God’s Greatest Poem

God’s Greatest Poem

Please read this whole post so you don't misunderstand where I am going with this devotional.

God gives each of us (mankind) one or more talents; talents we can squander on ourselves, for the world, or use for God's glory. If we come to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, the Bible teaches the Holy Spirit also gives us spiritual gifts to be used to build up and strengthen our fellow believers.

One talent I have had since I was a child was the ability to play with words and make a poem out of them. Granted, I do not consider most of the poetry written before I came to the Lord to be worth much in the eyes of eternity, nor when compared to the poems I have written since I have gotten saved. Now I use my spiritual gifts (exhortation and teaching) to make my natural talent better and to make a difference in the lives of those around me, especially to edify my brethren and remind them of the promises of God.

Truly, my talent and gifts in this area would be nowhere near as good (if that is an appropriate word to use) without the input of my Christian friends throughout the years. Friends such as my webpartner, Angela Trenholm, who has helped me make so many poems better - including helping me rewrite It's Only After and Just As I Was. My sister, Lori, whom I can tell when she doesn't like the wording of a line here and there. But it is such a pleasure to see when something I write touches her heart and draws her closer to the Lord. There are also the many friends from my Bible study group and my church who have helped iron out parts of my poems here and there.

All that being said, I'm a poet. I love expressing the truth of the Word of God through poems and songs because they affect people emotionally in a way that dry facts or doctrine itself does not - though I seek God's wisdom in each poem to make sure that every idea and phrase I use is according to the Word of God (specifically the King James Bible), because only people and the Word of God last forever. If I want God to bless my poems, it must not be some nice sounding religious idea, but a poem firmly based on the Bible.

As a poet, I am not finished with a poem completely until I get it exactly the way I want it, until it sounds pleasant to me, until I get the Scriptural ideas and promises across in a way that is clear to those I share each poem with. I want an end result that is the best I can make it - and yes, that includes taking into consideration the input of others. I want a finished poem that I can be satisfied thoroughly with and that glorifies the Lord God.

Did you know God is writing a poem too?

Ephesians 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The word for "workmanship" is the Greek word poiema, where we get our English word poem from. According to this verse, you are God's poem!

And just like an earthly poet keeps working on each poem until he gets it exactly the way he wants it, so does God. The difference is He is the great Creator, He has all wisdom, and He absolutely loves each poem He has started. He will continue working on us until the day He takes us home to glory.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Isaiah 64:8  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

In His love and wisdom, the Heavenly Potter will work in each of our lives and make the final product that He has long desired - a vessel that is transformed into honour and that brings Him eternal glory. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, believing He paid the complete penalty upon the cross when He died for your sins, know that the Risen Saviour is also working on you each day. He is the Master, the Potter, the Creator, and He has the power to transform any vessel, no matter how marred and scarred, into one that is a valuable treasure to Him.

Jeremiah 18:2-4  Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Psalm 68:13  Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.

Once God started the work of salvation in you, He promised that He will continue until He has the finished product before Him in Heaven. as long as we are alive, the Lord is working on each one of us.

Truly, God's greatest poem is you!

November 20th, 2024

Jerry Bouey

Under Construction

Under construction by the Lord,
Pieced together in perfect accord,
Bit by bit, each part joined carefully,
Fitted and arranged with wisdom, tenderly.

As the Holy Spirit smoothes the edges,
And transforms His vessel into honour,
These changes, blessed by God's own touch,
Are wrought by His glorious power.

When God's final product is presented,
It will have been tested and proved.
Fired in the kiln of life's afflictions,
Refined and the impurities removed.

Though I can't imagine the end result as yet,
This work of art will someday be done.
Molded by the Potter with His very hands,
Lovingly crafted into the image of His Son.

August 22nd, 1995
Jerry Bouey

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The New Testament - Part Two

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The New Testament - Part Two

K. Seven aspects of true faith in the church age mentioned, including the Godhead/Trinity.

Ephesians 4:4-6

1) There is one body, 

2) and one Spirit, 

3) even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 

4) One Lord, 

5) one faith, 

6) one baptism, 

7) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

One Spirit (the Holy Spirit),

One Lord (Jesus Christ, the Son),

One God and Father.

