Accepting God's Word

Should I be groping in the dark
when light is offered me?
Should I be stumbling, when a path
is staked out carefully?
Is there more satisfaction
in a life without true faith?
Is there sincere rejoicing
in rejecting "what God saith"?

What shall I gain if I refuse
advice from honest men?
How can I hope to profit 
by rejecting what is clean?
Shall counsel of the mob that mocks
lead to a life that's free?
Shall scoffing at reality
bring me security?

There is a torch, there is a chart,
which I can recommend;
It offers hope to travelers
and safety to trail's end.
I'll stake my future on its claims, 
which worldlings call absurd;
I join with those who've checked it out,
it is God's written word.

FPN



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Thank God for the Bible

Words by James M. Gray
Music by Frank P. Nickel, 1967

O how can we thank Thee, our God, for the Bible?
Whose truth doth each century clearer reveal;
the fountain of wisdom and source of all knowledge, 
the court of humanity’s final appeal.

O here thou revealest that Thou art our Father,
the hand that hath fashioned and caused us to be.
The “resident forces,” “electrons,” and “atoms” 
could never have made or have loved us like Thee.

O how can we thank Thee, our God, for the Bible;
the gospel’s glad story, nor else had we known
of sinners redeemed and made meet for Thy glory,
of sinners redeemed who shall sit on Thy throne!

Then glory and honor, dominion, and power 
ascribe to the Trinity again and again.
To Father, and Son, and the blest Holy Spirit, 
forever and ever, and ever, Amen!


These lyrics are set to music, as song #8 in the songbook titled “Sing and Give Thanks”
Contact Joyce for a copy. The song was also recorded by the Nickel Family Singers on side one of LP671 "Wonderful Love."

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My Bible and My Hymnbook

My Bible and my hymnbook grow dearer ev’ry day.
They comfort and they guide me along life’s toilsome way.
’Tis through God’s word, the Bible, His tender voice I hear
and as I sing and worship, I feel His presence near.

Some people treat the Bible as ‘twere a lucky charm.
It’s not the book, but message, that saves us from all harm.
Such folks don’t use their hymnbook for superstitious hearts,
can never sing with liberty the songs which grace imparts.

Oh, Brother, read your Bible and use your hymnbook, too;
for life at best by ev’ry test, no other book will do.
Your Bible and your hymnbook, oh, hide them in your heart;
you’ll have an anchor for your soul. God’s truth they will impart.

fpn / 1967
Recorded on LP467, side one; published as Poem #9 in Contemporary Psalms, and as Song #11 in “Sing and Give Thanks." If you would like a copy of the music, contact Joyce.

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A Bible for Show

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To buy a Bible principally
for show is so absurd,
when tens of thousands have not owned
one portion of God's word.

The Bible is a blessed book—
the source of vital food;
it stills the hunger of the soul
for righteousness and God.

It's not the cost that gives it worth
nor exquisite design,
but knowing Him, the Christ revealed
so you can say, "He's mine!"

It's so important that we read
and meditate each day,
so we can share with other folks
its worth at work and play.

For this we need a handy size
which we can carry 'round,
and keep within our easy reach
to learn its truth profound.

How sad a sight it is to see
in this world of great need,
a Bible on the center piece
which no one stops to read.

Some may object before the Judge
"Oh, God, we never knew!"
when all the while they had the book
which tells just what to do!

Far less severe—the pagan's plight,
who does not own nor know
A single Bible book, than him
who purchased one for show.

fpn/undated

Note from the editor: If you'd like to acquire a Bible that's handy to carry around, consider YouVersion, a free Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer. YouVersion is a simple, ad-free Bible that brings God's Word into your daily life. Available in most languages and translations at no charge. 

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