Facing Your Goliath (Poem)

Facing Your Goliath

You followed the Lord out of Egypt,
Buried your old master in the Red Sea,
Wandered around in the wilderness,
Knowing your Redeemer has made you free.

Crossed over the flooded Jordan,
A new beginning, a brand new start;
From death into life everlasting,
God’s Spirit has given you a new heart.

Now you are facing a fearsome foe,
That causes swords and shields to rattle,
Though weakened by the prolonged fight,
You rush determined into battle.

Like David versus Goliath,
In the Valley of Strength that day,
You face an enemy like no other -
But the Lord has prepared the way.

As you gather each smooth stone by faith,
And grip your sling firmly in your hand,
You are ready to claim God’s promises,
And take each step as He has planned.

Fully equipped in God’s armour,
You fight for the Promised Land;
Steadfast with the eyes of faith,
Victorious, in Christ Jesus you stand.

August 21st, 2023
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to John Nevokshonoff, who is facing his own Goliath of cancer right now.)

Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1 Samuel 17:40-42, 45-48 And [David] took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance… Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

Day By Day (Poem)

Day By Day

Day by day, I will trust Christ
Day by day, He will provide
He will give me grace and mercy
If in His presence I abide.

Day by day, He knows my sorrows
Day by day, He shares my pain
Jesus is my joy and comfort
He's my strength and life again.

Day by day, I can trust Him
Though some days I come unglued
As I wait upon the Lord
I find my strength is renewed.

Day by day, I have God's blessings
Which Christ's sacrifice affords
I cannot rely on my own strength
I will rather boast in the Lord.
Day by day...

August 3rd, 1999
Jerry Bouey

"...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."
Deuteronomy 33:25b

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

Written when I was dealing with chronic muscle pain (Fibromyalgia) and realized that my own physical strength was undependable at times - and I wanted to remind myself that my Lord is always dependable, and His strength is always there for the asking.

Be Thou My Vision (Hymn)

 Be Thou My Vision

1 Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

2 Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;
be Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

3 Be Thou my Breastplate, my Sword for the fight;
be Thou my whole Armor, be Thou my true Might;
be Thou my soul’s Shelter, be Thou my strong Tow’r,
O raise Thou me heav’nward, great Pow’r of my pow’r.

4 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
O High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

5 High King of heaven, Thou heaven's bright Sun,
O grant me its joys, after vict'ry is won;
Great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be Thou my Vision, O Ruler of all.

(Translator: Mary E. Byrne)

Psalm 119:18  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Ephesians 1:17-18  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Tender Moments Of The Heart (Poem)

 Tender Moments Of The Heart

The treasure of your memory
will be with us always;
We thank you for the love you shared
and all your thoughtful ways.

We miss you now and know
that somehow we will go on;
Reminded of the care you showed –
the family ties are still strong.

Things will be different now;
We no longer have your laughter nor smile.
Instead we have reminders that
your love was so worthwhile.

We see your faded photographs –
now everything has changed.
In every card, in every teardrop,
love was so carefully arranged.

We are so saddened by the suddenness
with which you did depart,
But we can rejoice in your memories –
these tender moments of the heart.

March 1996
Written by Jerry Bouey

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

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.

The Old Refiner (Poem)

The Old Refiner

He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore,
And closer He bent with a searching gaze
As He heated it more and more.

He knew He had ore that could stand the test,
And He wanted the finest gold
To mould as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems with a price untold.

So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Tho' we fain would have said Him 'Nay,'
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
And it melted and passed away.

And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright,
But our eyes were so dim with tears,
We saw but the fire--not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above,
That bent o'er the fire, tho' unseen by us,
With a look of ineffable love.

Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moment's pain?
Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.

So He waited there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat,
Than was needed to make it pure.

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

Arthur T. Pierson - Our Father, who seeks to perfect His saints in holiness, knows the value of the refiner's fire. It is with the most precious metals that the assayer takes the most pains, and subjects them to the hot fire, because such fires melt the metal, and only the molten mass releases its alloy or takes perfectly its new form in the mould. The old refiner never leaves his crucible, but sits down by it, lest there should be one excessive degree of heat to mar the metal. But as soon as he skims from the surface the last of the dross, and sees his own face reflected, he puts out the fire.

You may also be blessed by this wonderful illustration:

The Silversmith's Reflection

God Is/My Name Is I Am (Poem)

 Please click on the title of the poem to hear it and a devotional introduction for it read in church:

God Is

Try to top this!

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
and Donahue can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!

He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and He is my Peace!

