Man's Plight -- Unbelief (Repost)

God graced this earthly setting
as light invades the night;
He came as Friend and Saviour
to reach us in our plight.

He did not throw a life-line
while calling from afar,
but being born a  human,
He came to where we are.

Due to His lowly entry
so many failed to see 
the glory in His bosom
with power to set us free.

But few there were that welcomed—
whose hearts were right with God;
wise men, then too, the shepherds,
who slept upon the sod.

And there were several others,
but not a massive throng,
to hail the King of Glory
with tumult and with song.

Our pride keeps us from trusting
a God who can dissolve
the great and massive problems
which we have failed to solve.

As then, preferring darkness,
our race at large disdains
the light of life in Jesus,
while sin and error reigns.

fpn 12/82



Picture: depositphotos.com #10219777, editorial license

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Music by Robert Lowry, 1875 
Click the arrow above to play. If you see no video play arrow, click the song title to view online.

All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Public Domain.
Recorded by The Nickel Family Singers on LP365: My Sheep Know My Voice
Sheet Music available here.

The Uplook

Just fix your eyes on Jesus
when lonely, sad, and blue;
though things may seem impossible,
He’ll make a way for you.
Just fix your eyes on Jesus—
the dearest Friend to own;
though other friends may prove untrue,
He’ll never let you down!

fpn/1975

Published in Contemporary Psalms, p. 49

Picture: sourced online, October 2017

The Pain of Betrayal

Had it been but a casual acquaintaince
or an enemy over the years,
then I could have born all the trauma,
though it called for some suffering and tears.

But it was a man, quite my equal,
in whom I had placed utmost trust;
his pledges and input were binding,
and sharing his friendship, a must.

We walked in sweet counsel together;
we entered God’s house side by side.
No need to retain reservations,
we were sure that such trust would abide.

But suddenly—it’s still so unreal!
Like a dream—might I not yet awake?
And find that it never did happen
and in further exchanges partake?

The cause and the cure for that heartache 
may be hidden from view while I live;
but there’s comfort and healing in Jesus,
through Him, I can truly forgive.

Would taking revenge solve the problem?
Would apologies be understood?
It’s doubtful—the path that I travel
in essence, is forward, with God.

There’s forgiveness and healing in Jesus.
Future joy may eclipse those that were;
we’ve no cause or time then for worry;
He’s the cushion for jolts that occur.

fpn/1974



Picture: depositphotos.com #48689365, standard license

In Time of Trial

My tears have been my food day and night, 

while people say to me all day long, 

"Where is your God?" Psalm 42:3

“Where is now thy God?”1
Why must there be this test,
when I have really tried
to give my very best?

Oh, God, I do not ask
for myself, “Are you real?”
whenever things go wrong
or because of how I feel.

But there are those who taunt
as though I have no God,
while day and night I grieve
and tears fall on the sod.

Our Savior, too, was tried;
the ridicule was gross;
“If God will have you now,
come down from off the cross!”2

But little did they know
that only three short days
would change the entire scene,
resulting in God’s praise!

No, I will not despair,
though bleak and dark the hour;
by faith I’ll reach ahead
for resurrection power.

The testing of my faith
I know is not for long;
and as I learn to trust,
God fills my heart with song.

fpn/undated

1. Psalm 42:3
2. Matthew 27:42

Picture: Crucifixion - Jacopo Tintoretto, 1565, accessed online, September 4, 2017

Reassurance

Now as I face the year ahead 
of nineteen seventy-five,
I might become discouraged
and perhaps afraid to live.
But since I know what Jesus said
and what He’s promised me,
I feel that I can move ahead
by faith—and cheerfully.

The year just past brought sorrows which
so crushed my heart with woe,
for unannounced bereavement struck—
I’m glad I didn’t know
ahead of time that it would come;
but this I’m glad to say,
that God was there with ample grace
to help me through each day.

“My peace,” He said, “I give to you;
come unto me and rest.
I am the gentle Shepherd,
and I always seek your best.
So follow closely in the paths
that lead to pastures green,
and by still waters that I know
where you have never been.

