Consecration

by Frank P. Nickel

Lord, I want to qualify
for your “Well done!” when I die,
letting others see that I
LOVE the living Christ!

Let me always prove I’m true,
filled with grace and knowledge, too,
so by what I say and do,
SHOW the living Christ!

Let me shun the praise of man,
keeping low—by grace I can—
walking humbly by Your plan,
PRAISE the living Christ!

Not for earthly gain or ease,
or to sail the seven seas,
but by conquest on my knees,
CROWN the living Christ!

Oh, for pow’r to win the lost,
win them now whate’er the cost,
watching, praying at my post,
SERVE the living Christ!

May I not procrastinate
and in witnessing be late,
but with souls of dreadful fate
SHARE the living Christ!

He’s the lamb, He came to save,
willingly His life He gave,
rose in triumph from the grave,
HE’S THE LIVING CHRIST!

Published as Poem #17 in Contemporary Psalms

(c) 1975, Radiant Light Enterprises

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A Bible for Show

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To buy a Bible principally
for show is so absurd,
when tens of thousands have not owned
one portion of God's word.

The Bible is a blessed book—
the source of vital food;
it stills the hunger of the soul
for righteousness and God.

It's not the cost that gives it worth
nor exquisite design,
but knowing Him, the Christ revealed
so you can say, "He's mine!"

It's so important that we read
and meditate each day,
so we can share with other folks
its worth at work and play.

For this we need a handy size
which we can carry 'round,
and keep within our easy reach
to learn its truth profound.

How sad a sight it is to see
in this world of great need,
a Bible on the center piece
which no one stops to read.

Some may object before the Judge
"Oh, God, we never knew!"
when all the while they had the book
which tells just what to do!

Far less severe—the pagan's plight,
who does not own nor know
A single Bible book, than him
who purchased one for show.

fpn/undated

Note from the editor: If you'd like to acquire a Bible that's handy to carry around, consider YouVersion, a free Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer. YouVersion is a simple, ad-free Bible that brings God's Word into your daily life. Available in most languages and translations at no charge. 

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