L. Seven components to the whole armour of God.

Ephesians 6:14-18

Stand therefore, 

1) having your loins girt about with truth, 

2) and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

3) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

4) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

5) And take the helmet of salvation, 

6) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

7) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

M. Paul’s sevenfold natural advantages counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:5-6

1) Circumcised the eighth day, 

2) of the stock of Israel, 

3) of the tribe of Benjamin, 

4) an Hebrew of the Hebrews; 

5) as touching the law, a Pharisee; a Pharisee;

6) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; 

7) touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Paul lists seven natural advantages he had, which he rejected in favour of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection.

See Philippians 3:7-10

N. Seven aspects of Paul’s character and beliefs given.

2 Timothy 3:10

But thou hast fully known 

1) my doctrine, 

2) manner of life, 

3) purpose, 

4) faith, 

5) longsuffering, 

6) charity, 

7) patience,

O. Sevenfold assertion of Christ’s deity.

Hebrews 1:2-3

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, 

1) whom he hath appointed heir of all things, 

2) by whom also he made the worlds; 

3) Who being the brightness of his glory, 

4) and the express image of his person, 

5) and upholding all things by the word of his power, 

6) when he had by himself purged our sins, 

7) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

P. Seven furnishings in the temple/tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:4-5

Which had 

1) the golden censer, 

2) and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, 

3) wherein was the golden pot that had manna, 

4) and Aaron's rod that budded, 

5) and the tables of the covenant; 

6) And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing 

7) the mercyseat;

of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Q. Sevenfold statements about each covenant, Mount Sinai contrasted with Mount Zion (Sion), the Law compared with grace.

Mount Sinai:

Hebrews 12:18-19

For ye are not come unto the mount 

1) that might be touched, 

2) and that burned with fire, 

3) nor unto blackness, 

4) and darkness,

5) and tempest,

6) And the sound of a trumpet,

7) and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

Mount Sion (Zion):

Hebrews 12:22-24

But ye are come unto mount Sion,

1) and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,

2) and to an innumerable company of angels, 

3) To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,

4) and to God the Judge of all,

5) and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

6) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,

7) and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

R. Heavenly wisdom has seven characteristics.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is

1) first pure, 

2) then peaceable, 

3) gentle, 

4) and easy to be intreated, 

5) full of mercy and good fruits, 

6) without partiality, 

7) and without hypocrisy.

See also Proverbs 9:1.

S. Seven things about God’s people.

1 Peter 2:9-10

But ye are 

1) a chosen generation, 

2) a royal priesthood, 

3) an holy nation,

4) a peculiar people; 

5) that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

6) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: 

7) which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

T. Seven characteristics we are to add to our faith.

2 Peter 1:5-7

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith 

1) virtue; 

2) and to virtue knowledge; 

3) And to knowledge temperance; 

4) and to temperance patience; 

5) and to patience godliness; 

6) And to godliness brotherly kindness; 

7) and to brotherly kindness charity.

In this devotional, I have chosen not to include anything from the book of Revelation, as I had pointed out all the sevens I had found in two previous studies.

Sevens In Revelation
Old Study On Sevens In Revelation

November 8th, 2023

Jerry Bouey

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The New Testament - Part One

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The New Testament - Part One

A. Seven aspects of the Lord’s prayer.

Matthew 6:9-13
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, 
1) Hallowed be thy name. 
2) Thy kingdom come. 
3) Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
4) Give us this day our daily bread. 
5) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
6) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
7) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

B. Man’s heart without Christ is full of sin - seven things mentioned.

Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed 
1) evil thoughts, 
2) murders, 
3) adulteries, 
4) fornications, 
5) thefts, 
6) false witness, 
7) blasphemies:

The parallel passage in Mark 7:21-22 lists 13 things, which is a picture of rebellion.

C. Sevenfold promise of the coming Saviour (shalt/shall).

Luke 1:31-33
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

D. Sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13-14
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
1) he will guide you into all truth: 
2) for he shall not speak of himself; 
3) but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: 
4) and he will shew you things to come. 
5) He shall glorify me: 
6) for he shall receive of mine, 
7) and shall shew it unto you.

E. Sevenfold promise to the Apostle Paul for his ministry.

Acts 26:16-18
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, 
1) to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 
2) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 
3) To open their eyes,
4) and to turn them from darkness to light, 
5) and from the power of Satan unto God, 
6) that they may receive forgiveness of sins, 
7) and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

F. Sevenfold promise that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love.

Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
1) shall tribulation,
2) or distress, 
3) or persecution, 
4) or famine, 
5) or nakedness, 
6) or peril, 
7) or sword?