“I will not leave thee, nor forsake;
let nothing come between.
You’ll lose, not win, by worrying
o’er things that might have been.”
And so, for me, “To live is Christ,”
and yes, “to die is gain.”
By faith, I’ll take each step ahead
till He makes all things plain.

fpn/1974

Editor's note: This was written the year Frank and Eva's third child, Jack, died in a car collision. He was buried on his 26th birthday. A few months earlier, a newborn granddaughter lived only three days due to complications during her birth. Her father (oldest son, Charles) reflects, "What a sad time it was -- and still is as we bring it to mind. But now they are all in the Lord's presence -- in the realm of untold joy!"

Published as poem #56 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #31799065, standard license

Concern or Worry?

Concern or worry, which is which?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
To shun responsibility
may spawn a living hell.
But care that leads us to despair,
till friends become distressed,
is never noble or divine;
of God cannot be blessed.

Behind a flippant attitude
so often there is grief;
the victim may be out of sight,
but pained beyond belief.
The world may laud the guilty one,
who seems so light of heart,
yet under burdens really his,
another one must smart.

Just take the drunkard—he has friends
(and what a time they have),
while one whom he has pledged to love
is a veritable slave.
The less he cares, the more she must,
for children and their needs;
while he steps out for merriment,
her heart in silence bleeds.

But let us take a look, my friend,
at others close around,
professing that they know the Lord,
yet are not free, but bound.
They lie awake at night and fret
o’er troubles sad and deep,
then spend their days complaining
that at night they cannot sleep.

We would not minimize their grief;
life deals some awful blows;
so often people suffer more
than anybody knows.
And we should seek, the Bible says,
Christ’s law to thus fulfill,
and bear another’s burden
who is struggling up some hill.

But in the self-same scripture
of Galatians, chapter six,
(and now I pray, dear friend of mine,
this message really sticks),
a following verse—it’s number five;
OUR burdens we must face;
we dare not shun or fail to lift
and carry them with grace.

Yes, “Every man shall bear his own,”
whate’er that burden be,
without resentment or complaint;
now notice, please, verse three:
If anyone some merit claim, 
thinks highly of himself,
when he is nothing but deceived,
he’ll soon be on the shelf.

The Lord’s supply of mercy and
of grace, as well, is long.
But these are not for coddling us;
they’re given to make us strong.
“Let every man prove his own work,”
true honors to receive;
awards in heaven will not be given
for deeds of make-believe.

A burdened heart, which seeks in prayer 
to bring men to the cross,
is different than the selfish heart 
that weeps o’er earthly loss.
Concern or worry? You will prove,
if you believe God’s Word;
your attitude shows the degree 
to which you trust the Lord.

fpn/undated
Published as Poem #46 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: depositphotos.com #21813871, standard license

Give Me Time!

Re-post from Feb. 4, 2015

Panic is a tool of Satan,
he employs with great success.
It has led to many a stampede,
and a sad fate, without redress.

It may begin with just one person,
but may soon involve a crowd.
And all semblance of logic
vanishes, mid warnings loud.

God has power to solve all problems
if we'll give Him ample time.
Causes lost, as we may view them,
can be saved—bring joys sublime.

God our refuge and deliverer,
cognizant of those down-trod,
calls to us, in accents tender:
"Just be still—know I am God!"

"Give me time—you need not panic;
trust me, I am in control.
You by faith may claim, dear pilgrim,
peace of mind and rest of soul!"

fpn 02/1991



Picture: depositphotos.com #10421154, standard license

The Sane Perspective

This world is too far gone
for me to make big plans;
enough for me to know
my times are in God’s hands.
I’ve got a job to do,
Lord, help me not to shirk,
I’ll keep on looking up,
and go about Your work.

I know we’ve got to plan
and we need vision, too.
The young ones coming up
are just like me and you.
They need encouragement, 
and too, our confidence
for realistic dreams,
each laced with common sense.

