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

I've Got Clout

For many years I’ve tried and tried
but never could express
how wonderful it is to know
God’s grace and loveliness.
I heard a word the other day
and it comes close, no doubt:
they tell me that with Master Charge®
it means that I have clout!

I wondered what it really meant—
this word, almost sublime.
Of course, I looked it up and learned
it’s been there all the time,
with several meanings: first of all,
“A cloth or covering.”
Just so, I own the spotless robe
of righteousness, and sing—

Oh, praise the Lord, that’s wonderful,
that’s what it’s all about!
My sins were charged to Jesus,
and He’s always brought me out.
This world may make it hard for me,
but there’s no need to pout,
my Master says that I can charge;
so brother, I’ve got “clout!”

And then I see a baseball term
and you’ll enjoy this one:
the batter hits the ball so hard
it could be a home run!
That blow is “clout,” and in the game
of life, I know I’ll win!
For Jesus is my Master Coach,
and I can’t lose with Him!

And one more meaning—look at this:
to make life sweet and full,
you have to have some influence;
they usually call it “pull.”
Oh, yes, I go to God in prayer,
the devil’s threats to flout;
I plead the blood of Jesus,
and that really gives me “clout!”

fpn/1977



Picture: Vintage print advertisement, 1977, sourced online September 10, 2017

Genuine Thanksgiving, True Freedom

There’s more to being thankful
than promptly saying so;
though this is quite important, 
far more than most folks know.
To show appreciation 
for benefit and gift,
we need to do some thinking
before our voice we lift.

This blessing we call freedom
has really cost a price;
to others we’re indebted,
who made the sacrifice.
But there’s no way to tell them;
they’ve long passed off the scene.
How can we show we’re grateful—
two centuries lie between?

It’s wonderful to ponder
that we can show our thanks
by passing on to others.
who follow in our ranks,
bequests of noble living
and sacrifices too;
to win the lost for Jesus;
no greater thing we’ll do.

Our wars have been most costly—
the losses have been great;
and sadly, after victory,
oft’ there has smoldered hate.
But those who’ve borne the Gospel
of love to distant lands
have turned the tide of history;
herein true freedom stands.

That nation but is blessed,
which owns Jehovah God;
to live for selfish pleasure
will surely curse the sod.
What glory then to follow
in paths the saints have trod,
and publish wide the message
of Christ, the Son of God.

Thus, do we truly worship
with heart and soul and mind?
Then too, are we committed,
our hearts fully resigned—
to pass along to others
the grace bestowed on us
and carry high with honor
the banner of the Cross?

Can gratitude be real,
and genuine our love,
unless the Holy Spirit
controls us from above?
This world vies for affection,
distracts us—is the word;
unless we firmly purpose
to make Christ Jesus Lord.

Our Captain of Salvation
gave all—kept nothing back;
let us as faithful soldiers
in loyalty not lack.
Of course, our means and money,
and certainly much time,
must be upon the altar,
to make our thanks sublime.

And then, our sons and daughters—
pray that they heed the call;
are they too good to offer,
to Him who gave his all?
Often Uncle Sam demands them,
of course, they have to go;
careers with greater honors,
God offers, would you know?

The Bible strongly warns us,
we dare not settle down
to soft, indulgent living,
if we would win a crown. 
Rise up then, fellow comrade,
let’s go at Christ’s command,
clad in the Gospel armor,
in His great might we’ll stand!

America’s survival
depends on us, full well,
enlisting in the conflict, 
against the powers of hell.
God has no other recourse,
to win this world from sin;
to show we’re truly grateful
let’s all, give all, for Him.

The glories now awaiting 
the faithful ones and true,
and fellowship untainted,
where everything is new.
The honor of His “Well done,”
our souls shall then enthrall;
and sorrow all forgotten,
Heaven will be worth it all.

fpn / undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #59568845, standard license

Peace as a River

“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments; then had thy peace been as a river and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

“And on earth, peace…” our keen desire,
yes, “good will” everywhere;
there’s so much strife and cruelty,
yet some there are who care.

Peace talks? Of course; proposals too—
and promises so bold;
but homes break up and souls despair,
as hearts grow hard and cold.

to love our neighbor as ourselves;
how miserably we fail,
but when we seek God’s glory first,
His grace can then prevail.

True peace alone derives from God,
out from His gracious hand;
when we bring glory due His name,
great peace will bless our land.

fpn / 1995



Picture: depositphotos.com #10275873, standard license

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
Text by Nicolaus L. von Zinzendorf
Translated by Frank P. Nickel, 1992

Jesus, thy blood and righteousness
my confidence and glorious dress,
my password through the pearly gate
and to the joys that there await.
The innocent, all holy Lamb
impaled upon the cross of shame,
the Christ, my Lord, who saved my soul,
Him I confess; He made me whole!

Agreed that Jesus’ blood by far
excels all earthly goods there are;
in heaven settled, so it stands,
and satisfies the low’s demands.
With firm determination now,
while in this evil world below,
I shall confess the precious Blood
which purchased all of us for good.

O blessed Christ, the undefiled,
yet born on earth, a human child
to pay redemption’s price for me
and all on earth, may be set free.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son
eternally of the Three-In-One,
the glorious King, let mercy flow
on all who choose to humbly bow!




Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #146445611, Standard License