He Came for All (Repost)

Some seem convinced that Christ is just
for women and the kids
and so they don’t expose themselves
to the good that Jesus bids.

“Peace on earth—good will to men,”
that takes in everyone;
but now as then some miss the joy
of knowing Christ the Son.

The merriment at Christmas is
so hollow at the core.
For some it spells much tragedy—
to rich as well as poor.

Could they but know the peace of mind
and comfort to the soul
available to those who trust,
and let Him have control.

Oh, “taste and see—the Lord is good;”
just face reality!
He offers resurrection life,
from chains of sin be free.

So many then received Him not
and nothing much has changed,
but those who do—oh, what a thrill!
Their lives are rearranged.

A babe, two thousand years ago;
today, the King of Kings.
In His domain, there’s peace and joy
not found in earthly things.

fpn/December 1984

(Alternate Title: The Supreme Good)

The Hilltop Perspective

Things just look a little different
when you think you soon may die;
you begin to shift attention 
to the land beyond the sky.

When you can’t keep up with doing,
and you don’t need what you’ve got,
then the big dreams you once cherished
somehow do not mean a lot.

If you know the Lord, you’ll manage
still to keep a steady chin
and not spend your time in worrying
over things that might have been.

If you’ve come to know the Savior
and to His Word you really hold,
you will look into the future
with excitement, staying bold.

Some may speak about “the valley;”
that’s not how it has to be.
Think of it as the last hill top, 
where God’s glory you will see.

Now’s the time to sing of mercy
God supplies from day to day,
and the joy of His salvation
as you pause to read and pray.

Why not spend some time in singing
the old songs that bless the soul?
And keep telling that sweet story
of the Christ who made you whole.

fpn 5/83



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A Joyful Christian

Re-post from March 18, 2014

Lord, make me a joyful Christian
That my life my tell for thee.
Oh, yes, Lord, a joyful Christian
so this troubled world will plainly see
a life with purpose, real peace of mind
and solid pleasures of the purest kind.
So, Lord, just make me a joyful Christian.
I want my life to tell for thee.

fpn/67

This poem has been set to music, published in "Sing and Give Thanks" as song #7. 
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy.



Photo credit: Depositphotos 11470263, Standard License

The Supreme Good

Some seem to think that church is just
“For women and the kids.”
And so they don’t expose themselves 
to the good that Jesus bids.

’Twas “peace on earth—good will to men”
that takes in everyone;
but now as then, some miss the joy
of knowing Christ the Son.

The merriment at Christmas is
so hollow at the core.
For some it spells much tragedy—
to the rich as well as poor.

Could they but know the peace of mind
and comfort to the soul
available to those who trust
and let Him have control.

Oh, “taste and see…the Lord is good.”
Let’s face reality.
He offers resurrection power, 
abundant life, and free.

So many then “received Him not;”
and nothing much has changed.
But those who do—Oh, what a thrill,
their lives are rearranged.

A Babe—two thousand years ago.
Today—the King of Kings.
In His domain, there’s peace and joy
not found in earthly things.

fpn 12/84

(Alternate Title: He Came for All)



Picture: Faithlife Verse of the Day, accessed via Twitter, August 8, 2017

Obedience – The Secret

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:18-20

The willing and obedient
shall eat the good of the land
whether men or nations,
God’s word shall ever stand.
Why choose to learn the hard way,
and forfeit what is best?
Why live in constant turmoil?
Your option is sweet rest.

Oh, yes, life has its sorrows
and disappointments, too,
but God has ways of turning
them into good for you.
Your life with His approval
can know real joy and peace;
from fear, oppression, worry,
you can obtain release.

Avoid the vexing puzzle
where you’re daily asking, “Why?”
Not finding real answers 
until the day you die.
To be informed and ready
to move at God’s command,
will give you calm assurance—
things won’t get out of hand.

