Always (Poem)

 

Always

(Written sometime between March and May, 1990.
This poem reflects a search for meaning, a desire to know God,
a longing to find Him - instead He found me.)

I sat and thought about my life to date,
For I had no real reason to celebrate.
All my flowers had wilted and blown away,
As all my colours slowly faded to gray.

My life had taken a drastic turn for the worse,
If I didn't cheer up soon, I'd need a hearse.
I often wondered how different everyone's life would be,
If they had to do it over again, all without me.

Would they really miss me after all?
Would my life be simpler if I took the fall?
Would all my problems quickly fly away,
Or sink into a black hole where they'd stay?

I needed the answers to all these questions, and more;
I had to know if my life would improve for the better.
Maybe if I tried hard enough and hoped long enough,
My troubled life wouldn't seem all that tough.

Maybe if You came into my life everything would improve,
And all the bad points in my dreary existence would move,
To a distant point on another far-away sun,
Where they couldn't possibly bother anyone.

Maybe the important changes all begin at home,
Where all the pure and evil thoughts tend to roam,
Maybe if I gave all the horrible thoughts a kick,
Everything holding my life together would click.

I think I'll give existing an honest try,
Punch Death's evil facade right in the eye,
And say, "Nice knowing you, but now that you're gone,
There's no way I'll miss you, 'cause my life will go on."

So now I'll start the real living,
And since life begins with giving,
I'm going to give everything I've got and more,
Because now You're in my life, I want to live for sure.

Even though on life's path I may stray,
Gently pull me back on the right and true way,
Thank You for coming and stopping for tea,
And if You never leave, I will be oh so happy.

Thanks for loving and guiding me too.
I pray I will always love You.
No matter what comes and no matter what stays,
I know that You will truly love me... Always!

By Jerry Bouey

I never knew God the Father or Jesus Christ until Friday, November 13th, 1992.

I didn't know how to come to Him. There were times when my thoughts turned to Him and in those days I was actually happy, but then I would go my own way once again, as

Isaiah 53:6 says:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

As long as I can remember I believed in God - though not according to knowledge - and the only verse I ever memorized as a child, other than the Lord's prayer and Psalm 23, was John 3:16:

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.

I knew I was a guilty sinner on my way to Hell because of my sins against the Lord. God loved me, Jesus died for my sins, and I knew that my sins condemned me, but somehow I never knew how to connect the two together - I didn't even know I could.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

As Catholicism was part of my background, I thought that if I could change my life, in other words, obey the Ten Commandments, God would accept me. I stopped lying, stealing, and sometimes swearing, because I feared God's wrath. But there were other secret sins and I knew God could see into my heart. What a dilemma. How could I ever be reconciled to God?

And then God called me one Friday night... I realized I was in need of a Saviour when I was questioned by the College and Career Bible study leader about my salvation, and I didn't have an adequate answer. When asked if I was a Christian, I said, "I guess so."

He then told me if I was a Christian I would know. "What's a Christian?" He next proceeded to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and fit the missing pieces of the puzzle in place for me.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Romans 1:16-17 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.

How Jesus took my sins upon Him and died in my place; how His one sacrifice forever saves those who come to Him in faith; and how His death, burial, and resurrection prove He is the Messiah that was promised in the Old Testament, God manifest in the flesh. (See 1 Timothy 3:16.) And how through repentance (that's turning from sin in your heart - which will result in a change in outward conduct - and turning toward God, ie. stop going my way, and go His way) and faith in (that's Bible-based belief, confidence in, trust, reliance upon) Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, I could have the free gift of eternal life, have my sins forgiven, and have a home in Heaven when I die.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now John 3:16 really made sense to me. I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour that night.

John 1:12 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:

It was a new beginning for me.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

The Lord Jesus Christ is standing and knocking at your heart's door now.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

Will you let Him in?

If you have never received Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, please read God's Simple Plan Of Salvation, which clearly explains what the Bible (God's Word) teaches us about how to get to Heaven. If after reading this Gospel tract, you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, I would love to hear about it and rejoice with you. God bless you.

Lord (Poem)

 

Lord

(Here is my first poem written
the day after I received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.
The search was over, but the journey of faith had just begun.)

Some days I feel strong,
Yet too many others I know I'm weak;
It seems I've searched forever
For these answers that I seek.

That I understand Your Word, I pray,
As I read the Bible everyday.
Learning to live right is a start -
I've let Jesus enter my heart.