He is my Joy, He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because
His bond is love, His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful, the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers,
and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size:
His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me,
never forget me, never overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody,
everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side, and
that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing, for
GOD Is!

By Mike Hilson for Vista Magazine

One Day Up In Glory (Poem)

 

One Day Up In Glory

Groaning, aching in this body,
Perhaps content to wear a frown,
But one day up in glory -
If I'm faithful - I'll wear a crown.

These old hairs are getting grayer,
Hearing and eyesight fading too;
But one day up in glory,
My Lord will make all things new!

These light afflictions I am feeling,
Always seem to go on and on,
But one day up in glory,
This worn out body will be gone.

My faith is growing stronger,
I'm renewed each and every day;
But one day up in glory,
Faith and hope will pass away.

No more endless strife and struggles,
Within this flesh, where our sin dwells,
For one day up in glory,
Face to face, we'll see Him ourselves!

When He appears, we'll be like Him,
We shall behold Him as He is,
For one day up in glory,
We shall be made like Jesus!

November 15th, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Dedicated to Peter and Betty O'Handley, my friends, who taught me about dealing with health problems gracefully and that growing older just means we are getting closer to going home to be with Jesus!

If your body aches and moans, remember to groan - be Biblical! ;)

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Claiming God's Promises (Poem)

 

Claiming God’s Promises

When I am tempted to doubt, Lord,
And unsettling fears bar my way,
I seek You first and Your kingdom,
And You provide for me each day.

As I read Your Word this morning,
You say, prove Me, test Me today;
Claiming Your promises by faith,
Gives me bright hope to light my way.

Father, You promise to provide,
Even when the going gets rough -
If I keep my eyes on You, Lord,
I find there is always enough.

You’ve provided for all my needs,
In many ways I cannot forget;
You’ve come through for me in the past -
Oh, why should I worry or fret?

When the doubts come - there’s a promise,
Your Word stands the test of my faith;
I’m sustained and held by Your love,
And strengthened each day by Your grace.

You’ve provided my greatest need -
On the cross, Your Son paid the price;
You wiped out my sins forever -
Reconciled by His sacrifice.

Now I have new life in Jesus,
And have Your promises each hour;
Why should I be stressed and worried -
When I’m upheld by Your power!

This trial is a test of my faith:
My Father will provide - I’m sure!
I have proven His faithfulness -
Forever God’s Word will endure!

October 28, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Romans 5:3-5

One passage that is very appropriate to consider on the subject of remembering the Lord’s past mercies and provisions (and reminding yourself that He is capable of meeting all your present and future needs) is:

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The above verses state that tribulations (pressures, troubles, afflictions) work patience. (Worketh is present tense, which means continually works.) The word patience in the KJV means "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy; to stay under, remain, to bear trials, have fortitude, persevere." As we go through trials, we learn to endure them and persevere through them.

Why? Because patience works experience. Experience here means "trial, proof, test; by implication, trustiness." The more trials we experience, the more we learn to prove God, to put Him to the test and see Him work in our lives.

And lastly, experience works hope. Hope in the Bible does not mean "maybe it might happen, or I wish it would." Hope, according to the Bible, is "to anticipate (usually with pleasure); expectation or confidence." Basically, "confident expectation." Because we have seen the Lord work through our previous trials, because we have seen Him fulfill His promises and provide our needs, because we have received His perfect peace and all the grace that we needed in the past (if we stayed focussed on Jesus), we can endure through the current trials, and confidently expect that He is providently working all things out in our lives, for our good and for His glory!

Is God limited? Only by our unbelief!

Taken from the study, Is God Limited By Our Past?

Study written May 20th, 2002
By Jerry Bouey

Soaring Aloft On Eagle's Wings (Poem)

Soaring Aloft On Eagle’s Wings

Tossed to and fro in the path of the storm,
Gray clouds lowering and blocking my view;
Growing so weary in this turbulent wind,
How do I rise upwards in faith to You?

My strength needn’t falter or flag in the air,
All I need is to trust and wait on the Lord;
When I look up to You in heartfelt prayer,
In victory, I find my spirit has soared.

Finding courage to face this storm head on;
Claiming Your promises and rising above;
These clouds won’t hold me back from serving my Lord,
I’m soaring aloft on Your wings of love.

I’m flying so high up on eagle’s wings,
Far above the dreary world below;
High over all my worries and my cares -
All those fears that once troubled me so.

I’m soaring above in the clear blue sky,
Higher than those clouds that darkened my day;
Rising towards the Sun of Righteousness,
His Word, like a beacon, illumines my way.