God’s word is practical;
it tells it like it is.
This life is not for long;
it’s not our plan, but His
that gives fulfillment true
and peace at setting sun.
Let’s simply look to Him
until the day is done.

fpn / July 1985



Picture: depositphotos.com #137791472, standard license

Man’s Plight – Unbelief

God graced this earthly setting
as light invades the night;
He came as Friend and Saviour
to reach us in our plight.

He did not throw a life-line
while calling from afar,
but being born a  human,
He came to where we are.

Due to His lowly entry
so many failed to see 
the glory in His bosom
with power to set us free.

But few there were that welcomed—
whose hearts were right with God;
wise men, then too, the shepherds,
who slept upon the sod.

And there were several others,
but not a massive throng,
to hail the King of Glory
with tumult and with song.

Our pride keeps us from trusting
a God who can dissolve
the great and massive problems
which we have failed to solve.

As then, preferring darkness,
our race at large disdains
the light of life in Jesus,
while sin and error reigns.

fpn 12/82



Picture: depositphotos.com #10219777, editorial license

Human Faults

“Great soul—but for one thing.”
(Perhaps there could be two!)
Some folks do seem so nice
by what they say and do.
But should they open up
and honestly confess,
we’d learn they have their faults
and weaknesses, no less.

The heroes in the books
of fiction, which we read,
seem somewhat more than life
the total truth’s not said.
And even history books
don’t always merit trust.
There’s slant and prejudice
toward those returned to dust.

Our heroes we admire
and praise them to our friends;
our children we instruct
to reach for similar ends.
But caution is the need
when heroes we exalt;
their image can be marred,
we may discover fault.

Our Lord’s the only One
in whom no sin was found;
our guilt was laid on Him;
He paid on Calvary’s mound.
Let’s place our trust in Him
for mercy on Him call;
with angels join in praise
and crown Him Lord of all.

fpn/November 1984



Picture: depositphotos.com #11543428, editorial license

It is I

It is I – be not afraid;
It is I – be not dismayed;
It is I – for you I’ve prayed;
—I’m with you and for you all the way!

It is I – my peace I give;
It is I – was dead, now live;
Don’t despair in Satan’s sieve;
—I’m with you and for you all the way!

It is I – my grace receive;
It is I – my word believe;
It is I – great things achieve;
—I’m with you and for you all the way!

fpn / 1996




Picture: "Jesus Walking on the Sea of Galilee" (c. 1590) by Paul Bril and Frederik van Valckenborch. Public Domain. Image accessed via Wikimedia Commons, July 2, 2017.

In Control

“In control!” —this situation 
doesn’t pose a threat for God.
His resources and His wisdom
shaped earth’s boulders and each clod.

“In control!” —though circumstances
raise their protest: “Out of hand!”
He who rules the wind and tempest
doesn’t cancel things He’s planned.

“In control!” —Satanic forces
were defeated at the cross;
’tis for good each test is working,
for eternal gain, each loss.

“In control!” —though we make choices
not in line with His pure will,
those who seek His mind and purpose
will not panic, but hold still.

“In control!” —the night of sorrow
must concede to break of day—
fear and gloom, give way to gladness;
’tis God’s promise when we pray.

“In control!” —our heavenly Father
works within His frame of time;
after showers comes the rainbow;
after turmoil, peace sublime.

fpn / October 1983
See related song: Our Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46)



Picture: depositphotos.com #38233491, standard license

On Being Teachable

We live to learn and learn to live,
the process never ends;
and pity, pity on the man
whose mind no longer bends.

No grace in being gullible,
(we all at times have been)
there is a time to disbelieve
till certain proofs we’ve seen.

But when suspicion takes control
and we no longer trust,
our world of joy and usefulness
has crumbled in the dust.

More hope there is for pauper child
who would more truth discern
than aging king upon a throne
who will no longer learn.

By taking failures cheerfully,
we’ll rise and onward press;
for what we learn in losses oft’
will crown our next success.

'Tis no disgrace to ask advice
and a humble spirit hold;
the man who bows his head quite low,
may well discover gold.

