My Choice

By William (Bill) Pearce McChesney
Martyred in Congo, November 25, 1964 at age 28. 

I want my breakfast served at “Eight,”
with ham and eggs upon the plate.
A well-broiled steak I’ll eat at “One,”
and dine again when day is done.

I want an ultra-modern home
and in each room, a telephone;
soft carpets, too, upon the floors,
and pretty drapes to grace the doors.

A cozy place of lovely things,
like easy chairs with innersprings,
and then I’ll get a small TV—
of course, “I’m careful what I see.”

I want my wardrobe, too, to be
of neatest, finest quality,
with latest style in suit and vest.
Why shouldn’t Christians have the best?

But then the Master I can hear,
in no uncertain voice, so clear,
“I bid you, come and follow me,
the lowly Man of Galilee.

“Birds of the air have made their nest,
and foxes in their holes find rest;
but I can offer you no bed,
no place have I to lay my head.”

In shame I hung my head and cried.
How could I spurn the Crucified?
Could I forget the way He went,
the sleepless nights in prayer He spent?

For forty days without a bite,
alone He fasted, day and night.
Despised, rejected—on He went,
and did not stop till veil was rent.

A Man of sorrows and of grief,
no earthly friend to bring relief—
“Smitten of God,” the prophet said—
mocked, beaten, bruised, His blood ran red.

If He be God and died for me,
no sacrifice too great can be
for me, a mortal man, to make;
I’ll do it all for Jesus’ sake.

Yes, I will tread the path He trod,
no other way will please my God;
so henceforth, this my choice shall be,
my choice for all eternity.

Published with permission in Sing and Give Thanks, p. 11b

Editor's note: The life and death of Bill McChesney greatly impacted Frank, who obtained permission to include this poem in his songbook along with the related song #33, "His Choice" with lyrics by McChesney. For more info, see "The Martyr Bill McChesney"

Two Viewpoints

The Loser’s Viewpoint

They are to blame for whatever goes wrong;
they run the church to which I belong;
they just don’t care about people like me;
they believe things with which I don’t agree.

They seem so distant, I don’t understand;
they can’t expect me to lend them a hand;
They do not know how hard is my lot;
they just don’t care—as likely as not.

They have more time—don’t have any kids;
they never fool with fruit jars and lids;
they have more money than I do, by far;
they look so proud in their sparkling new car.

They want to show off their talents and brains;
they wonder why I stay home when it rains;
they can just have their fun and their style;
they won’t see me, but once in a while!

The Winner's Viewpoint

We are imperfect—not all we should be;
we want to help, where a need we can see;
we need advice, and we’re willing to learn;
we gladly give, as God helps us earn.

We are the church and we’ll keep it up;
we share the good of the bread and the cup;
we get great blessings again and again;
we will be faithful, come sunshine or rain.

We will accept the blame if we fail;
we think that God still will put up our bail;
we will, by faith, obey His sweet voice;
we will, at length, have cause to rejoice.

We know that someone must be up in front;
we make mistakes—can’t express what we want;
we feel real bad when we hurt anyone,
but God keeps on blessing us, in the long run!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #122936736 (cropped), standard license

The Success Image

Should a preacher be thought a success,
though his sermons a multitude bless?
Or what if he’s seen
doing dishes for his queen
or helping her clean up a mess?

And his wife—is she really so great,
who habitually on others must wait?
No chance for a maid,
other bills must be paid;
so she manages—rapid her gait.

However idealistic our dreams,
it’s not always what glistens and gleams
for which God has regard
and will greatly reward.
There’s more to success than it seems!

fpn 11/80



Picture: depositphotos.com #52335735, standard license

Spiritual Riches

Our Lord became poor, that we might be rich!
Now that isn’t hard to accept;
but turn it around in denial of self,
to such thinking, we’re not so adept.

The man who can speak of once being poor,
but now has material wealth,
is usually admired and at times rightly so,
if spiritually he’s still in good health.

Our Lord talked of money again and again;
He didn’t mince words as He spoke:
“How hardly shall enter the kingdom of heaven
the rich of this world” –that’s no joke!

“Not wrong to be rich,” I can hear someone say,
“It’s just how you think in your mind.”
But more often than not, the rich of this world
to their own true condition are blind.

And some take the view that what they have gained
is a sign of their godliness too,
while they look down their nose at those who are poor,
who to Christ may be loyal and true.

