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."

Picture: depositphotos.com #10774121, standard license

Faith Which Works by Love

Let theologians wrangle
and lay the scriptures bare;
revealing by their logic
that they can split a hair.
But I’ve one deep desire:
to please my Lord above
and demonstrate by practice
a faith which works by love.

Yes, I’m aware, my brother,
that ignorance is not bliss;
but “knowledge puffeth up” and thus
much truth we’re bound to miss.
And I am sadly burdened
in what I read and see,
how God’s own flock is scattered
by men of high degree.

I’m not against the scholars
who dig into God’s word,
but let them be reminded
how God is truly heard.
He never shares a secret
with those He cannot trust;
however intellectual,
humility’s a must!

So, when a man is learned
and owns revered degrees,
God often lets him stumble
for failure of his knees
to bow in deep abandon
and ask for truth concealed;
for God is not discovered,
He only is revealed.

New books are being written
for grown-ups and for youth;
though ever so persuasive,
some do pervert the truth.
Just like a little poison,
in the most wholesome food,
results in fatal damage;
corrupting what is good.

Now here’s a word of comfort
Christ gave to you and me:
It’s “Ye shall know the truth
and the truth shall make you free.”
He clearly thanked the Father
for all those rich in faith,
though poor in means and spirit,
accepting what God says!

Shall men of cloth and standing
force God into a mold?
Can laboratory testing
the mind of God unfold?
Christ said that He would send us
His Spirit from above.
If we’ll submit, He’ll teach us
the faith which works by love!

fpn/undated
Published as poem #18 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: depositphotos.com #8335348, standard license