Now I'm filled with God's love
And my steps are guided from above.
I'm following the voice I hear deep inside -
From Life, there's no more need to hide.

I know You're with me - that's a relief;
You've kindly taken away all of my grief.
Now I've found a new beginning,
A pure life, free from sinning.

If I falter, Father, don't let me fall;
I know Your strength will conquer all.
Lord, help me to pass the upcoming trials,
And foil all of Satan's wiles.

I know for my sins, Your Son has died.
Please watch over me - stand by my side.

I dedicate all that I am to You;
I'll do all that You want me to do.
For all Your love that shines through,
Lord, I love You!

November 14th, 1992
Jerry Bouey

Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me,
hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.
John 5:24

As you can see, I needed to get grounded in the Word of God and sort out some theology, but that's where I was the day after I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

The Game Of Life (Poem)

 

The Game Of Life

Life's a game,
The stakes are high;
It's your bet until you die.

The choice is yours -
salvation is free,
But if you lose -
it's eternally.

Why gamble foolishly with your soul,
When sin just keeps on taking its toll?

Maybe it's time for you to take stock:
Place your bet with Jesus Christ - the Rock -
He's a sure win!

1992
Jerry Bouey

This poem was written very shortly after I trusted Jesus Christ for salvation (November 13th, 1992). Pretty simple poem, but it does make a strong point: What (or who) are you trusting in - in this life, and for eternity?

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

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

Philippians 2:9-11 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.

And Such Were Some Of You (Poem)

And Such Were Some Of You

From a past full of rebellion and sin,
Against God, your wicked heart was at war;
In faith, one day you turned to the Saviour,
And now you are not like that anymore!

And such were some of you,
But you are not like that anymore;
Some thing has changed you deep within -
And you are different than before.

A change has been wrought in your spirit;
Brought from death to life by God’s grace;
By Christ’s blood, your sins are all forgiven -
On your account, there’s not even a trace.

And such were some of you -
Out with the old nature, in with the new;
You are a new creature in Christ Jesus -
Let the Word of God transform you!

And such were some of you -
Our sins were the reason Jesus came to die;
Today, let God’s Spirit transform you,
From a lowly worm into a butterfly!

November 13, 2003
Jerry Bouey

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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.

Conformed - to be fashioned outwardly like the world. This same Greek word is used in one other passage:

1 Peter 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

Transformed - to be changed or transfigured from the inside out - to undergo a “metamorphosis” (this is literally the Greek word used here), hence the symbolism used by many Christians of a worm transforming - metamorphosing - into a butterfly. The same word is translated as "transfigured" in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2, as "changed" in the next verse:

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

There's A Lion In My Heart (Poem)

 

There’s A Lion In My Heart

There’s a lion in my heart,
Running freely through my veins;
I can’t hold back this power -
I give the Lord free reign.

This old world hates the Bible,
There’s no place left for God’s Word;
But still it cuts so deeply,
Through soul and spirit, like a sword.

Reading and studying daily,
Like Mary, at Jesus’ feet;
Searching for hidden treasures,
Gleaning wisdom and digging deep.

Mind filled and overflowing,
Mouth filled and opened wide;
I am weary with forbearing -
I cannot hold God’s Word inside.

Though at times I cannot speak,
And feel I am but a child,
There’s a lion in my soul,
Breaking free and running wild.

November 1st, 2022
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to all who believe in an inspired, inerrant Bible that we can hold in our hands today.)

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” - Charles Spurgeon

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matthew 12:34-35 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Psalms 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Jeremiah 1:6-7 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

For a short devotional on this theme:
The Lion Of God's Word

Blazing A Trail God’s Way (Poem)

 

Blazing A Trail God’s Way

Way back in olden times, in the pioneer days,
“Go West, Young man,” was an often heard phrase.
Go make your own mark, go blaze your own trail -
In the eyes of the world you will never fail.

But the way to make a difference in the eyes of the Lord
Is to base your whole life upon the truths found in God’s Word.
Jesus is the Author of your faith - He’s already blazed the way;
Follow closely in His footsteps, cling to Him every day.

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” you’ll never walk alone;
He has a plan and a purpose that you can call your very own;
He will provide all things that will need to serve Him faithfully;
Stir up the gifts He’s given you; keep your eyes on eternity.

He’s the Finisher of your faith - that means He has a plan;
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Remember the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and to save;
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not” - be Brave!

