As Shepherds Watched

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night." Luke 2:8

"Glory to God in the Highest."
The shepherds heard the glorious sound.
They knew something special happened;
As they bowed their heads to the ground.

They heard the angels singing.
"Peace on earth, goodwill to all men".
They waited patiently for direction,
The angel sent them to Bethlehem.

"Find the Baby in a manger,
The city of David is the place;
Take your sheep and do not tarry,
Go and look upon His face".

The shepherds wondered, "How do we go?"
The angel pointed to a shining star.
"Follow this to where He lay.
You must leave now, your journey's far."

At last they found the stable.
The Baby was sleeping peacefully.
As they gazed into the manger;
They saw the One whose name is Holy.

The shepherds were filled with joy!
They found the Christ, the only One;
Of whom the angels testified,
Was God's alone, His Only Son.

They didn't wait to tell the good news;
The glory of God was among us.
The Baby asleep in the manger that night;
Is our Savior, His name is Jesus. 

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

The Gift

To you who believe, He is precious." 1 Peter 2:7

Christmas is a time of
       family celebration.
Joined hearts in thanksgiving
       filled with jubilation.
Christmas is a time for singing
       merry songs of cheer;
Of reminiscing through another
       passing year.
It is a time to remember
       a Divine Baby Boy
A King who came to earth
       to suffer for our joy.
A sinless Child  destined
       to become a Man;
A Savior born to fulfill
       God's salvation plan.
The Spirit of God is present
       blessing hearts everywhere.
Still, some refuse to embrace
       God's loving care.
Festive plans, holiday sales,
       of such people tell;
Scarcely a thought of Jesus,
       the Lord, Emmanuel.
When all the clamour around you
       beckons to be heard;
Remember God's Gift to you,
       Jesus, His Living Word.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Author of Salvation

"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all that obey Him." Hebrews 5:9

My sentence was passed down.
Death and horror was the decree.
But Jesus' blood sealed the scroll.
This sinner is now set free.

He wrote my pardon with His blood;
Every paragraph, verse and line.
He set me in heavenly places.
His Father is also mine.

Never again to belong to the world;
He clothed me as His own.
The Father's ransomed treasure,
Purchased by the Son and brought home.

For all who seek the Author
to cleanse and set you free;
Your pardon is waiting at the cross.
It's written in blood at Calvary.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

God of My Care

"And a man's enemies will be those of his own household." Matthew 10:36

When someone has treated me badly
and the pain is to hard to bear;
I lift my eyes toward heaven
to the God of my loving care.
He knows of the pain hidden in me;
of the troubles I fight hard to hide.
He whispers, "Peace" to my trembling heart;
As He wipes the tears from my eyes.
He comforts me with His loving words.
He calms the raging storms of  fear.
The Lord will take care of me;
His promise echoes in every tear.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

There Was No One

"...He was there alone..." Matthew 24:23

On a dark Judean night
Jesus sat by fire's light.
Friends were sleeping,
Most were home
Now Jesus sat, all alone.
No one cared to feel His pain.
No one cared to ease the strain.
There was no one to cradle Jesus.
He sat silently, within
His heart He cried,
"For you My friends, I will die.
I surrender My all that you may live.
Eternal life shall be Mine to give".
Alone, but not despaired
Jesus knew the Father cared,
Of His heartache and His pain;
The world's loss and heaven's gain.
He raised His tear filled eyes,
Toward the dark Judean sky;
There He found the strength forHis soul.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

He Uses Broken Pieces

"There came a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it on His head as He sat at meat."  Luke 26:7

Broken like the box of alabaster
Oil poured out like wine;
I am a piece of God's work
He has placed in this age of time.
He alone has broken me,
By His hand I am poured out;
That His power may rest upon me.
I believe God, I will not doubt.
Blessed is my LORD God
To Him all the glory be.
He uses broken pieces
He fits them into eternity.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Making My Way

"Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give  them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is the servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Luke 12:42, 43

When the eyes of my heart
can no longer see
this purpose of life imposed upon me;
I simply look up, I trust Your ways
God of my youth, of infinite days.
Help me to know there
will be a time
when meat in due season
will be mine.
Not for myself
may it never be;
just for You, Lord
only for Your glory.