“Praise God from whom all blessings”—
now, don’t just sing that song;
learn early to believe it,
for life that’s rich and long.
The key words, then, are “willing”
and next, “obedient”
to gain real satisfaction
and know a life well spent.

fpn / June 1982



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Life is for Living

Life is for living
or so I’ve been told.
Some gather riches,
yes, all they can hold.
But what shall it profit
a man, if his goal
demands that he forfeit
his undying soul?

Life is for living.
How shall I define
the quest of my soul—
this longing of mine?
The fame and the fortune
which this world displays
is seldom for more than
a few fleeting days.

Life is for living,
God’s word clearly states,
abundant eternal—
new loves and new hates!
“To save life, we spend it”
for Him who was slain
and wonder of wonders,
we receive it again!

Life is for living
that others may live;
life is for giving
the most we can give!
Forfeiting pleasures
(which soon pass away)
brings joys that are solid
and will never decay.

fpn /March 1979



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Always on My Trail

Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil 

walks about like a roaring lion, 

seeking whom he may devour. 

1 Peter 5:8

by Frank P. Nickel

(Part One)

Why does Satan hate me so?
Always on my trail!
It's because for God I go!
Always on my trail!
In each trying circumstance,
tempts me with an evil glance,
he would never miss a chance!
Always on my trail!

Sometimes stalks in front of me.
Always on my trail!
Threatens so derisively.
Always on my trail!
When I start a noble deed,
he says, "No, you can't succeed!
No use trying, there's no need!"
Always on my trail!

He is happy when I'm sad.
Always on my trail!
And he's angry when I'm glad.
Always on my trail!
How he flatters when I win,
with a lying, wicked grin.
Always wants to make me sin!
Always on my trail!

(Part Two)

But I have a precious Friend!
Jesus walks with me!
Quick and mighty to defend.
Jesus walks with me!
He has walked this way before,
knows the trail and what's in store,
safely guides to heaven's door!
Jesus walks with me!

I have fellowship divine.
Jesus walks with me!
I am His and He is mine.
Jesus walks with me!
Oh, what joy His will to do,
daily mercies ever new,
He can't fail, He'll see me through!
Jesus walks with me!

I have nothing then to fear.
Jesus walks with me!
For I know my Lord is near.
He my every step has planned,
when in danger holds my hand,
in the conflict, helps me stand.
Jesus walks with me!

(Refrain)

Jesus walks with me!
Jesus walks with me!
Yes, I know, I surely know
Jesus walks with me!

Published as Poem #6 in Contemporary Psalms
©1975, Radiant Light Enterprises
Recorded as a song on LP467: A Joyful Christian, side two

Picture: depositphotos.com #148874027, standard license

Serve the Lord with Gladness (Psalm 100)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands;
serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with the singing of songs;
serve the Lord with gladness.
Know ye that the Lord, that the Lord is God.
It is He that made us and not we our selves;
serve the Lord with gladness,
serve the Lord with gladness,
make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands;
serve the Lord with gladness.
For we are His people, of His pasture the sheep;
serve the Lord with gladness.
Enter with thanksgiving, oh, enter ye His gates;
Come, oh, come into His courts, into His courts with praise.
Serve the Lord with gladness,
serve the Lord with gladness,
make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands;
serve the Lord with gladness.
Be ye thankful unto Him and bless His holy name;
serve the Lord with gladness.
Everlasting is His mercy, yes, the Lord is good
and His truth to ev’ry generation shall endure;
serve the Lord with gladness,
serve the Lord with gladness,
make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

by Frank P. Nickel, 1965
This is song #27 in "Sing and Give Thanks"
Contact Joyce for a copy.


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Now That I Know (I Am Saved)

Behold the manner of God’s love
that I, through Jesus’ blood,
transformed from fallen, sinful state,
am now the child of God.
Deserving well His holy wrath 
for sins which I had done,
should share His love and fellowship
by faith in Christ, His Son.

Chorus
Now that I know that I am saved, how sweet my rest!
With perfect peace and lasting joy, I now am blest.
My heart can sing because a melody divine
now thrills my soul—let praises roll, for Christ is mine!

