In Memory, Fifteen Years Later

Fifteen years ago today, November 22, 2002, Frank P. Nickel was promoted to glory. I woke with this song on my mind. In it, he reminds us that heaven is our true country of citizenship. I like to think of Dad perhaps collaborating with King David to compose and sing new songs of praise to our God. I don't know if that sort of thing happens in heaven, but I'm guessing we'll be using our God-given creativity in some fulfilling, joy-filled manner. It boggles the mind.

We sang this song often during the later years of our family ministry, and I've already posted it twice in this blog project. Yet as I meditate on these words, inspired by Psalm 103:2, it seems fitting to share them again, this time courtesy of a video taken during the memorial service for our brother, Bob, this past July. Not our finest moment, musically or emotionally, as you can understand, but it is a tender mercy that we can be together and remember our beloved ones who have gone before, and realize they are in that place where God wipes all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more sadness. Please enjoy the video and the lyrics below.


Forget not all His benefits, my soul, bless thou the Lord.
Review His tender mercies and the comfort of His word.
Remember well the greatest of the gifts that He has given:
Eternal life through Christ our Lord and citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits, for friends and loved ones dear;
For those who share our joys with us, who in our grief stand near.
Thank God for courage and for strength when past endurance driven.
Yet keep in mind that gift supreme: your citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits within the walls called home.
For peace and for protection as the paths of life we roam.
For healing of these bodies and for sins, now all forgiven.
For hope beyond this vale of tears and citizenship in heaven.

Refrain:
Oh bless the Lord for Jesus' blood and for his side once riven
Eternal life through Christ is mine, and citizenship in heaven.

fpn/undated

Originally posted Jan. 25, 2014 and May 5, 2017
Video credit: Jay Holden, via Facebook Live, July 19, 2017
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the printed music.

Sing Praise

Words and music by Albert Singbush
Harmony and editing by F.P. Nickel

God sent His precious Son to earth 
that He might dwell with men;
and die upon the cruel 
cross to save us from our sin!
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

He healed the sick and raised the dead,
many wonderful works did He;
while walking in the Light of God, 
His Blood avails for me!
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

Though tried and tested as we are,
yet never did He sin;
and those who own Him as their Lord, 
the victory shall win.
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

Yes, Jesus is my Saviour, my Redeemer,
the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End;
the perfect Lamb of God is He, 
that taketh away the sin of the world;
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

fpn/undated

This is written as a song. If you would like a copy of the music, please contact Joyce.

Picture: El Greco: Christ Healing the Blind, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Sun of Righteousness

Throughout the course of history
God had a secret plan
to foil the craft of Satan, 
the arch-enemy of man.
And in the conflict, as the pow’rs
of darkness forged ahead,
it seemed at times that God had failed,
the cause of truth near dead!

Chorus
The Sun of Righteousness is ris’n
with healing in His wings;
the soul that looks to Jesus
in the midst of trial sings.
The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel,
born in a lowly stall,
has pierced the night of sin and
offers life and light to all!

Still many sit in darkness
with no hope beyond the grave;
enslaved by sinful habits
from which Christ alone can save.
Yet there is hope – the Christ
who came to die on Calvary’s hill
will grant eternal life and light
to “whosoever will!”

fpn/undated

This was written as a song. For a copy of the music, contact Joyce.


Photo and design credit: Joyce Rempel

His Divine Credentials

His Divine Credentials

His words, His look, and His touch—
the Stranger of Galilee—
brought healing and joy where He went;
He set sin’s prisoners free.

His words—so mighty, yet plain,
demanded a verdict from all;
was He liar, impostor or fool,
or Savior who stood straight and tall?

His look—so piercing, yet kind,
divided the masses of men.
The humble and honest found grace,
while hypocrites cringed in their sin.

His touch—with miracle power
brought healing to sick and distressed;
and others by demons controlled
found pardon, deliverance and rest.

This Christ, of 2000 years past,
is changeless and living today.
His words, His look, and His touch
build hope in a world of dismay.

You can know Him and hear Him as well,
and experience the thrill of his touch;
but friend, don’t try to deceive—
He sees all the sins that we clutch.

Remember, the world turned Him down
though he offered forgiveness and peace,
and how do you choose to respond?
Don’t you want His blessed release?

fpn / undated

Photo credit: Deposit Photos #31604549, standard license