Author - Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

His Road, His Way

"...Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them." Luke 24:15

"My Child, there is a road in life.
It was hewn especially for you.
Not just anyone may travel this road;
No, not one, just Me and you.
The road will be rocky, difficult to travel,
We will engage many a storm on the way.
The rain may blind you;I will be your eyes.
You may fall; I will pick you up.
If you stumble; I will guide you.
No matter what we face, we will be together.
That, My Child, is what really matters.
Cling to Me, beloved.
I will show you the way home.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

LORD, You're Beautiful

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of  his glory" Isaiah 6:3

When I see a sky of blue
or a rainbow's radiant hues;
My heart cries,"Lord, You're beautiful!"
When I see the flower buds of spring
and all the new life the season brings;
My heart cries, "Lord, You're beautiful!"
When I look inside my heart and
know Golgotha was His part;
My heart cries, "Lord, You're beautiful!"
When I see His new life in me
Justified being the decree;
My heart cries, "Thank You!
My Lord, You're beautiful!"

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

The Artist

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Once upon a chiseling block
a heart so cold, hard, like rock.
The Artist works and sands away,
flaws that are there, content to stay.
Love works with patience aiding His plan;
stone becomes flesh beneath His hands.
A cry emerges from new life as it starts,
"My Lord! my God! You have made my heart.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Mountains, A Silent Beauty

"...And God called to him out of the moumtain..."  Exodus 19:3

I see the mountains in the morning
     when the dew is at its best.
There, tall pines are cradled;
      little birds come to rest.
The mountains are a symphony,
      as early morning light;
Uncovers night's blanket, bringing
      beauty to my sight.
Forever they stand like sentinels
      silent, guarding the land;
Molded, shaped and brought into being,
      by God's creative hand.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Just Give Me Jesus

"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you." John 15:9

Just give me Jesus
     and let me be.
I want to sit at His feet and
     lean on His knee.
I long to gaze into His eyes;
     to see Him smile.
I would plead to stay forever,
     not just for a while.
Let the world have what
     it thinks it may need;
But just give me Jesus
     and let me be.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

The Lesson

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with lovingkindness." Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus paid a price for me
       no one else would pay.
He covered me with love;
       when no one cared.
He felt my pain, He cried with me;
Jesus taught me to forgive.

Author~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Butterflies

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I enjoy watching butterflies.
Do you know why?
They remind me of my Lord, you see;
Of how His grace transformed Life in me.
Once a caterpillar small and encumbered,
Until many days, the Lord knows the number.
When at last He prepares His work in me;
I am a beautiful butterfly
By His grace I am set free!

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com

Thank You, Father

Father,
     When I think of all the things You have brought me through in my life my heart is overwhelmed. Fountains of praise and thanksgiving bubble up in my heart because You have delivered me.
When I am in seasons of adversity I think of the sacrificial life and death of Your Son. My troubles may be cruel and harsh but they cannot be compared to the agony He suffered. I think on Your love and care for me for these thoughts bring comfort to my soul. They help me to endure life on earth until I stand before Your throne.
     Like David I ask, "What can I give to You for all Your goodness to me?" I do not have anything You need for all I have comes from Your hand. I give You my heart; I give it willingly, gladly. My life is of little value to anyone but You. Your Scriptures tell me I am to have the "mind of Christ". He is my strength, my life, my goal. Most joyfully I surrender my life to the Lordship of Christ. In doing this may You Father, be glorified with His Life in me to accomplish Your will for my life.
     Thank You for bringing me through the Red Seas of my life; for revealing Yourself to me in Your Son.
                In Jesus' Name

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.myclvaryslove.com

Praise to You

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

Praise to You Most Holy One
for You will finish all You have begun.
Praise to You who dwells beyond the skies;
Most Treasured One, please open my eyes.
Let me know You in all Your beauty.
Help me to see Your Spirit in me.
I hold so dear the lessons given in Your Book.
Let me find You as I pray, I search, I look.
God of infinite wonder and blessing to me;
test my heart, please look carefully
For any sin which would separate me from You.
Then do, O Great Refiner, what You must do.
Remove all I cling to selfishly;
Cleanse my heart, set my spirit free.
For You have promised, O Holy One
I am the work You have begun.
And when life's journey has come to an end,
while angels near, as You command them;
Let  all of heaven sing and testify
You have been the only vision before my eyes.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

I Love You As...

"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love." John 15:9

Jesus,
How can I tell You how much
You mean to me?
What can I say?
I know!
I'll write a poem of Your creation
And put me in it this way:
I love You as the day that dawns
to kiss the night away.
I praise You as the trees do
when they lift their leaves and sway.
I need You as the earth needs rain
to make all green things grow.
I want You more than anyone but You,
could ever possibly know.
This hymn of praise is for You, Jesus;
from me it's just a part.
While You listen from Your throne in heaven,
May it find its way into Your heart. 