Romans 8:38-39 contains a further promise of 10 things that cannot separate us from the love of God. 10 being symbolic of the whole world - and here is everything in all creation that we might possibly think could ever separate us from God, but because of the Lord’s power, nothing can or will!

G. A sevenfold “what if” argument for the resurrection of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:12-19
1) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 
2) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 
3) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 
4) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 
5) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 
6) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 
7) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

If Christ is not risen, then all is hopeless indeed - BUT HE IS!

1 Corinthians 15:20|
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

H. A sevenfold promise for those who live separated lives - separated from sin unto God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, 
1) I will dwell in them, 
2) and walk in them; 
3) and I will be their God, 
4) and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; 
5) and I will receive you, 
6) And will be a Father unto you, 
7) and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I. Seven characteristics of godly repentance.

2 Corinthians 7:11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, 
1) what carefulness it wrought in you, 
2) yea, what clearing of yourselves, 
3) yea, what indignation, 
4) yea, what fear, 
5) yea, what vehement desire, 
6) yea, what zeal, 
7) yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

J. Sevenfold promise that God will provide everything we need to fulfill His will.

2 Corinthians 9:8 
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

November 8th, 2023
Jerry Bouey

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The Old Testament

Sevenfold Promises And Statements In The Old Testament

A. Sevenfold covenant/promise to Abraham

Genesis 12:2-3

1) And I will make of thee a great nation,

2) and I will bless thee,

3) and make thy name great;

4) and thou shalt be a blessing:

5) And I will bless them that bless thee,

6) and curse him that curseth thee:

7) and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

B. Sevenfold promise to Jacob

Genesis 28:13-15

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac:

1) the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

2) And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south:

3) and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

4) And, behold, I am with thee,

5) and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest,

6) and will bring thee again into this land;

7) for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

C. God’s sevenfold promise of deliverance to the Israelites

Exodus 6:6-8

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and

1) I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,

2) and I will rid you out of their bondage,

3) and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

4) And I will take you to me for a people,

5) and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

6) And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob;

7) and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.

D. Sevenfold expression of God’s name

Exodus 34:5-7

And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God,

1) merciful and gracious,

2) longsuffering,

3) and abundant in goodness and truth,
4) Keeping mercy for thousands,

5) forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,

6) and that will by no means clear the guilty;

7) visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

E. Seven ways God says He took Israel out of Egypt

Deuteronomy 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation,

1) by temptations,

2) by signs,

3) and by wonders,

4) and by war,

5) and by a mighty hand,

6) and by a stretched out arm,

7) and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

F. Sevenfold promise of victory and possession of the land

Joshua 21:43-45

1) And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers;

2) and they possessed it,

3) and dwelt therein.

4) And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers:

5) and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them;

6) the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

7) There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

G. Ruth’s sevenfold statement of faith

Ruth 1:16-17

And Ruth said,

1) Intreat me not to leave thee,

2) or to return from following after thee:

3) for whither thou goest, I will go;

4) and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:

5) thy people shall be my people,

6) and thy God my God:

7) Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

H. Sevenfold nature of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 11:2

1) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,

2) the spirit of wisdom

3) and understanding,

4) the spirit of counsel

5) and might,

6) the spirit of knowledge

7) and of the fear of the LORD;

(See also Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6)

I. 7 things the Messiah would do when He comes to the nation of Israel - the 7th is at His second coming (compare with Luke 4:18-19)

Isaiah 61:1-2

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because

1) the LORD hath anointed me

2) to preach good tidings unto the meek;

3) he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

4) to proclaim liberty to the captives,

5) and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

6) To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,

7) and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all that mourn; (This last phrase is not referred to in the passage in Luke mentioned above as the emphasis is on what Jesus did during His earthly ministry AND where He chose to stop His quoting of Isaiah from; as “the day of vengeance of our God” is referring to when Jesus comes the second time to judge this world and to reign from Jerusalem, though many people at that time did not understand this yet.

J. Seven benefits of faith, from David.

Psalm 103:2-5

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

1) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; 

2) who healeth all thy diseases; 

3) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; 

4) who crowneth thee with lovingkindness 

5) and tender mercies; 

6) Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; 

7) so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

November 4th, 2023
Jerry Bouey