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



Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Special People

We all have special people—
they may live near or far;
perhaps we’ve little contact,
but precious still they are!

Our hearts are stirred with memories
of incidents long past,
that helped to shape and mold us, 
to choose the things that last.

There’s much that we’ve forgotten
of faces, names, events;
but somehow these dear people
stand out like monuments.

We cannot say they catered 
to some sweet, earthly whim;
but led us to the Savior,
and made us fond of Him.

Material possessions
were never uppermost,
but they had wealth far greater
which never can be lost.

They didn’t seek for glory
or serve for earthly show,
but poured out love and labor
with earnest, fervent glow.

Oh, how their lives inspire us
great victories to win
and in a world that’s hostile
to “take it on the chin!”

fpn/1983



Picture: Nickel Family Archive

God is Good

Original text by E.C. Magaret, translated from German by F.P. Nickel

Original music arranged by H.A. Henry; alternate musical arrangement by F.P. Nickel

God is good—by grace He saved us—
He our hope has oft renewed.
Lighting up our pilgrim pathway,
God is love and God is good!

All our needs and more supplying—
sunshine, rain and pleasant food,
joys of fellowship and service.
God is love and God is good!

In our toil and in our suffering
He imparts the joyful mood,
lifting us above our sorrows.
God is love and God is good!

In each season of abundance,
in our loss and solitude,
His design is for our profit.
God is love and God is good!

Though the nations rage in conflict,
restless throngs rebel and feud,
He alone stands firm and final;
God is love and God is good!

By His love and care surrounded,
with His grace and power endued,
we may rest in Jesus' keeping.
God is love and God is good!

Lyrics published 1975 in Contemporary Psalms, p. 2.
Recorded on LP771, "God is Good" side one
Sheet music available from Joyce.



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