Christ's loss, we have no gain.
Christmas without Jesus! Oh no! It simply cannot be!
But praise the Lord! I know it's not! He came to die for you and me!

Christmas with Jesus - My Saviour's alive forevermore!
He arose victorious from the grave, and He has opened Heaven's door.
Christmas without Jesus - A fairy tale, an empty show.
For Christ came to pay for our sin - It's real! I want the world to know!

Angela Trenholm
December 13th, 2003
(Used With Permission)

Christmas Without Jesus (Poem by Theresa Wood)

Christmas Without Jesus?

Christmas without Jesus, How can this really be?
And yet for many years it was this way for me.
I hung the lights and wrapped the many, many toys
For all my little ones, my precious girls and boys.

I gave them all that I possessed of worldly gifts and things,
But I did not have the greatest gift that only Jesus brings.
Though I gave them all I had right from the very start,
I could not give them Jesus for He wasn't in my heart.

Then, Praise the precious Lamb of God, one day He came,
He spoke to my empty heart and called me by my name.
Now I have more to give my children than gifts on earth.
I give them Jesus, God’s Firstborn Son, whose lowly birth
Prepared the way for all mankind to look to Him and see,
Christmas without Jesus, this really cannot be.

December 9th, 2002
Theresa Wood
(Used With Permission)

Born To Die (Song)

Born To Die

I heard about the Saviour,
Heard about His lowly birth.
How He laid aside His glory,
And came down to live on earth.
Still I could never fathom why,
He left Heaven – born to die.

There’s a reason for the season -
Sin had slithered into Paradise.
There was only one solution -
Someone sinless had to pay the price.
Jesus was born in a manger one day,
Born to give His life away.

Born in a manger, born in poverty,
Born from a virgin, sinless was He.
God sent His Son from Heaven above,
Jesus left His throne to prove His love.
The Lamb of God, the Saviour came,
Born to die – Oh, praise His name!

The Bible says He died for me,
Was crucified on Calvary,
Shed His blood to pay for my sin;
I opened my heart and let Him in.
He arose from the grave in victory,
Oh, praise God, He was born to die for me!

Something else – still amazing, yet so true,
He was also born to die for you.
His sinless blood can wash your sins away,
Come to the Saviour, receive Him today.
This Good News is the Truth and is no lie,
The Son of God was born to die.

Chorus:
Born to die on Calvary,
Born to die for you and for me.
Born to die – that’s why He came.
Born to die – Oh, praise His name!
Jesus left His home above,
Born to die because of His love.

December 10th, 2001
Jerry Bouey

For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

The Hope Of Christmas (Poem)

Lindsay was a friend to many at the Gospel Mission where I work. She trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation about two years ago, and was making many wise choices to separate from harmful influences in her life and from friends that would only drag her down spiritually and by tempting her back into her addictions. Unfortunately, her house became an unsafe place for her, and Lindsay was truly seeking to find new housing where she would not be exposed to those addictions. She cleaned up, she spent many hours volunteering at the mission, and was such a help and a blessing. She met regularly with the chaplain at the Mission to work on overcoming those addictions and learn more from God's Word.

We only know part of what happened on November 28th. Tragically, she overdosed through the influence of one of those bad "friends." Even though we are saddened by her sudden loss - her story ends in glory. Her hope this Christmas was the Saviour that came to give her life - that same Saviour that took her home, away from all her struggles and fears - to be with Him.

This poem is an attempt to see things from Lindsay's perspective. The title of the poem is a line that I had going through my mind all afternoon before writing this poem.

The Hope Of Christmas
(Dedicated to Lindsay Guenther)

In the midst of my sorrows, troubles and tears,
I sought the Lord and He saved me from my fears.
In this time when you are overwhelmed by loss,
Remember the Saviour who died on the cross -
That's my hope this Christmas.

Struggling to overcome my dark addictions,
And learning to make some braver decisions;
You broke through all those chains that held me so tight,
You scattered my darkness because You're my Light -
That's my hope this Christmas.

This Christmas, I know you're not celebrating,
But our reunion's worth anticipating.
My struggling heart's not the end of the story;
Eternity awaits in realms of glory -
That's my hope this Christmas.

Jesus came to this earth to show us the way;
He paid for sin's debt - one we could never pay.
Salvation's His gift offered to us by grace,
Receiving eternal life with Him by faith -
That's the hope of Christmas.

December 3rd, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Psalm 34:4-6 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven (Hymn)

Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious is His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows.

Frail as summer’s flower we flourish,
Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish
Our God lives unchanging on,
Praise Him, Praise Him, Hallelujah
Praise the High Eternal One!

