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 Infinite God

Alternate Title: "They That Wait Upon the Lord"
Isaiah 40: 26-31

Have you never heard, my brother,
has it not occurred to you
that our God is everlasting,
and He sees His projects through?
He’s the God of understanding, 
He controls the stars above.
Never say, “My way is hidden;”
God looks on in tender love!

He gives strength unto the fainting
and His power to the weak;
mortal man has limitations;
even young men sometimes break.
But our Lord, the great Creator
of this spinning earthen ball
never tires, does not grow weary.
The Sustainer of it all!

Chorus:
They that wait upon the Lord—
shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they that wait upon the Lord—
shall renew their strength again.
They shall run and not grow weary—
they shall walk and never faint;
they that wait upon the Lord—
shall renew their strength again!

fpn/undated
This is written as a song, but the music has not yet been located.



Picture: depositphotos.com #5719634, 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

Do It Again, Lord

Noah was true when his friends went astray;
while others scoffed, built the ark anyway.
You spurred him on till that deluge of rain;
as our trials mount, please do it again.

Moses stood still by the shore of the sea
pressed by a army and nowhere to flee.
You made a path just as dry as the plain;
when we face Red Seas, Lord, do it again.

Joshua circled that Jericho town;
God’s people shouted, the walls tumbled down.
How can we conquer this world and its sin?
You have the answer; Lord, do it again.

Elijah called to the spiritually blind,
“Why be so fickle, please make up your mind!”
Building an altar, he then stopped to pray;
God sent the fire; Lord, do it today.

Pentecost found them all gathered in prayer;
soon they were preaching God’s word everywhere.
Nothing could stop them, although some were slain;
we need that boldness; Lord, do it again.

Stephen just drove them right out of their wits
when he lashed out at those vain hypocrites.
It cost him his life, but it shook up the town;
Saul got converted, turned the world upside down.

Peter and John met a beggar one day
just as they entered the temple to pray.
“Silver and gold have I none,” Peter said,
“Jesus now heals you, so take up your bed.”

All these are telling us what You have done,
how You complete everything You’ve begun.
We know you’re able—to us it is plain,
but our world needs to see it, so do it again.

Send a revival, oh, send it today—
saints in repentance and sinners who pray.
Grant us forgiveness and cleanse every stain;
give us your blessing; Lord, do it again.

Do it again, Lord, do it again;
You know just how and where to begin.
You’ve shown your power so often before,
so do it again, Lord, do it once more.

fpn / undated
Published as Poem #34 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture of painting "Il passaggio del Mar Rosso" by Luca Giordano

Co-Laborers With God

Co-laborers with God!
O, friend, why should it be
that God would need our help
to save and make man free?
He says we have no strength
to make one black hair white;
we’ll change, perhaps our weight,
but can’t control our height.

Co-laborers with God!
Some cases seem so hard—
“impossible” is the word,
where souls by sin are marred.
Our own—a case in point,
the habits which we make
a bit of fun perhaps,
but oh, how hard to break!

Co-laborers with God!
He needs us every hour
as vessels for His grace,
as channels for His power;
the word of life to share,
and prayers on land and sea;
God cannot win the lost
without us—you and me!

fpn 4/79



Picture: depositphoto.com #43643633, standard license

Sing and Give Thanks

Sing and give thanks

all ye saints of God Most High,

partakers of His holiness

and destined for the sky.

His glorious banner be unfurled;

lift high and let it wave!

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

with wondrous power to save!

Then sing to your mighty Lord!

Oh, sing of His precious Word!

Yes, sing until all have heard

of His saving power. Give thanks and sing!

fpn / undated
These lyrics are set to music, as song #1 in the songbook titled “Sing and Give Thanks.”
Contact Joyce for a copy.



Photo Credit: First Alliance Church Choir, Calgary AB Canada, photo by Barry Pendergast

Christian Service Hazards

This poem was written during the last summer of family touring before Frank accepted a call to pastor a church.










What are the implications
for serving Christ the Lord?
And are there any hazards
where life is thus out-poured?

We often speak of blessings
and benefits we reap
but shall we bypass sorrows
and ne’er have cause to weep?

We’re speaking now of valor
and for a job well done
while witnessing for Jesus,
whom this world seeks to shun.

We read of men in old times
who hazarded their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus
(through such, the church still thrives).

They counted it an honor
to suffer for His name;
for in that name was power
to heal the sick and lame.

And in that name, authority 
to break the chains of sin
and liberate the prisoners—
their souls for heaven to win.

And no intimidation
could quench their ardent zeal.
No threatening could daunt them,
no charge their lips could seal.

The pain of being hated,
by some they sought to win,
brought tears—but of compassion
for those deceived by sin.

What then is the criterion
for usefulness to God—
prosperity and praises
or a life-style that is “mod”?

No! Understand the signals:
the world but loves its own;
to those of heavenly calling,
few courtesies are shown.

But Christ, our conquering captain
leads on with power and grace.
Through Him we walk serenely,
though serious threats we face.

Oh, may His love propel us
to follow His command
and though we face great hazards,
have power and grace to stand.

fpn / Summer 1977



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #5808940, standard license

The Lord’s Prayer Potential

The Lord’s Prayer Potential
Matthew 6:9-13

Not only “Our Father in heaven”—
but also our “Father on earth.”
How we need this One we can talk to
in the native land of our birth.

“Thy will” – is not good just for heaven
where only is done what is right;
no billions for bombs and for war planes,
not a case of the refugee’s plight.

No starving nor crying for hunger;
if we’ll all cooperate with our God.
We’ll eat only what is nutritious
“Our bread” means we’ll eat wholesome food.

We will not be crooked or spiteful—
never carry a grudge for a day!
And we’ll know the release of forgiveness
and a glad heart when ever we pray.

A deaf ear we’ll turn to temptation
whenever we’re put to the test;
the devil offers all that’s alluring,
Caution! Not time yet to sit back and rest.

Now that is the way that it will be;
if God gets the credit that’s due.
The kingdom, the power and the glory
belongs not to me or to you!

fpn 11/81



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #8275851, standard license