Mysterious Love (Repost)

Love of God - revealed in Jesus,
to a world wrapped up in night;
Born a babe in Bethlehem's stable
bringing courage, hope and light.
Love so warm - where cold hearts languish
and it seems that no one cares;
Love so strong - where human weakness
numbs with fear and no one dares.

Love so pure, offsets wild passions -
dignity to life restores;
Love enduring, never failing;
even on foes its grace outpours!
Love beyond all comprehension
such was God's salvation plan;
Justice? No! but mercy matchless;
He would die for sinful man.

Love of God - He still is waiting
to restore the severed bond;
While man curses, He is pleading
for the rebel to respond.
No one barred - the most notorious
can be saved from sin and shame;
None so good to bypass Calvary;
all must come in Jesus' name.

Wonderful - eternal Father;
Mighty God, the Prince of Peace;
Counselor, with all the answers;
born to give the soul release.
For and with us - King Immanuel;
Conquering Captain, Christ the Lord.
Lamb of God and Lion of Judah -
Be exalted and adored!

fpn 12/81



Photo credit: depositphotos.com #10774121

He Lifted Me

Words and music by Charles H. Gabriel
Click the arrow above to play video. If you see no arrow, click the song title to view online.

In loving-kindness Jesus came,
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me;
From shades of night to plains of light,
Oh, praise His Name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiv’n, He lifted me.

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me.

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know ’tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me.

Public Domain. Recorded by The Nickel Family Singers on LP365 (except verse three).
Sheet music available here.

The Great Choice

The pleasures of sin for a season

or the joys of salvation so grand?
Oh, how will you wish to have chosen
when at last in God’s presence you stand?

The world with its riches and glory—
however enchantingly sweet—
when death comes, will offer no comfort
but mock with a hasty retreat.

Today you may have the assurance:
your sins have been taken away
and your name is recorded in heaven,
fair land of the unending day.

Chorus:
In the light of eternity, answer.
Why trifle with God and your soul?
Choose now, as you’ll wish to have chosen
while the years of eternity roll!

fpn / undated

Published as poem #30 in Contemporary Psalms, and as song #25 in Sing and Give Thanks. Recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice as "The Pleasures of Sin for a Season" and on LP 569: Let Us Talk About the Lord as "The Great Choice." If you would like a copy of the printed music or an audio recording, contact Joyce.

How Do I Know

words and melody by Eva Mae Withaus, harmony by Frank P. Nickel

How do I know that the Father above 
watches o’er me with His tenderest love?
He sees the fall of each little bird,
I read it in God’s Holy Word. 

How do I know that He’ll answer my prayer 
when I am sad and there’s no one to care?
Somehow I know my cry will be heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

Just like the shepherd He leads us;
He seeks for the sheep gone astray;
He carries the lambs in His bosom,
and keeps them from danger always.

How do I know that He died in my place,
giving me life through His marvelous grace?
Sweetest of stories ever heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

©1965, Radiant Light Enterprises.
Published as song #12 in Sing and Give Thanks , and recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side one, by the Junior Trio: John, Steve, and Paul. Video design by Joyce Rempel on animoto.com using the recorded song and photos from the family collection.

Peace Like a River

Words and music by C.D. Davis 

Peace like a river 
Flows through my soul 
I've been forgiven 
Cleansed and made whole 

Chorus: 
Peace like a river so gently is flowing 
How sweet to my soul is this marvelous peace 
Sweeter and sweeter each day it is growing 
Like billows of glory it never shall cease 

Filled with the spirit 
I am so happy 
Jesus has given 
Wonderful peace 

Peace gently flowing 
Sweet and divine 
Gives the assurance 
Jesus is mine 

Tag:
Glory forever to Jesus my Savior 
For wonderful, marvelous, heavenly peace 
Peace overflowing much sweeter is growing 
What wonderful, wonderful peace

Recorded by the Nickel Family Singers on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side one.
Bass solo by oldest son, Charles.



Video created by Joyce Rempel on animoto.com 
Baptism photos accessed online. Other photos purchased from depositphotos.com, standard license

Sing Praise

Words and music by Albert Singbush
Harmony and editing by F.P. Nickel

God sent His precious Son to earth 
that He might dwell with men;
and die upon the cruel 
cross to save us from our sin!
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

He healed the sick and raised the dead,
many wonderful works did He;
while walking in the Light of God, 
His Blood avails for me!
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

Though tried and tested as we are,
yet never did He sin;
and those who own Him as their Lord, 
the victory shall win.
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

Yes, Jesus is my Saviour, my Redeemer,
the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End;
the perfect Lamb of God is He, 
that taketh away the sin of the world;
Sing praise (hallelujah)
Praise (hallelujah)
Praise to His wonderful name.

fpn/undated

This is written as a song. If you would like a copy of the music, please contact Joyce.

Picture: El Greco: Christ Healing the Blind, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Divine Perspective (full length)

Proverbs 14:12, Mark 8:36

We all adopt philosophies
while passing through the years,
born either from successes
or adversities and fears.
Or possibly, tradition plays
a part—how we’ve been taught
through precept and example,
and advice which we have sought.
We may be right, we may be wrong;
we’ll live and die that way,
then stand before the Judge of all
in joy or in dismay.

Heredity, environment,
both surely play a part
but dare we make excuses? No,
the issue is our heart.
’Tis true, we lost our paradise
when our first parents sinned;
but we can get it back, you know;
through Christ it is regained.
To fit into that paradise,
where God is in control,
calls for a true, whole-hearted love
for Him within our soul.

And this, of course, requires change
in how we think and live.
It’s not within our will nor power;
this grace our God must give.
The choice is ours, we must decide
to take the gift of life,
and turn our backs upon this world
which seems a sacrifice.
But there is peace awaiting, as
we make Christ Jesus Lord,
and let Him have complete control,
submitting to His Word.

It is real peace of mind,
contentment at its best;
the Bible says that there remains
for us and inward rest.
So many voices call to us,
professing that they know
just what it is and how God will
this grace on us bestow.
But take the time to check God’s Word,
it’s precious as your breath;
avoid “the way that seemeth right
to man, but ends in death.”

What shall it profit, Jesus said
(sit down and count the cost),
if you should gain this whole, wide world
and then your soul be lost?
But that’s not all that matters, for
we have a life to live;
and for each moment of that life,
a strict account we’ll give.
Now we’re inclined to magnify
the present, here and now,
and take no thought of that great day,
when to the Lord we’ll bow.

We can invest our lives and claim
tremendous dividends
when we shall meet our Saviour
and our pilgrim journey ends.
Why live for pleasure, selfish gain,
and fame this world affords?
We’ll leave it all behind some day,
like old and rotten boards.
But we can send supplies ahead
which never shall decay,
if we’ll invest our lives for God
unselfishly today.

fpn/1975



Published as poem #50 in Contemporary Psalms. An abridged version was published later.

Picture: depositphotos.com #21171863, standard license

Oh Lord My God

Oh, Lord, my God, the source of true fulfillment,
the sum and substance of abundant life!
My peace of mind, my joy and deep contentment
within a world of turmoil and of strife.

My drive, my hope, my fondest expectation
when pressures mount and those about give way.
My wisdom, righteousness and full redemption,
the Christ of God, who died sins penalty to pay.

Oh, Lord, my God, through Jesus Christ my Saviour,
the great “I AM,” majestic in Thy ways.
My coming King, with power and great glory;
be Thou exalted, Lord, most worthy of all praise!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #3214681, standard license

The Strength of My Life

The Lord is my light
and I will walk with confidence.
He is my salvation,
from every foe, my sure defence.

The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
Of whom shall I be afraid?

The Lord is my light
and He commands the victory.
Though a host assail me, 
at His rebuke, they turn and flee.

The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
Of whom shall I be afraid?

The Lord is my light
and I will praise His holy name.
Enter His pavilion
and there His mighty deeds proclaim!

The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
The strength of my life!
Of whom shall I be afraid?

fpn/January 1987

This poem is set to music. If you would like a copy, contact Joyce.



Photo Credit: Joyce Rempel, taken at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet, BC, Canada

Take No Chances

Two thieves, condemned, on either side
of Jesus’ cross, were crucified;
the one released from sin and gloom,
the other sealed for eternal doom.

There’s hope for all till dying day;
but learn the lesson, here I pray,
if His every call is now bypassed,
do you think Christ will call at last?

fpn/undated



Picture: James J. Tissot, 'Pardoning the Repentant Thief' (1896), accessed online September 10, 2017






“The last business of Christ’s life
was the saving of a poor penitent thief.” ~D.L. Moody

The Priceless Moment

What? More time than money?
Now don’t be too sure,
for money won’t purchase
the things that endure.
But time well invested
with wisdom, one day
will yield precious treasures
that never decay.

Your time and your money
can gain, on this earth,
possessions of value—
yes, gems of great worth.
But when life is over
and your body’s asleep,
what matters is who then
your soul gets to keep.

It takes but a moment
(but that moment must be),
to take God’s salvation
so glorious and free.
No, money won’t buy it—
your place in God’s home;
why not say, just this moment,
“Save me, Lord, I come!”

fpn/undated

Picture: depositphotos.com #28989053, standard license

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

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

The Championship

Christ Jesus came, dear friend of mine
to set the record straight.
We need not be sin’s victims
in this world of lust and hate.

How foolish to excuse ourselves
for our besetting sin
and live in misery all the while,
when the victory we may win.

Oh, what a confrontation, when
God sent His precious Son
to face our foe and “knock him out!”
That bout our Savior won.

In chapter three and verse fifteen 
of Genesis, we read,
the woman’s seed would strike a blow
to crush the serpent’s head!

And Satan’s might, let’s not deny,
is great—it’s evident!
The tragic scenes through history
confirm that fact and trend.

To top it, many won’t believe
from sin they can be free;
but blind in sin, with guilt and fear, 
they drift on aimlessly.

Yes, Christ was bruised while in “the ring”
He died, delighting foes,
but saving us—oh, praise to God!
We live, for He arose!

fpn/December 1984



Picture: depositphotos.com #30894447, standard license

The God of Harmony

The God of the universe
went by a plan
when creating a world
well suited to man.
It’s only the surface
of this earthen ball
which is friendly to animal
mammal and fowl.

The variance of pressure 
in earth’s atmosphere
is but slight day by day,
as we pass through the year;
and the temperature changes
through daylight and night,
if not held in close limits
would spell man’s fatal plight.

In the law of the harvest
from trees and the fields,
though taken for granted,
what causes the yield?
There is vegetable, animal,
and mineral life;
these are balanced in nature
by a carefully planned strife.

God’s governing laws,
so firm and precise,
when flaunted, will call
for a terrible price.
But respecting and striving
these laws to fulfill,
brings tremendous blessing
in vale and o’er hill.

On the face of God’s earth
sits man, who is blind,
who maintains he controls
everything with his mind.
His rebellion and sin
six millenniums record;
but towering o’er all
is the truth of God’s Word.

For God sent His Son
to scatter sin’s night,
to open our eyes
with healing and light.
Why not trust in the Lord,
so wise and so great,
who with love and compassion
still cares for our state.

We can only survive
when His precepts we heed;
for health and for wealth
His atonement we need.
Our minds are so feeble,
our strength is so small,
our only recourse
is on Jesus to call.

He saves and sustains us
and changes our hearts;
He guides us aright,
divine wisdom imparts.
The God of all order
and harmony, He
makes melody swell
from hearts that are free.

fpn/undated


Published as poem #40 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #139728736, standard license

Our Sin Darkened Minds

I thought I knew the Lord
and served Him fairly well;
but one can be so sure
and still wind up in hell.

Our hearts, the Bible says,
are wicked at the core
and blind to what is right;
we sin, and ask for more.

Perhaps you don’t agree;
if so, I’m not surprised.
It simply proves the point
you’ve not yet reaized:

“None righteous—no, not one.”
However we’ve been trained,
we’ve all rebelled ’gainst God;
our character is stained.

And sad to say, God’s own,
make claims that may be bold,
but few e’er realize
how proud their hearts, and cold.

But here’s the good, good news:
when anyone complies,
God shows us who we are
and opens our blind eyes.

If repentant, we will bow.
He then applies the Blood
which cleanses us from sin,
then God declares us good!

fpn/91
(Alternate title: "Actual Goodness")



Picture: depositphotos.com #67680841, standard license

Real Life Insurance

by Frank P. Nickel

They call it “life” insurance
and I don’t want to fuss
but it’s really a misnomer
affecting all of us.

You can insure my money,
but life, my greatest wealth,
has boundaries and limits;
and this is true of health.

Yes, some would pay a fortune
for just a few more years,
but who would dare to bargain
with a dying man in tears?

Don’t think me idiotic;
you might respond with “Wow!”
but I’ve got life insurance 
for a thousand years from now.

Returns are so fantastic
just now, with more to come
for body, soul and spirit—
of bliss, the total sum.

First, peace with God is granted
on being justified;
all needs, with deep contentment,
are guaranteed beside.

And then, there’s glory waiting
beyond this vale of tears
in a land of sweet contentment
where they count not time by years.

To claim this mighty contract,
your money will not do.
God’s wonderful salvation
is free of charge to you.

Your part is just accepting
that Jesus shed His blood;
receiving as your Saviour
the risen Son of God.

Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 4
(c) 1975 by Radiant Light Enterprises



Picture: depositphotos.com #55008735, standard license

He Came for All

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 Divine Perspective (Abridged)

Proverbs 14:12, Mark 8:36

We all adopt philosophies
while passing through the years,
born either from successes
or adversities and fears.
Or possibly, tradition plays
a part—how we’ve been taught
through precept and example,
and advice which we have sought.
We may be right, we may be wrong;
we’ll live and die that way
then stand before the Judge of all
in joy or in dismay.

Heredity, environment
both surely play a part
but dare we make excuses? No,
the issue is our heart.
‘Tis true, we lost our paradise
when our first parents sinned;
but we can get it back, you know;
through Christ it is regained.
To fit into that paradise,
where God is in control,
calls for a true, whole-hearted love
for Him within our soul.

And this, of course, requires change
in how we think and live.
It’s not within our will nor power;
this grace our God must give.
The choice is ours, we must decide
to take the gift of life,
and turn our backs upon this world
which seems a sacrifice.
But there is peace awaiting, as
we make Christ Jesus Lord,
and let Him have complete control,
submitting to His Word.

fpn/1975


This is an abridged version. The full poem was published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 50
Picture: depositphotos.com #21171863, standard license

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