And furthermore, by seeking aid,
we may well gain a friend;
for don’t we all feel gratified
when asked advice to lend?

Lord, grant me such stability
for gimmicks not to fall;
but please Lord, keep me teachable,
I’ll never know it all!

fpn/73
Published as poem #20 in Contemporary Psalms


Photo Credit: Deposit Photo #26029779, standard license

Those Who Trust God Fully (Trust Rewarded)

Those Who Trust God Fully (Trust Rewarded)
original hymn title: “Keiner wird zu Schanden”
lyrics by Gustav Friedrich Ludwig Knak
translated from the German by Frank P. Nickel

Psalm 25:3 "Let none that wait on thee be ashamed."

Those who trust God fully cannot know disgrace.
Shall I be the first, then, such an end to face?
No, the thought is vain and groundless, oh, my faithful Lord.
Countless galaxies may vanish; never shall Thy word!

'Tis Thy blessed promise, “Ask, ye shall receive;
seek and ye shall find.” Our need God will relieve.
Those who knock consistently, God will not ignore.
Through Him, walls foreboding yield an open door.

Lord, by faith I’ll venture on at Thy command;
cares of mine and others, Thou dost understand.
All my heartaches, deep frustrations, all those chafing fears,
to Thy heart I’ll bear them; Thou dost count my tears.

Merciful and Mighty, dearest Friend to me;
my soul’s star and sunshine, cheering constantly.
Midnight gloom or through death’s vale, contented still I am.
Soon I’m joining in the marriage banquet of the Lamb!

fpn/1975


Published as poem #37 in Contemporary Psalms, available as sheet music, contact Joyce.
Photo Credit: Joyce Rempel

On Loan From God

Alternate Title: "Earth's Family Cycle"

We take our infants in our arms.
No sacrifice, just joy!
And soon they take steps of their own –
our precious girls and boys.

They trust us so, and we in turn
don’t want to let them down
but we will fail, and they must learn
that God is God alone.

Reminded they’re just lent to us,
both for our joy and trust
and if we’d help them reach their goals,
show trust and hope we must.

Then comes the time to take hands off,
but heart-strings still hold fast;
and God keeps working, till one day
we’re satisfied at last.

They find their niche in this wide world
by grace of God above,
and that is what it’s all about:
when they express God’s love.

fpn 12/80

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #8995377, standard license

Since God...

Since God controls each violent storm
and calms the troubled sea,
can I then not expect that He
will grant sweet peace to me?

Since God can paint the verdant hues
of meadows, flowers and trees,
cannot my life become for me
as beautiful as these?

Since God performs the miracle
of birth with such finesse,
would He discard the project
and refuse to longer bless?

Since God designs the snowflakes
with no two of them the same,
should I down-grade the handiwork
which bears my humble name?

Since God provides for elephants
and whales out in the sea,
would He go into bankruptcy
by answering my plea?

Since God knows when the sparrow falls
and clothes the lilies fair,
can I then not depend on Him
for needed clothes to wear?

Since God has given me His word
which shows His love and care,
what peace, that I may cast on Him
the burdens that I bear!

fpn/undated



Photo credit: Depositphotos 6459002, Standard license

Our Refuge and Strength

Our refuge and strength, our helper so near
through trouble and strife, we've nothing to fear.
Though mountains may tremble and tidal waves roll,
earth's boundaries may change, God is still in control
sustaining and guarding our steps on this sod.
"Be still," then He bids us, "and know I am God!"

A river so pure in Zion above;
fair land of delight, contentment and love.
No want nor oppression with Christ on the throne,
no sickness nor grief, never night sad and lone.
We long for that home as we trustingly plod.
"Be still," then He bids us, "and know I am God!"

Our refuge and strength, of hosts the adored.

His judgment is just and final his word.

Though evil men prosper and tyrants now reign, 

the world shall have rest from its battles profane.

All powers that be will submit to His rod.

"Be still," then He bids us, "and know I am God!"

fpn/72
This was written as a song. For a copy of the four part music, contact Joyce
Here is the song, sung by three of my brothers and I.