The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day -
Go forth, Young man, and blaze your new trails in God’s perfect way.

November 17, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to young preachers setting out in the ministry, and especially my friend, Ahikiriza Brave)

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

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Timothy 1:6-7 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Good PDFs Of My Poetry Books To Download

I have been wanting to put my poetry books together as ebooks or PDFs for a while now, but the methods I used before had their quirks - weird links and info on the sides or top and bottom of the books, and the format was often broken up when converted to PDF by someone's browser or ereader. Recently, I came across this website (printfriendly.com) that easily converts your documents or files to PDFs - basically just drag and drop, then rename the file as you'd like.

One of the things I was unsatisfied with when my second poetry book was printed up was that I had written a poem for my Mom, two days before she passed away, but I could not include it in that book because it was already at the printers. Now, as an ebook/PDF, I was easily able to add it to this edition of the book. Lord willing, if I am ever able to print any of these books up again, I will include it in the physical book.

For ebook/PDFs, click on the links below to download the zip files, which you just need to unzip in your Download folder, and then open in your ereader:

Refuge In The Storms Of Life PDF (My first poetry book)

The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage PDF (My second poetry book)

Poems And Promises PDF  (a booklet put together recently, including encouraging poems and short devotionals)

Please feel free to download and pass these on if they are a blessing and encouragement to you.

What A Day That Will Be (Song)

What A Day That Will Be

(Song by Jim Hill)

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 21:1-6  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 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.

Go Forward On Your Knees (Poem)

The quotes are actual statements by missionaries or preachers of the past.

Go Forward On Your Knees

How brave and sure were those missionaries of old,

Those faithful prayer warriors - they were so bold;

Courageously saying, “Give me souls or I die!”

“Go forward on your knees” was their fervent battle cry.

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”

Go forward boldly, following your Saviour from on high;

Though “You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God” -

“Go forward on your knees” - follow the footsteps Jesus has trod.

By faith we know, “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world!”

Under the banner of the cross, let your flag be unfurled.

Victory is promised, but it will not be on beds of ease -

A life of dedicated service - “Go forward on your knees”!

Whether you serve your Father here, or serve the Lord abroad,

“Expect great things from” Him, and “Attempt great things for God.”

Wherever you may go, around the corner or across the seas -

Be faithful to the Lord in prayer - “Go forward on your knees!”

November 14, 2023

Jerry Bouey

Before reaching Honan, Goforth had received a cordial letter from Hudson Taylor, telling him of the tremendous obstacles ahead and reminding him of his need of super-natural assistance. "Brother, if you would enter that province," Taylor wrote, "you must go forward on your knees." Goforth did just that. Not a day passed but that circumstances and events caused him to recall his life text and to rely on its promise, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). (Quoted from Giants Of The Missionary Trail by Eugene Myers Harrison)

“Give me souls or I die!” - Praying Hyde

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” - Hudson Taylor

“You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God.” - Hudson Taylor

“Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.” - Charles Spurgeon

“Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God.” - William Carey

Several other great missionary quotes:

“All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” - Hudson Taylor

“Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” - CT Studd

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” - CT Studd

How Shall They Call? (Poem)

How Shall They Call?

In a world that is blinded by darkness,

Men’s souls that are shadowed by night,

We shine out among those around us -

To the lost and perishing, we are the light.

How shall they call unless they hear the truth.

How shall they respond unless they know;

How shall they ever hear the Gospel,

Unless someone here tells them so.

Jesus Christ paid the price that was needed

To redeem mankind back from their sin;

The Holy Spirit came to this world,

So that lost man could be born again.

But how shall they call unless they hear Him;

How shall they respond unless they know

How shall the lost world hear of Jesus,

Unless someone saved is willing to go?

We need to see the lost souls around us;

Hear their cries, let them touch our hearts;

We’ve been sent out by our Father -

Let us be faithful and each do our part.

How shall they call unless they hear Jesus;

How shall they respond unless they know;

How shall they ever believe the Gospel,

Unless someone here is willing to go?

November 12, 2023

Jerry Bouey

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Philippians 2:15-16 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

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

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:

I Serve A Risen Saviour (Hymn)

I Serve A Risen Savior

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him He's always near.

Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

(Hymn by Alfred Henry Ackley)

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

Romans 5:6-10  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

ABC's Of Heaven's Glory (Song)

 

ABC’s Of Heaven’s Glory

Adopted as God’s child,
Born from above,
Carried to Heaven on the wings of His love.