Behold the manner of God’s love:
I now am free to reign,
while once I suffered as a slave
in Satan’s vast domain.
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
The light of heavenly love has dawned.
Oh, praise the Lord, I’m free!

Chorus
If you don’t know that you are saved, how can you rest?
With perfect peace and lasting joy, you may be blest.
Believe His Word, accept His promise, ever true.
Let Jesus in, He’ll cleanse from sin, He died for you!

fpn / 1964

Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 5
Set to music in Sing and Give Thanks as song #5.
Contact Joyce for a copy.


Photo: depositphotos.com #139728736, standard license

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

A Peaceful Afterglow

There comes a time for everyone
when the race of life is nearly run.
We give up this and we give up that;
we begin to wonder where we’re at!
But with Christ, at sunset we can know
a bright and peaceful after-glow!

Gods got a job for me to do;
I won’t give up until I’m through.
The devil says I’m not much good;
he’s lied before, I knew he would!
There are folks around with pain and care
so I’ll stand by with love and prayer.

fpn / August 1985

Alternate title: "Never Quitting"

Photo credit: Deposit Photos #127738224, standard license

Gethsemane

Gethsemane

The word seems much too sacred – 

(the place where Jesus prayed) – 

for other application.

Alone, sin’s debt He paid!

But shall not servants also

share suffering with their Lord?

The act of full submission 

is basic in God’s word.

“Thy will, not mine” prevailing

though I shrink back with fright,

when claws of death surround me

while crying in the night.

Gethsemane – He conquered,

prevailing all alone;

great joy was set before Him

one day to mount the throne.

We love to think of reigning;

potentially we may,

but qualifying guidelines

prepare us for that day.

If we would reign, then suffering –  

intense, beyond our strength –  

is needed to refine us

and build our faith at length.

Gethsemane – let’s face it – 

you must, and so must I;

if we would reign with Jesus,

to self we then must die.

fpn 1/85

Photo Credit: Screen image of Gethsemane by Adam Abram

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

The Sublime Artistry

Of all the skills and aptitudes

that grace the modern scene,
there's one that's being overlooked;
we dare not call it mean.
Quite frankly, it's most difficult,
but few e'er qualify;
so many fail to see its worth
until the day they die.

The artist's brush, the lyric's voice,
the vibrant symphony,
may seem at times to be divine
and touch infinity.
Let earthly grandeur, strength and skill
be e'er so great, and yet
one artistry excels them all:
forgive, and then forget.

There's much injustice in this world
and possibly you've known
the weight of accusations which
some other one should own.
But through some twist or quirk of fate
they fell upon your head;
your shame so great, you almost felt
'twere better to be dead.

Maturity in God's dear child
comes only with the years.
Life's trials can lead to solid joy
even in the midst of tears.
We walk by faith and not by sight;
our God can never fail.
It's never easy, for our foe
will tempt, oppose, assail.

He works through people, even friends
who sometimes prove untrue.
That's when it hurts—when we're despised
by those whom once we knew.
Now God in time will vindicate,
and some, with deep regret,
will seek our pardon; can we then
forgive, and yes, forget?

But some will never come around,
although they know they're wrong.
Now here's the test of Christian grace:
shall these disrupt our song?
"Forgive them, Father," so Christ prayed;
He cancelled all our debt.
Let's do the same, in Jesus' name:
forgive, and then forget.

fpn/undated

Published as poem #24 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #24975073, standard license

A Joyful Christian

Lord, make me a joyful Christian
That my life my tell for thee.
Oh, yes, Lord, a joyful Christian
so this troubled world will plainly see
a life with purpose, real peace of mind
and solid pleasures of the purest kind.
So, Lord, just make me a joyful Christian.
I want my life to tell for thee.

fpn/67

This poem has been set to music, published in "Sing and Give Thanks" as song #7. 
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy.



Photo credit: Depositphotos 11470263, Standard License