Respecter of persons, this God whom we serve?
We know He is not, yet we still
may show preference, even malice, as people of God
to the point, as James says, where we’ll kill. 

And it’s true of God’s servants, oft times has been so,
in this world, how vainly we dwell.
We strive to be rich in money and fame,
we gloat when we seem to excel.

“Blessed are those poor in spirit,” we read.
Pray tell me, just what does this mean?
“The last shall be first and the first shall be last.”
Are there some who don’t want to be seen?

Oh, who then have turned from position and wealth,
not trumpeting what they have given,
while seeking no praise, nor pity of man,
in their efforts to win souls for heaven!

They too become poor, their culture deny
as they fill some far off lonely niche.
The world calls them odd, God’s own may ignore,
but the Judge of the earth says they’re rich.

fpn/undated

Published as poem #48 in Contemporary Psalms

Picture: depositphotos.com #20390925, standard license

God’s Orders

I choose to take God’s orders,
and do so cheerfully;
for Satan might have claimed me,
but Christ has set me free.

How could I be presumptuous
and cater to my whim,
when Jesus died to save me?
I owe my life to Him.

I choose to take God’s orders,
which lead to long-range good,
though sometimes I may question
and not see how they could.

My temporary losses—
quite often, they are not;
but in disguise, a blessing.
Why hoard the things that rot?

I choose to take God’s orders;
what gain they prove to be,
not only for the present,
but for eternity.

Resigned to be made gracious
so I may then invest,
for God, in lives of others
and move with holy zest.

I choose to take God’s orders—
or better said, His call.
How precious is our friendship.
Yes, He deserves my all!

fpn / December 1982



Picture: depositphotos.com #3571934, standard license

First Things First

This world has a way of claiming my time
so often, I’d say, without reason or rhyme.
I do have some duties, but I’m not here long;
I’m preparing for heaven—that’s where I belong.

I know I must work a part of the day
and earn a fair living in an honorable way,
but why be a slave to things that must pass,
when I can invest in those that will last?

Now most of us have brief periods for ease
which we can apply any way that we please.
With time on our hands, why sit still and “nod” 
when I can have joy in communing with God?

Recreation is good and a hobby worthwhile,
but there is the danger that they will beguile;
causing me to neglect my family and work,
and yes, worse than that, my devotions I’ll shirk.

I have made up my mind to put first things first.
It’s for spiritual joys that I hunger and thirst.
I’ll abide in God’s word and worship in prayer,
then seek needy hearts with whom I can share.

fpn / 1996



Picture: depositphotos.com #30451477, standard license

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

Enduring Wealth

He owned a house—
but time made it a heap;
he owned a car—
but rust chewed in so deep;
he owned a suit
which moths soon made unfit;
he owned a farm—
a lake now covers it.

He had a name—
‘twas known most everywhere.
A bust of bronze
adorned the city square;
‘twas broken and smashed 
by the rebel hordes;
so time erased
the glory of its lords.

He had a wife,
but she bade him adieu;
and other kin—
not long, and life was through.
He knew the Lord,
and served Him very well;
He now has wealth—
far more than tongue can tell.

fpn/undated

Picture: depositphotos.com #8323873, standard license

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

Who is Passing the Plate?

The response to our Lord’s great commission,
so oft is “too little—too late!”
Would we possibly do more if Jesus
were passing the offering plate?

Just a glimpse of those hands with the nail scars
inflicted by force of a mall,
should cause me to give all I can give
since I know that he gave me His all!

fpn / undated



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #22520023, standard license

Reasonable Service

Reasonable Service

When I think of Him suffering for me
in the dark night of Gethsemane,
then the thorn-crown, the nails, the spear
and His prayer, “Oh, forgive them,” I hear.
Consenting to die in my place,
assuming my sin and disgrace,
then I cannot—I will not lay claim
to the years of my life that remain.
I will serve, not by notion or whim,
but with purpose, resign all to Him!

fpn / undated



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #67483285, standard license

My Thanks

How can I show the many friends
who bless my path each day,
that I am mindful of their deeds
and kindly words they say?
How much they mean!
How much they give—
ah, could I but repay
their thoughtfulness and acts of love
that cheer me on life’s way!

Although they ask for naught from me,
I would not use my friends
as means of reaching for those things
that serve my selfish ends.
Lord, let me seek for ways to bless
a stranger bending low,
while asking nothing in return,
by this, my thanks to show.

fpn / undated
Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 57

Photo Credit: Deposit Photo #145937475, standard license