Destined for glory,
Eternity is in view,
For consider the
Great plans
He has for me and you -
In His wisdom He will follow them through.

Jehovah, Jesus,
King of Kings,
Lord of Lords;
Marvel at our Saviour, worship Him in one accord.

No name is greater -
Only Jesus will reign;
Ponder the promise He is coming again!

Quiet the inward struggles,
Rest in His gentle arms, be
Still your anxious thoughts - He will calm the raging storm.

Tarry in prayer a moment,
Until He answers you;
Verily God has promised -
Watch Him come through.

EXalt your great Leader, follow Him day by day -
You’re marching upward to
Zion, and He’s leading the way!

Always
Be
Careful, to watch and to pray.

November 7, 2023
Jerry Bouey

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.

Please visit this page for two of my other ABC poems, written when I was much younger:
ABC's Of Faith/Alphabet Poem

Dream Or Reality? (Poem)

 

Dream Or Reality?

Is it just a distant dream, this vision that I see
To know my Heavenly Father as a warm reality?
To sense the blessed comfort within His precious Word
To know His deep compassion behind each word I've heard.

To understand the heart that knows the real me
To believe that I'm protected, that He's my security
To know that He is near, His Spirit is inside me
To believe that He will never leave as a strong certainty.

To experience the presence of God that evil cannot harm
To give all my cares to Him and rest within His arms
To feel His joy and fellowship, His love without an end
To know God as my Father and as my trusted friend.

To believe I can depend on Him to provide my greatest needs
To know that He sees into my heart and hears my silent pleas
To believe He is there for me and holds my hand when I'm alone
As a parent stands beside their child and loves their very own.

To know that He created me and I will never be forsaken
To understand He is my fortress and He will not be shaken
To believe He is grieving with me as I suffer through my pain
To know that He will strengthen me and hold me once again.

To be confident that everything in my life is in His control
To believe that my Father is watching me and guarding my soul
To sense His love so real, to experience Him in my heart
What comfort and peace to know we will never, ever part.

Yes - that is my deepest prayer, my dream that I want to see
And I thank you, Father, that this dream can be a present reality.

May 9th, 1995
Jerry Bouey

 And because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6

Confining Christianity? (Poem)

 

Confining Christianity?

To some unbelievers,
the Kingdom of Heaven
may seem like a prison....
Maybe it is...

One where you are closed in constantly
by strong arms of Righteousness,
and are always surrounded
by the Lord's unchanging Love.

Your only companions in this prison are
Rock-like fellow Christians
whose many myriad sins
Jesus Christ - God's own only begotten Son -
was painfully crucified for.

God's judgement is reigning down on us all:
"For those of you who believed, and trusted, and accepted
Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour -
You will get your just rewards...
You are sentenced to Life Eternal!"

This is the only prison
I don't think I can ever break out of...

But, you know, somehow I don't mind.

December 1992
Jerry Bouey

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ABC's Of Faith/Alphabet Poem (Poems)

Here are two poems written at two very different points in my life - as a lost teenager (or perhaps when I was 20 - it was from a binder of poems that I found with things I had written up until 1990) and as a new Christian. While they may be a little cheesy, I like the attempts at making acrostic poems with every letter of the alphabet, and the contrast in worldviews presented in each. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ changed everything, including my outlook on life, my priorities, and my eternal destiny! Now I have a spiritual prize worth striving for that I know I can reach, not some airy phantom or dream that has no meaning.

Alphabet Poem

A star in the sky

Beyond my reach.

Couldn't find a way to bring

Down that fabled treasure,

Even though I tried, seemingly

Forever.

God,

How can I ever grasp it, because

I don't know how.

Just tell me, let me

Know.

Let

Me touch that fiery prize.

Nothing will hold me back. If

Only I had a ladder long enough.

Perchance a

Quick

Rocket through

Space

To my final destination.

Unless I could capture that

Veritable pearl of brightness...

Would I if I could - perhaps if I was

Xerxes, aged king of Persia,

You'd let me obtain my

Zenith.

ABC’s Of Faith

A still small voice

Borne on the wind

Carries my doubts away,

Delivering me from

Every

Fear.

God’s purposes hold sway.

His plan is still in effect -

In my heart, Jesus is still on the throne;

Keeping watch over me, I know He will never ever

Leave me alone.