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

Come What May

"So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

When trials surround you and all hope seems but lost
Dig your heels deep and cling to the Cross.
People will strive to tear you away.
Still, let your cry be, "I'll cling come what may!"
While Satan taunts constantly, bravely you fight;
You see Christ's victory in spiritual sight.
When others fail to see the truth in what you know,
The hours of life are hard and slow;
Believe in your heart Christ will show you the way
For a crown of gold to replace the splinters of today.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

I Will Help You

"For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

Oh Lord, You are my Helper
There is no one but Thee;
For when my soul is troubled
You come to comfort me.
You are the Great Provider
I have nothing to fear.
When many trials surround me
Your tender voice I hear:
"I will care and comfort you
believe and do not frown.
Those who completely trust Me
will someday wear a crown.
You must have strength to believe
it is your call to do.
In sorrow's darkest night
I'll always care for you."

Author: Joyce Andrews Bickel

Jesus Is Waiting

"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5

Somewhere beyond the clouds
in a place I cannot see
I know Jesus is waiting
He is waiting patiently.
The time is known only to the Father,
when the Son will step out.
A trumpet blast will precede Him;
the Lord Himself , will shout:
"Gather my saints, those who
made a covenant with Me."
We will be joined to our Lord,
there forever to be.
Yes, Jesus is waiting.
He is waiting patiently.

Author: Joyce Andrews Bickel

God Provides

"For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8

I enjoy watching the sun come up
as it colors the seagulls red.
I watch in wonder as they fly
high in the sky overhead.
The Lord, Himself, paints the gulls
in morning colors fair.
Creatures of His own hands
He is pleased to place them there.
We learn a lesson from God's birds; 
not difficult to understand.
Whatever we need to get through life
comes from our Father's hands.
God is faithful to every need
even before we ask;
He commands His angels,
to fulfill every needed task.
God paints our lives with mercy.
He loads our days with grace, 
that our souls may fly towards heaven
and look in the Savior's face.
We need to see God's care and purpose
in His creation, His simple things.
Then, we may learn God's secret
of giving the heart it's wings.

Author: Joyce Andrews Bickel

The Old Rusty Door

"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in..."Revelation 3:20

The old rusty door led to the garden.
It hadn't  been opened for years.
No one would dare to go within,
For it struck their hearts with fear.

One day Someone knocked on the old door;
'Til it opened, it finally let go.
He knew the garden would need much care;
For His heart had told Him so.

He saw the soil, hard and rocky
There could no seed be sown.
Vines were withered and tangled;
No fruit bearing trees could be grown.

He tenderly worked the dry land first.
Then, He cleared the old withered vines.
Gently, He gave it living water;
Life was assured in His given time.

At last He saw as He well knew;
A place He would fondly call home.
The fruit trees had finally blossomed.
This haven was now His own

The garden grew to a whole new life
In a glory it never knew before,
For Jesus had taken the time to stop
And knock on the old rusty door.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

The Broken Heart

"In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him into His ears."  Psalm 18:6

I took my broken heart to the doctor.
He sadly said, "It will never mend."
I brought myself to the edge of the shore,
Hoping my life would quickly end.
As I walked in the water, facing the waves,
I heard a voice cry, "Jesus  saves! Jesus saves!
"Oh God!" I cried, as I fell to my knees.
"I need you so badly, Lord, help me please!"
I gave Him my heart and all my life, too.
He returned them to me, all shiny and new.
Now as I walk along the seashore;
Life has more meaning than ever before.
For on my own merit I no longer depend;
I lean on my Jesus, my Savior, my Friend.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

My Refuge

"I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2

Thank You, Jesus for providing the way
Where God is my refuge both night and day.
In troubled times, yes, sad times too,
I delight in Your ways; in all You do.
Daily I endure the unseen fight.
My faith is in You, Lord;
In Your strength, in Your might.
The enemy may seek me, to try and slay
But God is my refuge, both night and day.
I will not fear, You are my strong tower.
Though the enemy curses, I will not cower.
I will not retreat. Yes! I will stand and fight.
God is my refuge day and night.
When I cannot see the malicious foe
Your Word brings me warning, I will know
victory will come in Your own way;
For You are my refuge both night and day.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel

Everlasting God

"For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies."
Psalm 57:10

The Lord is everlasting
as I endure the anvil
and the flame.
He strengthens
my fainting heart, as
I whisper His mighty name.
He comforts me in all
my deep-felt sorrows;
granting me visions of mercy
for all my tomorrows.
He is faithful,to me
in life's sunshine
and stormy rains.
His presence gives peace
in my days of darkness;
in my depths of pain.

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel