Press the Battle

Words by Ron Goodman and Frank P. Nickel
Music by Frank P. Nickel

Fierce the warfare and the conflict
as the mighty foe we face.
But through Christ we have the victory;
we will conquer by His grace.

See, the final day is nearing,
soon the crown of life we’ll wear.
Let us win the lost for Jesus
that they too His love may share.

Chorus:
Yes the time of rest is coming
when our warfare shall subside.
Press the battle to the finish
for the Christ who bled and died.

Not for riches, not for glory;
but the lost in sin’s dark night,
we will wage relentless battle—
for the souls of men we’ll fight.

There is joy and sweet communion.
We are comrades in God’s will.
Not a thing this world may offer
can compare or match the thrill.

Chorus:
Yes the time of rest is coming
when our warfare shall subside.
Press the battle to the finish
for the Christ who bled and died.

fpn/undated
Available in printed music. Contact Joyce for a copy.



Picture: sourced online

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

Thank You, Lord, for Loving Me

Thank you, Lord, for loving me—
watching o’er me constantly;
for the many things you give
as from day to day I live.

In this world of much abuse,
sin is rampant; Satan’s loose;
but you give me victory!
Oh, thank you, Lord, for loving me!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #44393805, standard license

Always on My Trail

Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil 

walks about like a roaring lion, 

seeking whom he may devour. 

1 Peter 5:8

by Frank P. Nickel

(Part One)

Why does Satan hate me so?
Always on my trail!
It's because for God I go!
Always on my trail!
In each trying circumstance,
tempts me with an evil glance,
he would never miss a chance!
Always on my trail!

Sometimes stalks in front of me.
Always on my trail!
Threatens so derisively.
Always on my trail!
When I start a noble deed,
he says, "No, you can't succeed!
No use trying, there's no need!"
Always on my trail!

He is happy when I'm sad.
Always on my trail!
And he's angry when I'm glad.
Always on my trail!
How he flatters when I win,
with a lying, wicked grin.
Always wants to make me sin!
Always on my trail!

(Part Two)

But I have a precious Friend!
Jesus walks with me!
Quick and mighty to defend.
Jesus walks with me!
He has walked this way before,
knows the trail and what's in store,
safely guides to heaven's door!
Jesus walks with me!

I have fellowship divine.
Jesus walks with me!
I am His and He is mine.
Jesus walks with me!
Oh, what joy His will to do,
daily mercies ever new,
He can't fail, He'll see me through!
Jesus walks with me!

I have nothing then to fear.
Jesus walks with me!
For I know my Lord is near.
He my every step has planned,
when in danger holds my hand,
in the conflict, helps me stand.
Jesus walks with me!

(Refrain)

Jesus walks with me!
Jesus walks with me!
Yes, I know, I surely know
Jesus walks with me!

Published as Poem #6 in Contemporary Psalms
©1975, Radiant Light Enterprises
Recorded as a song on LP467: A Joyful Christian, side two

Picture: depositphotos.com #148874027, standard license

Special People

We all have special people—
they may live near or far;
perhaps we’ve little contact,
but precious still they are!

Our hearts are stirred with memories
of incidents long past,
that helped to shape and mold us, 
to choose the things that last.

There’s much that we’ve forgotten
of faces, names, events;
but somehow these dear people
stand out like monuments.

We cannot say they catered 
to some sweet, earthly whim;
but led us to the Savior,
and made us fond of Him.

Material possessions
were never uppermost,
but they had wealth far greater
which never can be lost.

They didn’t seek for glory
or serve for earthly show,
but poured out love and labor
with earnest, fervent glow.

Oh, how their lives inspire us
great victories to win
and in a world that’s hostile
to “take it on the chin!”

fpn/1983



Picture: Nickel Family Archive

Unsung Heroes

 ‘Tis fitting that we honor those
who fought on land and seas,
but are we overlooking some
who fought upon their knees?

For those who fall on battlefields
far from their families,
our gratitude should be expressed
sincerely on our knees.

But never underestimate
the sacrifice of these
engaging in fierce warfare
and combat on their knees.

Not every person knows first hand
the mighty power that frees
the souls of men, and nations too,
is wrought upon our knees.

Yes, many have engaged in both
by muscle and through pleas,
and won a battle, almost lost,
by conquest on their knees.

The cause behind the triumph oft
no mortal fully sees.
‘Tis God who turns the tide when we
get humbly on our knees.

fpn / undated



Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #122753606, standard license

The Resurrection Day

Christ arose, no more to die

and His own to justify

in the dawning of that great

and glorious day;

when an angel from on high –

swift as lightening from the sky –

overwhelmed the guards

and rolled the stone away.

He arose, our blessed Lord,

in fulfillment of His word;

wondrous message, let us

evermore proclaim!

Where, oh death, is now thy sting,

and oh grave, thy victory?

We shall rise, for Christ arose,

Oh, praise His name!

On that resurrection day

when the shadows flee away

and the trumpet of the Lord

shall pierce the air,

what rejoicing there will be

when our Saviour we shall see

and with loved ones,

His eternal glory share!

Sweetest message, wondrous grace,

to the sons of Adam’s race;

“He is risen; come and see

where Jesus lay.”

Though death hovered o’er your head,

you are justified instead

from the guilt and debt

which none could ever pay.

There is life for you and me

by a look at Calvary;

there is pardon, peace

and cleansing through His blood.

Yes, we claim an empty tomb

and the future holds no gloom;

we shall rise, for Christ arose,

the Son of God!

On that resurrection day

when the shadows flee away

and the trumpet of the Lord

shall pierce the air,

what rejoicing there will be

when our Saviour we shall see

and with loved ones,

His eternal glory share!

fpn / undated

Published as poem #14 in Contemporary Psalms and as song #10 in Sing and Give Thanks
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the sheet music.

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #66235719, Standard License