There’s a gentle calmness within my heart,
Held aloft by Jesus’ everlasting arms,
There’s peace within, no foes to alarm me;
Safe in the stillness in the eye of the storm.

You calm the winds and still all their waves,
You control the course of the water ways;
You lift me up above all the noise of strife,
Unfettered, my soul soars to You in praise.

Flying aloft on these eagle’s wings,
No earthly troubles to hinder my view;
Heaven’s expanse opened before my eyes,
Content and at home, soaring straight towards You.

October 18th, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 93 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Psalms 84:1-3 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Interesting that the word Strength in the verse above has this meaning:

“from 5329; properly, a goal, i.e. the bright object at a distance travelled towards… usually (adverbially), continually (i.e. to the most distant point of view).” 24 times this word is translated as "ever", usually in the phrase "for ever" - which makes me think of a distant point that you are continuing towards on and on, ongoing, not quite reaching the end in this life, but striving towards it nonetheless.

Strong’s # 5329 has this definition:

“properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent… to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring.”

The picture that comes to my mind is that of travelling towards a city and seeing the bright lights off in the distance, knowing that those lights bring you closer and closer to your destination, your home. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Strength of Israel - He’s the bright object in the distance, dwelling with Him forever in Heaven is the goal we are travelling towards. Our eternal home is in Him.

Hebrews 11:10, 13-16 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God... These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

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)

Soaring Aloft On Eagle's Wings

When The Enemy Comes In Like A Flood (Poem)

 

When The Enemy Comes In Like A Flood

When the enemy comes in like a flood,
Deliver me by Your mighty hand;
With Your armour girded around me tight,
Lord, teach me this day how to stand.

Let me lift up a standard against them -
The banner of Your great love;
Let my enemies flee before Your face;
Let them see my help comes from above!

The name of the Lord is my strong tower;
He is my Rock, my fortress, my shield;
The Lord Jesus Christ is my great Deliverer -
He bares His holy arm, and my enemies yield.

When I hear the sound of a trumpet blowing,
In my heart, I know there is a call to fight -
But the battle is not mine alone to wage;
The Lord will give victory this night.

Put our singers out in front of the rest,
Praise the name of our Mighty God;
Watch as He scatters all of our dreaded foes -
Worship our Saviour, and be awed.

Jesus, in You alone is my help found,
For You have all glory, majesty, and power;
With faith in Your Almighty strength, dear Lord,
In You, I have victory this very hour.

October 1st, 2021
Jerry Bouey

Psalms 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

When the enemy comes in like a flood:

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Lift high the standard (spiritual/military banner) of Jesus and His love.

Song of Songs 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

Yes, the enemy may temporarily cause us dismay and alarm, but…

Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Nehemiah 4:20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Their valley of distress and alarm turned into the Valley of Blessing (which is what Berachah means):

2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

Isaiah 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Psalms 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Undertake For Me (Poem)

Undertake For Me

Jesus, I feel so overwhelmed -
Won’t you undertake for me?
Exchange these burdens of my heart
For the sweetness of Your peace.

I cast these cares upon You, Lord -
I cannot hold them anymore;
They are like the waves upon the sea,
Relentless against the shore.

I roll these troubles unto You,
I cannot bear them though I’ve tried;
I let them fall down around Your feet,
With all these tears that I’ve cried.

Exchange all these troubles, Lord,
For the joy that is Yours alone,
I place them all into Your arms,
As I worship around Your throne.

I will take Your yoke upon me, Jesus -
Oh, it makes for such a lighter load!
With Your joy and strength within my heart,
We journey together down this road.

September 28, 2021
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to Emberley's friends and family)

This poem (below) was written based on a friend’s Facebook post today about being overwhelmed. These passages (or should I say, promises!) came to mind (some word definitions under the verses):

Isaiah 38:14 Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Undertake: Technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange); To have fellowship with, share; To take upon oneself; To take upon or assume any business or province.

Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Cast: to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively).

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Casting: to throw upon, place upon.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Struggles And Victory (Poem)

 

Struggles And Victory

Part One

Lord, how long must I bear with the wicked,
When they surround me upon every side?
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
It seems there is nowhere left to hide.

Lord, how long must I struggle with my sin,
When I know I often falter and fail?
When it appears there’s no escape in sight,
It seems that I could never prevail.

Lord, how long must I bear with myself,
When these fears and doubts flood my soul?
When I’m overwhelmed by my troubled heart,
It seems I could never be made whole.

Part Two

The Word of God brightly lights up my path,
His promises are my shield and my stay.
Walking daily in the footsteps of faith,
I find I’m blessed as I trust and obey.

