Perhaps This Year

Perhaps this coming year will bring 
the blest return of Christ, our King!
When He shall call His waiting bride,
to be forever at His side.

“When ye think not,” is what He said;
the both the living and the dead
shall at one moment hear His voice—
be caught away and there rejoice!

“To those who look for Him” –His own,
He’ll give the right to share His throne.
Friend, are you sure you’re heaven-bound?
Tuned in to catch the trumpet sound?

Or would you hate to leave this scene
and is there something now between
to mar your fellowship of soul?
Is Christ completely in control?

“Abide in me!” What grace is this? 
The ultimate of earthly bliss!
Not for a season, as sin’s mirth,
but peace and joy transcending earth.

The treasures which we send above
He keeps for us—our Lord of Love.
Our part—to trust, to work, to pray,
then claim those riches, some sweet day!

fpn/undated

Picture: designed on Crello.com

In the Morning

There are times when skies are grey
Clouds obscure the light of day
And we're tempted so to worry and to fret
There are times at eventide
Nerves are tense and spirits tried
But there's victory in Christ, oh don't forget!

Things will look so different in the morning!
Towering mountains will not seem so high.
You will find relief from care
After rest and time of prayer
Things will look so different in the morning.

Do not speak that unkind word
Fix your eyes upon the Lord
And remember how he stood when he was tried.
He was tempted just as we
Prayed in dark Gethsemane
He will ne'er forsake one soul for which he died.

Things will look so different in the morning
When you wake to feel the Savior near.
Don't attempt to rest at night
'Til your wrongs have been made right.
Things will look so different in the morning.

Then some day - and it may be soon -
Whether morning, night or noon,
God will call us from this vale of toil and tears.
All the trials of the way
Will have ended on that day
We shall share His glory when our Lord appears.

Things will look so different in the morning
Mysteries of life will be explained.
Seeing Jesus as He is
In a body just like His
Things will look so different in the morning.

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Published as poem #54 in Contemporary Psalms and song #36 in "Sing and Give Thanks" 
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the music.

Photo credit: Joyce Rempel

The Hope of Rising Again

The Hope of Rising Again
John 14:19

The hope of rising again
gives meaning and purpose to life;
for sorrow and heartache untold
are widespread in this world of strife.

Life seems like a tunnel at times;
it appears we will never get out.
We’re depressed—our hearts fill with fear;
it’s hard not to worry or doubt.

The one thought that helps us endure
is knowing that this too shall pass;
but that’s not enough—we need hope
that a new day will soon dawn at last.

There is no denying that death
now poses an unwelcome fate;
so final—and mysteries abound
past the veil of our present estate.

True facts about what lies ahead
are discovered alone in God’s word;
yet many prefer in its stead
speculation so wild and absurd.

This life is much more than a game;
there are destinies we will achieve,
and there need be no losers at all—
the condition is that we believe.

By faith, we can claim for ourselves
a future of glory and peace;
Christ lives and yes, “we too shall live”
in His kingdom which never shall cease.

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The Up Look

The Up Look

Just fix your eyes on Jesus,

when lonely, sad and blue;

though things may seem impossible,

He’ll make a way for you.

Just fix your eyes on Jesus,

the dearest Friend to own.

Though other friends may prove untrue,

He’ll never let you down!






Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #30836009, Standard License

I Walked Today

I walked today where Jesus walked;
He told me where to go.
It meant that I would soil my hands;
that suffering I would know.
I traveled down a rocky road
where there was sin and hate.
I tried to mend a broken heart;
my own work had to wait.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

abuse had edged my way.

He told me humbly to forgive

and for that one to pray.

I met a lassie and a lad

and told them of God's love.

Their precious smiles were my reward;

I thanked the Lord above.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

some may not understand.

I sensed again His love for me;

I felt his nail-pierced hand.

I shared His burden for the lost;

I read His precious word.

My hope was raised, my strength restored;

I prayed and knew He heard.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

I didn't cross the sea

but He was just as real to me

as those in Galilee.

These eyes of mine, so limited

shall one day clearly see

The smiling face of Him I love

Throughout eternity.

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The Stone Was Rolled Away

’Twas just before the break of day;
what grief their hearts had known!
“And who,” they questioned as they went,
“Will roll away the stone?”
By king’s command, the heavy stone
was guarded night and day;
but when these fainting souls arrived
the stone was rolled away!

Now, if you face a problem which
is more than you can bear,
and possibly a circumstance
no other one can share;
Friend, don’t despair, just trust the Lord,
and thank Him as you pray;
keep praising God, for soon you’ll find
the “stone” is rolled away.

fpn / undated

Published as poem #15 in Contemporary Psalms
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #13469994, Standard License

On Loan From God

Alternate Title: "Earth's Family Cycle"

We take our infants in our arms.
No sacrifice, just joy!
And soon they take steps of their own –
our precious girls and boys.

They trust us so, and we in turn
don’t want to let them down
but we will fail, and they must learn
that God is God alone.

Reminded they’re just lent to us,
both for our joy and trust
and if we’d help them reach their goals,
show trust and hope we must.

Then comes the time to take hands off,
but heart-strings still hold fast;
and God keeps working, till one day
we’re satisfied at last.

They find their niche in this wide world
by grace of God above,
and that is what it’s all about:
when they express God’s love.

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Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #8995377, standard license

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.



Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com 2847514, Standard License