Mighty is the

Name of Jesus,

Omnipotent and

Precious to my soul;

Quite a difference He made when He

Restored me and made me whole.

Sometimes life can be bittersweet with

The terribly strong taste of defeat,

Until I call upon my Lord - He

Vanquishes my worries with just a

Word.

Xylophones are playing, taking away my fears;

You’re gently healing my heart - Your

Zephyr is here.

December 19, 1995

Jerry Bouey

John 3:6-8 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

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.

For a much more recent attempt at an alphabet/acrostic poem, written as a song, please visit this page:
ABC's Of Heaven's Glory

Called (Poem)

Called

You were washed in the blood of the precious Lamb.
You were sanctified by the great I Am.
You were justified in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
You were cleansed inside by His sacred Word.

You were purchased by the Holy Spirit in you.
You were called forth from the world - now you,
Whom Jesus Christ loved, died for, rescued and saved,
So in the Book of Life your name would be engraved -

Run in such a way as to earn the prize:
Play to win.
In the race for eternity, dear friend,
Let the games begin.

September 16th, 1993
Jerry Bouey

1 Corinthians 6:11, 20 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God... For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

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

Also 1 Peter 1:2 and 1 Thessalonians 2:10-13

Lift Up Their Hands (Poem)

 

Lift Up Their Hands

Lift up the hands that have fallen down,
Oh, my brethren, strengthen the feeble knees…
But what if it’s your hands that have grown weaker,
What if it’s you that falters in times like these?

What if your hands are feeling too heavy for you,
What if the burdens you carry seem too much to bear,
What if your soul is overwhelmed by your own struggles,
Where are those dear friends to lift you up in prayer?

Lord Jesus, bring an Aaron alongside their path,
To walk beside them and lift up their hands.
They’re faltering and weary and feel so weak -
They need a comforter to help them to stand.

A friend who can stand in the gap for Your people,
To lift up their spirits when they wander from home,
A brother to bring them before the throne of God;
To help them remember where their true strength comes from.

Let me be that servant that will petition for them,
Who will hold up their hands through the long dark night,
Let me be the warrior that comes alongside,
To help them to win in these battles they fight.

Let me stand in the gap for my friends,
To lift up those hands that hang down.

Use me, Lord, to lift up their hands.

October 26, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to all my friends in the Lord. Let me be an Aaron to lift up their hands in prayer when they struggle.)

Job 4:3-6 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Exodus 17:8-13 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Set My Soul Afire (Hymn)

 I had forgotten how challenging this hymn was until we sang it in church on Sunday.

Set My Soul Afire
(Hymn by Gene Bartlett)

Set my soul afire, Lord, for Thy holy Word,
Burn it deep within me, let your voice be heard;
Millions grope in darkness, in this day and hour,
I will be Your witness, fill me with Thy pow’r.

Chorus:
Set my soul afire, Lord, set my soul afire,
Make my life a witness of Thy saving pow’r.
Millions grope in darkness, waiting for Thy Word,
Set my soul afire, Lord, Set my soul afire.

Set my soul afire, Lord, for the lost in sin,
Give to me a passion as I seek to win;
Help me not to falter, never let me fail,
Fill me with Thy Spirit, let Thy will prevail.

Set my soul afire, Lord, in my daily life,
Far too long I’ve wondered in this day of strife;
Nothing else will matter but to live for Thee.
I will be Your witness as You live in me.

1 Timothy 2:3-6  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 4:7-8  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Jude 20-23  But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 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.

Forgiveness (Poem)

Forgiveness

Forgiveness – it’s a blessing;
When a heart that once was stone,
Stops exalting its own self,
And lets Christ reign from His throne.

Forgiveness – it’s a blessing;
When all bitterness departs,
When the water of the Word
Purifies a broken heart.

Forgiveness – it’s a blessing;
Though sometimes walking by sight,
Now reaching for God’s promises,
By faith, grasping them tight.

Forgiveness – it’s a blessing;
Though blackest sins barred the way,
With rivers of mercy flowing,
Christ can wash them all away.

Forgiveness – it’s a blessing;
Eternal life by God’s grace,
With joy, looking to Heaven,
And beholding our Saviour’s face.

November 2nd, 1999
Jerry Bouey

Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Hebrews 8:10-12 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

There Were None Like These (Poem)

There Were None Like These

In the time of the kings of Israel,
Way back in the olden days,
There were kings who made a difference,
With their righteous or wicked ways.
There are lessons we can glean from,
Oh, listen to me now, if you please -
In a Book filled with true examples,
Good or bad - there were none like these.