Standing strong in the full armour of God,
Though at me Satan’s fiery darts are hurled -
With steadfast faith in my Lord Jesus Christ,
I have victory to overcome this world.

Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress,
I’m safely kept as I walk by Your side.
Under the shelter of Your wings I trust;
Knowing in You alone I must abide.

September 10th, 2021
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my Sis, Lori)

Psalms 94:3-4 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

Psalms 94:17-19 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Faith As A Grain Of Mustard Seed (Poem)

 

Faith As A Grain Of Mustard Seed

I don’t know if I have the courage
To carry me through each day,
But with faith as a grain of mustard seed,
I know my Lord will make a way.

With Jesus watching over me,
I need not fear what lies ahead;
I just seek the Saviour first of all,
And He provides my daily bread.

With His Spirit dwelling within my heart,
I know I have all the help that I need;
With groanings which cannot be uttered,
He answers my heartfelt pleas.

With so many mountains in my life -
These dark cliffs of which I dread -
With faith as a grain of mustard seed,
I can move these mountains instead.

It’s not the size of my faith
That matters in the end;
It’s the greatness of my God
Upon which it all depends.

With faith as a grain of mustard seed,
There’s hope to face each day -
With a Bible full of promises,
My Lord will make a way!

September 23, 2021
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to two sisters in Christ, my real sister Lori Tremblay and Sis Deb Bolack)

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Luke 17:5-6 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Please consider visiting Sis Deb Bolack's Song/Devotional site, Lyric Devotions, as well as visiting the page for Team Emberley on Facebook and praying for her grandaughter. She really needs your prayers - with faith as a grain of mustard seed, right?

To Him That Overcometh (Poem)

To Him That Overcometh

There are wondrous rewards that the Bible has promised,
There are precious crowns that are waiting to be won -
But all the blessings that the Lord has offered,
Are for those who are trusting by faith in God's Son.

There's a world system that is risen up against us,
Controlled by that wicked spirit, Satan, that hates our Lord;
There's a spiritual battle for our souls that is raging -
But to give in to defeat or compromise we can't afford.

To be an overcomer means you trust the Saviour that has died;
Upon your account of sin, His precious blood has been applied;
When you place your faith in Jesus Christ and His death on Calvary,
His Spirit dwells within your heart, and you've been given life eternally.

To him that overcometh this world, Jesus will give to eat of the tree of Life;
He will also give him the hidden manna, and peace in the midst of strife;
There are crowns for the faithful - rewards for those who love His return,
And His Word and His Holy Spirit will give you wisdom to discern.

There will be a pillar made for each of you within the very temple of your Lord;
A new city, and new names, with a Heavenly inheritance reserved in store;
Dwelling in the presence of the Morning Star, worshipping, your soul awed;
Clothed in white raiment, the overcomers will rule and reign with the Son of God.

So resist the evil of this world, stand fast even to your dying breath;
According to God's promises, you will not be hurt by the second death;
He will never remove your name from the dear Lamb's Book of Life -
Claim your victory by faith in Him, and live for the Lord Jesus Christ.

February 18th, 2022
Jerry Bouey

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 2:12-14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 4:3-4 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:26-28 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

All My Springs Are In You (Poem)

 

All My Springs Are In You

Like the children of Israel, all my springs are in You, O Lord;
You are the fount of living waters, my delight is in Your Word.
You are all that I ever needed, all my desires are in You alone;
You loved me from the beginning; Jesus - You are my eternal home.

My life was so vain without You, and brought such emptiness and fear;
From the whirlwind of confusion, in love and grace You drew me near:
You reached down to lift me up, as You regarded my low estate;
With the shield of Your salvation, Your gentleness hath made me great.

This I recall to my mind, all of Your mercies which are from old;
Perfect peace which flows like a river, and deep cleansing for my soul.
I won’t fear all these troubles, You deliver me from my distress;
Your lovingkindness is before mine eyes - great is Your faithfulness!

Like the church in Jerusalem, which continued in one accord,
The world knew they had been with Jesus - all their springs were in You, O Lord;
As their faces shone with Your glory, all their eyes were turned to You -
From the moment of my redemption, all my springs were found in You!

April 8th, 2022
Jerry Bouey

(Dedicated to my friend, Greg, who taught me the value of memorizing and meditating regularly upon God's Word.)

Psalms 87:5-7 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.