Angels, help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
**Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.

**Alternate lines:
Saints triumphant, bow before Him,
Gathered in from every race.

~ Henry Francis Lyte ~

Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Hymn)

I have loved this hymn for a long time, but I had only ever heard three stanzas of it. On Net Hymnal they have the full version of the hymn. In our hymnbooks, stanzas two (the second half) and three (the first half) are combined and the fifth stanza is absent. I think the other verses add to the whole. How about you?

Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
(Lyrics: Robert Robinson)

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send Thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

He Still Moves Stones (Hymn)

He Still Moves Stones

Both Death and Darkness ruled the day
Around the tomb where Laz’rus lay.
Cried Jesus in authority,
“Remove the stone and set him free!”

Have stony trials progressively
Extinguished hopes of victory?
Embrace His word triumphantly:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.
 
Have stones of fear, confusion, doubt
Destroyed your faith and burned you out?
Then look to Him expectantly:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.
 
Are your dreams blocked or gone astray
By stones of hindrance in the way?
His Spirit will bring clarity:
He’ll move those stones and set you free.
 
(Refrain)
He still moves stones, so give Him glory!
He still moves stones to change your story!
What e’er your trial or loss or need
If there’s a stone, He wants you freed.

Copyright 2009 James McAlister
Used by permission

Exhortation To Prayer - Hymn by William Cowper

Exhortation To Prayer

by William Cowper

What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,
But wishes to be often there?

Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when through weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevail'd.

Have you no words? Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent
To heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me."

Freefall (Song)

These past two weeks at the Gospel Mission we started doing something new: having all the staff on the same page as far as Devotionals go. So our Chaplain decided to do a series on James, where each meal devotion covered the next few verses.

Thinking about these different messages from the book of James (such as trials and their purposes, how our enticements to sin comes from inside us, friendship with the world being enmity with God, the tongue and how hard it is to tame our tongue and ourselves, how it is when we humble ourselves before the Lord that He lifts us up, and this last one of when we repent and return to the Lord, He removes the sickness/trial that He was using to chastise us), here is a James-inspired song that I wrote.

When I think of depression and my past struggles with it, and not wanting to fall back into it, I often picture a chasm that I am standing on the brink of, looking down dizzily into it, and so scared of falling back into the pit I came out of - this song in a way comes out of that idea, but follows the analogy a little further, ie. when the step to backslide is taken and the freefall begins - knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only one that can lift us back out of that pit and restore us to Himself when we repent and return to Him.

Freefall

Lord, I know that this is only the beginning.
Lord, I know there is a mark that I have missed.
Lord, I know there's a war I am not winning.
Lord, I know life can get much worse than this.

Lord, I know my battle's not with flesh and blood.
Lord, I know that some part of me is filled with pride.
Lord, I know my heart is cold and prone to wander.
Lord, I know that a sinful beast lurks just inside.

I see myself, and I don't like the picture:
Something is there; corrupt and so hard to tame.
Lord, I'm stumbling - I'm faltering, tripping, falling -
Lord, I know that I only have myself to blame.

I'm falling...

Chorus:
I am in a freefall, Lord, I'm falling;
Falling down, I'm crashing down...
Jesus, I need to know You are always with me.
I need to know it's You that will fill my cup.
Jesus, I need to know help is on its way now.
Lord, I need to know that You will lift me up
...from this fall.

Lord, I know that trials come for a reason.
I hate these struggles that I'm going through.
Lord, I know I should be charged with treason
For loving myself and this world more than You.

Wake up call, I'm falling...

I see, Lord, my fortress was built upon the sand.
I know, I can't catch these clouds I'm falling through.
I see that You are my only hope now, Lord.
Jesus, I know that I can still depend on You.

I'm calling...

Chorus.

I'm falling, calling out, I'm calling You.

September 18th, 2010
Jerry Bouey

Slow Down, Daddy! (Poem)

Slow Down, Daddy!

"Slow down, Daddy, I just can't run that fast!"
The little voice calls out to you, as you walk on past.
"Wait for me, Daddy, I'm trying hard to follow you..."
Walking closely in your footsteps - where are you leading to?

"Hey Daddy, hey Daddy, come take a look at me!"
The call goes on unheeded; too caught up in your thoughts to see.
"Come over here, Daddy, can you stop a minute and play?"
The little voice laughs aloud, but you are distracted by your day.

"Oh Daddy, guess what we learned in class today.
Jesus loves me, this I know. And then we knelt to pray...
Tell me Bible stories about Jesus - I really love those parts...
I got saved today, Daddy, Jesus now lives in my heart!"

"I love you, Daddy, I thought of you all day long...
We had so much fun - but I miss you when you're gone.
Good night, Daddy, it's been a long, long, day.
I'm so sleepy, Daddy, but I love it when you pray."

"Come play with me, Daddy," the words echo in your ear,
As you gaze upon your sleeping child, the one you love so dear.
"It's been so long, Daddy, I was waiting for you to come home to me."
And you vow to be there tomorrow, to be the Daddy you need to be.

For Father's Day
May 30th/06
Jerry Bouey

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7

It's Jesus (Song)

It's Jesus

There's a refuge to be found in the midst of life's storms,
There's a peace so profound it will guard your heart from harm,
Where is this shelter under the everlasting arms?
It's Jesus.

There's only one Saviour who died to make men free,
One source of Living Water that flows abundantly,
One plan of salvation - Are you thirsty? Come and see.
It's Jesus.

God was manifest in the flesh when He came down to earth,
The Son of God who became a Man through the virgin birth,
One sacrifice for sins forever - His love gives us worth,
It's Jesus.

There's only one sinless Man whose life He gave,
Only one Man who arose victorious over the grave,
There's only one Saviour who can ever save,
It's Jesus.

There's only one fountain of blood that can cleanse from all sin,
Only one Spirit of Life that will dwell within,
True righteousness is found only in Him -
It's Jesus.

October 22nd, 2003
(Edited slightly and added middle verse on February 19th, 2022)
Jerry Bouey

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Isaiah 41:17-18 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Revelation 21:6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

"Rock Of Ages" (Poem)

"Rock Of Ages"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,"
Thoughtlessly the maiden sung;
Fell the words unconsciously
From her girlish, gleeful tongue.
Sung as little children sing,
Sung as sing the birds in June;
Fell the words like bright leaves down
On the current of the tune:
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Let me hide myself in thee,"
Felt her soul no need to hide-
Sweet the song as song could be,
And she had no thought beside.
All the words unheedingly
Fell from lips untouched by care;
Dreaming not that each might be
On some other lips a prayer.
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me-"
'Twas a woman sung them now
Pleadingly and prayerfully;
Every word her heart did know.
Rose the song as storm-tossed bird
Beats with weary wing the air-
Ev'ry note with sorrow stirred,
Every syllable a prayer-
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me-"
-Lips grown aged sung the hymn
Trustfully and tenderly-
Voice grown weak and eyes grown dim-
"Let me hide myself in thee,"
Trembling though the words and low,
Ran the sweet strain peacefully,
Like a river in its flow;
Sung as only they can sing
Who life's thorny paths have pressed;
Sung as only they can sing
Who behold the promised rest:
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee!"

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me,"
Sung above a coffin-lid;
Underneath all restfully,
All life's cares and sorrows hid;
Nevermore, O storm-tossed soul,
Nevermore from wind or tide,
Nevermore from billows' roll
Wilt thou need thyself to hide.
Could the sightless sunken eyes
Closed beneath the soft gray hair,
Could the mute and stiffened lips
Lift again in pleading prayer,
Still, aye still, the prayer would be:
"Let me hide myself in thee!"

Ella Maud Smith Moore

Jacob's Well (Poem)

Jacob's Well

(The Samaritan Woman in John 4)

About to draw some water from Jacob's well
The Samaritan woman heard Him speak.
She wondered, Who is this man; why is he here?
He looks so wearied, dusty, and weak.

You are a Jew, I am a lowly Samaritan,
What have you to do with me? She tried to think,
We are the ones you look down upon,
We are your enemies, yet you ask for a drink.

Who is this man that speaks of living water?
He has nothing to draw with and the well is deep.
What is this passion that I long after?
This water, how can I obtain it? Is it mine to keep?

And what is this - He speaks of eternal life?
He offers a well springing up inside.
How can he know I am a despised housewife?
He knows my deepest shame, I cannot hide.

He must be a prophet, he knows the true me.
What can I ask him - Oh, let me see,
"Sir, where is the place we are to worship God?"
He speaks so boldly, yet the answer's odd.

Salvation is of the Jews; yes, I've heard it before,
But he goes on to say oh so much more.
God is a Spirit and He is seeking for those
Who will worship Him truly. I'm sure He knows.
In spirit and in truth, strange words he speaks.
Suddenly, Jesus says, "I Am the Messiah you seek."

He is the Christ! She drops everything and leaves,
So excited to tell others that they may believe.

November 21st, 1995
Jerry Bouey

The woman saith unto him,
I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ:
when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
John 4:25-26