A Spiritual Drink

A drink of water for a child
shall surely be rewarded,
if as unto the Lord Himself,
your deed has been regarded.

The water that you give to him
just now will be refreshing;
e’er long he’ll have to drink again—
’tis but a present blessing.

But is there not within your heart
more than a cup of water?
And is that not the greatest need
of every son and daughter?

Did not our Lord say He would give
to those who come believing,
a mighty spring of sweeter flow,
the thirst of soul relieving?

So while the water from the well
with him, a friend, you’re sharing,
do give to him the better drink,
his needy soul repairing.

Your deed, your words, will be to him
a pause that truly pleases,
if with the water from the well,
you speak to him of Jesus.

fpn/undated



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The Right Attitude

We are the ones who make up the Church,
and none of us wants to be left in the lurch;
so we’ll give just as much as we want to receive
and our actions will prove that we really believe.

Our pastor is human and he has to see
that several are taking his words seriously;
by faith he keeps sowing the seed of God’s Word
and hopes as he preaches that no one get bored.

Whenever we hear “our church” as we talk,
that person, most likely, is not one to balk;
the one for whom we really should yearn,
says “they,” those” and “their”—he is cause for concern.

At some time in life, my friend, you must know
that Satan will strike you a powerful blow;
the help and the prayers of God’s people may make
just that margin of difference, new courage to take.

So let us all say, “we,” “these” and “our” church,
and together we’ll make effective our search
for those who don’t know the joy of our Lord,
and the benefits gained by knowing His Word.

fpn/undated



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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



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So Great Salvation

Inscribed to 
Dr. G. Christian Weiss, 
Voice of Foreign Missions, 
Back to the Bible Broadcast

Hebrews 2:3


How shall we escape
if we neglect so great salvation?
Oh, the love that brought to earth
the sinless Son of God.
Facing scorn and ridicule
in this, His own creation.
Crushed beneath our sin and shame,
He shed His precious blood.

How shall we escape
if we neglect so great salvation?
Wondrous message of the cross
relayed at such a price.
Many are the witnesses
who’ve given in every nation
toil and tears, yes, life itself—
a willing sacrifice!

How shall we escape
if we neglect so great salvation?
Men are lost in sin’s dark night
and death is drawing nigh.
Yearning hearts, where e’er they turn
are faced with sore frustration.
Shall we—dare we, who are saved
pass by and let them die?

How shall we escape
if we neglect so great salvation?
Wondrous heights of glory
to which now we may aspire!
Christ’s ambassadors we are
who share our Lord’s compassion.
Spirit of the living God,
oh, set our hearts on fire!

Refrain:
"Ye shall be my witnesses,
I give to you the power!
Preach the gospel, that the lost
your hope of life may share.
Go ye into all the world,
redeeming every hour.
I am with you evermore;
let others know you care!"

fpn / 1967

Published as poem #31 "How Shall We Escape" in Contemporary Psalms
and as Song #31 in "Sing and Give Thanks"
To obtain a copy of the music, contact Joyce



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I Walked Today

I walked today where Jesus walked;
He told me where to go.
It meant that I would soil my hands;
that suffering I would know.
I traveled down a rocky road
where there was sin and hate.
I tried to mend a broken heart;
my own work had to wait.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

abuse had edged my way.

He told me humbly to forgive

and for that one to pray.

I met a lassie and a lad

and told them of God's love.

Their precious smiles were my reward;

I thanked the Lord above.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

some may not understand.

I sensed again His love for me;

I felt his nail-pierced hand.

I shared His burden for the lost;

I read His precious word.

My hope was raised, my strength restored;

I prayed and knew He heard.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

I didn't cross the sea

but He was just as real to me

as those in Galilee.

These eyes of mine, so limited

shall one day clearly see

The smiling face of Him I love

Throughout eternity.

fpn/85

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Witnesses, Not Lawyers

God wants us to be witnesses
to unbelieving men;
He wants our affirmation bold
that Jesus saves from sin.

The subtle trick of Satan says
that “all roads lead to Rome.”
So we begin to reason with
a lawyer’s fine-toothed comb.

We all should learn in time that we
can seldom win that way.
We’re called to witness, not debate.
God guides us as we pray.

Our intellectual reasoning
will fail to win the lost;
but demonstration of God’s love
accomplishes the most!

fpn / February 8, 1979



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