Psalms 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Psalms 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Lamentations 3:20-26 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

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)

All My Springs Are In You

ABC's From My Heart by Kate Plourde (Poem)

 

ABC’s From My Heart

Thou art my Advocate, always interceding for me.
My Bridegroom I will one day face-to-face see.
A Cornerstone Thou art to my Christian foundation.
My Deliverer from all trials as well as temptation.

My Everlasting Father, Thou hast a Hand of great mercy
A Fountain, My thirst Thou removest far from me
Thou art my Guide, without Thee I do wander
My High Priest, for my salvation Thou didst suffer

Immanuel, God with us, alone I won’t be
My Judge, Thou wilt judge me righteously
O King, how I long to witness Thy reign
Thou became a Lamb, for my salvation to gain

My Mediator, to the Heavenly Father Thou proclaimest
Thy Name is above all Names, Thou art surely the Greatest
Only Begotten of the Father, The First and the Last
Thou art the Passover, buried my sins in the past

Quicken my heart, Thy Spirit I desire
Redeemer of my sins and from hell’s eternal fire
O Shepherd of my soul, Thou carest for me
Thou art the True Vine, I would perish without Thee

United with the Father, Thy voice do I hear
Victorious o’er death, no more shall I fear
Word of Life, Thou has truly opened mine eyes
To witness Thy EXample of love from on high

You are the Almighty, Great and the Most High One
Thy Zeal for redemption, my soul Thou hast won!
You are Alpha and Omega, beginning and end
Your kingdom is coming, forever You'll reign.

Kate Plourde
June 17, 2002

(Used With Permission)

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.

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Other poems written by Kate Plourde (one of my webpartners):

Jesus My Redeemer, My King

Under Thy Wings

Kate's Devotional site, Maranatha

When I Read The Bible Through (Poem)

 When I Read The Bible Through

I supposed I knew my Bible,
Reading piecemeal, hit or miss,
Now a bit of John or Matthew,
Now a snatch of Genesis,
Certain chapters of Isaiah,
Certain Psalms (the twenty-third),
Twelfth of Romans, First of Proverbs -
Yes, I thought I knew the Word!
But I found that thorough reading
Was a different thing to do,
And the way was unfamiliar
When I read the Bible through.

You who like to play at Bible,
Dip and dabble, here and there,
Just before you kneel aweary,
And yawn through a hurried prayer;
You who treat the Crown of Writings
As you treat no other book -
Just a paragraph disjointed,
Just a crude impatient look -
Try a worthier procedure,
Try a broad and steady view;
You will kneel in very rapture
When you read the Bible through!

by Amos R. Wells

2 Timothy 3:15-17  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

When This Lion Begins To Roar (Poem)

 When This Lion Begins To Roar

The Lamb is coming back again -
This time it’s not like before:
The world will never be the same
When this Lion begins to roar.

Once meek and lowly, like a Lamb,
Riding gently upon a colt;
Now with vengeance unrestrained,
Like a charging thunderbolt.

Once a sacrifice for sins:
Perfect, holy, white as snow;
Soon His wrath will begin
Against this world - Woe, woe, woe!

All creation groans in expectation,
Waiting for the Messiah promised long before;
As our sacrificial Lamb,
Jesus opened salvation’s door.

As this sin-cursed world rushes towards its destiny,
And men seek Babylon more and more,
The Lord will come like a charger trained for war -
Get ready, world, the Lion is going to roar!

May 18th, 1998
Jerry Bouey

Revelation 5:1-14  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

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)

When This Lion Begins To Roar

Behold Your Saviour (Poem)

 

Behold Your Saviour

Behold the Man – the Perfect Man,
The Promised Seed from days of old;
The Son of Man who came from Heaven,
As all My chosen prophets had foretold.

Behold My Servant – with opened ears,
Delighting to do all of My will;
In the Volume of the Book it is written,
All of My Law would He fulfill.

Behold your King – the King of Kings,
The Son of David ruling from on High;
The Prince of Peace, the Lion of Judah,
The Living Waters of Shiloh flowing by.

Behold your God – the one True God,
Your greatest need He would provide;
This is My Son in whom I’m well pleased,
This is the reason for which He died:

Behold the Lamb of God – which took away the world’s sin,
He was smitten of God – as the Bible has revealed;
The only Mediator between God and men,
Your atonement for sin – with His stripes you are healed.

Behold your Saviour – who shed His blood on the cross,
The Man of Sorrows – who by wicked men was slain;
He came out of the tomb, death couldn’t hold Him –
Behold, the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again!

September 30th, 2021
Jerry Bouey

John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Quietness And Confidence (Hymn)

Quietness And Confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quietness And Confidence

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