From the northern tribes, we had king Ahab,
From the southern, king Manasseh,
These two kings tore apart their kingdoms,
Filled them with their unrighteous ways.
With all the evil that they pursued, 
And all their abominable idolatries,
For utter destruction to their kingdoms -
No remedy was left - there were none like these!

With his kingdom in utter turmoil,
When faced with the Assyrian horde,
Hezekiah was a king like no other,
Despite all obstacles, trusting in the Lord.
He clung to the Lord with his whole heart,
Even in the midst of his greatest weakness;
Believing that God alone could heal -
For moving mountains - there was none like this!

We see Solomon with all his wisdom,
And David, a man after God’s own heart,
Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his might;
Good or bad, each king played their part.
But all of them needed a Redeemer,
All were bound by their iniquities -
No, a Saviour couldn’t come
from sinful men such as these!

From Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden,
To the last soul born on this earth,
All mankind has fallen short of God’s glory,
All are in need of a second birth.
From the best and worse among us,
All are filled with our iniquities;
Is there any who can deliver?
No, not from among ones such as these!

Till one day a righteous King was born,
Who was both God and Man in one -
The prophesied Messiah sent from Heaven,
Who was God’s only Begotten Son.
Only Jesus Christ alone was worthy,
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, can’t you see?
For none other had fulfilled God’s Law -
From our sins, none other could set us free!

Is there any other person who has paid all of mankind’s debt -
Who has borne all of our sins, and wherein mercy and truth have met?
There is only one Redeemer wherein righteousness and peace have kissed;
Jesus Christ is the Saviour with no equal - oh, there is none like this!

October 9, 2023
Jerry Bouey

King Ahab - 1 Kings 21:25-26 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

King Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

King David - Acts 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

King Solomon - 1 Kings 3:12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

King Hezekiah - 2 Kings 18:5-7a He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth.

King Josiah - 2 Kings 23:25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

Psalm 85:10  Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

For the study that prompted this poem, please read Kingly Lessons - None Like These

Thou God Seest Me (Poem)

To hear this poem presented in church with an introduction and devotional challenge, please click on the title below:

Thou God Seest Me

Thou God seest me –
You are the very God who sees
The beginning and the end;
Through all the trials I face in life,
Jesus, You are my greatest Friend.

Thou God seest me –
You don’t just see all my situations,
You truly know what’s in my heart;
And despite all life’s complications,
In wisdom, You know just where to start:

Thou God seest me –
You know my needs before I ask them;
You strengthen me when I am weak;
In my deepest times of sorrow,
You provide the comfort that I seek.

Thou God seest me –
I need never fear for my future –
You are already preparing the way;
As a Shepherd, You are guiding,
And my path shines bright as day.

Thou God seest me –
You loved me before I knew You;
You died for my sins and took my shame;
You became my Lord and Saviour,
When, in faith, I called upon Your name.

In my brightest or darkest situations,
From the beginning to the end You see –
You understand all I am going through,
Because Thou God seest me!

April 22nd, 2022
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Carly Fitzpatrick – Even now, He sees you, my friend!)

Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

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

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Psalm 139:1-6 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

In The Presence Of The Lord (Poem)

To hear this poem presented in church with an introduction and devotional challenge, please click on the title of this poem:

In The Presence Of The Lord

In the presence of the Lord
Is where I long to be.
Living each moment in His tender care,
My God communing with me.

Teaching me wonders from His law,
Filling my life with His love,
Finding delight in serving Him,
Jehovah who reigns above.

Living each day before Christ,
Fearfully aware of each move that I make.
Did I glorify God, were my motives pure,
Is upholding His Truth the risk that I take?

Is my life a living and holy sacrifice,
Or has my focus faded again?
I won’t be conformed to this world,
I pray my Father restores me to Him.

I want to obey when I hear my Lord speak,
As His Spirit and His Word command me.
But sometimes, inside, I feel so weak,
Still Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

Sometimes this life can seem so hard,
It’s only with eyes of faith that I can see.
I know it’s in the presence of the Lord,
That I, His beloved child, long to be.

August 25th, 1994
Jerry Bouey

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.

John 14:21-23 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 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 15:14-15 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.

Jeremiah 23:18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

The word secret in the above verse means, “close, intimate counsel,” like you would share with a true friend.

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.