(Some poems may appear twice if they are in a special collection)
HOPE - FOR THOSE WHO FEEL NO HOPE
Sometimes our hope is hidden –
We’re tempted to despair
As illness clouds our judgement,
Yet Jesus is still there.
Although we may not feel Him,
He’s with us day by day.
His promises won’t fail us.
He is our living Way.
God does not promise feelings
Of happiness and joy,
But still He lives within us –
His life naught can destroy.
His promise still is faithful,
And one day we shall see
A world renewed, made perfect,
From pain and suffering free.
Christ is our hope, our purpose
No matter how we feel.
His love remains unchanging.
His life in us is real.
~~~~~ Author's Notes:
In the UK we had a united churches initiative called 'Hope 2008.' It is good to share the Christian hope, but I think it is very important that we recognise that for a number of Christians, because of illness, hope is not something we feel all the time. I grew up on choruses such as 'I am HAPPY' and "I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time," and even as a child I knew that these just weren't true in my feelings - yet I knew I had a relationship with God that went beyond what I felt. This poem and the piece at the beginning are intended as an encouragement for those for whom the feeling of hope is a real struggle. Sometimes the Christian hope is presented as something we ‘feel’ all the time. It was reported that in one sermon the preacher said that “If everyone had hope in Christ, there would be no need for Prozac.” Would they also say there would be no need for insulin or cancer medications? Sadly, for many people, illness – depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia or other conditions, rob us of the feeling of hope – and Christians, too, can even suffer from suicidal temptations during their illness. This absence of feeling does not make us any less Christian, for our hope is in the faithfulness of God, who is the same whether we feel hope or despair. One day we will know a new heaven and a new earth, free from all the sickness, pain and sorrow which besets us in this fallen world, and our hope will be realised in sight.
WAITING
WAITING
(Thoughts after a prayer at Burrswood – 29/09/2007)
It’s hard to wait
When I have heard Your promise
“I shall smile.”
But when?
By Christmas?
Unlikely now.
It’s so easy to want patience
In a hurry!
Now!
And the red tape seems endless:
Waiting for appointments;
Waiting for the lab;
Waiting for tests;
Waiting …
“A thousand years is as one day”
To You, Who is outside of time.
But to me – IN time
A few months seem like eternity.
Lord, give me the grace
To wait with patience
For YOUR timing;
For Your wisdom;
For Your guidance;
To lay aside the frustration
Of secretaries;
Of voice-recognition phone systems
On a dental department!
Of travel and navigation.
Help me to wait
In the sure knowledge
That Your promise will be fulfilled
In Your time.
~~~~~ Author's Notes:
Written when I had been without front teeth since my first operation in January - waiting for the consultant in London to sort things out. Also waiting for a cardiology consultation
. These are a few poems, written over a period of years, which , I hope, may bring encouragement to us in the dark times of our lives and remind us how precious and special we are to God, however worthless and useless we may feel. Perhaps our particular suffering may be emotional or mental pain, physical pain, loneliness or bereavement, relationship breakdown or the stress of circumstances. Perhaps an end may be in sight, perhaps there may seem no end this side of glory. However, the Bible tells us we have a God Who suffers WITH us and supports us through all our suffering, whether we feel him near or not. We may say with the psalmist “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, hope thou in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Just as the sun has not ceased to exist when night falls on this land, we are enveloped in darkness and familiar landmarks disappear, so the Son has not ceased to exist because we are experiencing times of darkness, and light WILL come again.
In no way are these poems intended to provide any ‘pat answers’, for there are none, or to minimise the experience of suffering, which is all too real, but I hope they may just shed a ray of encouragement.
PRECIOUS AND HONOURED
(This poem was inspired by a talk based on words from Isaiah. However we feel we are PRECIOUS – valued by God, and HONOURED – displayed by Him as a person of value)
Precious, protected, held in My hand;
Lovingly guided in paths I have planned.
This is My purpose for you, My dear child;
I see you spotless, in Christ undefiled.
My love is constant, unbounded My grace;
Deep in My heart you have always a place.
Your name engraved on My palms will remain.
I will be with you, through joy and through pain.
Honoured, exalted - you're special to Me;
Lifted and chosen My vessel to be;
Filled with My glory, ablaze with My light,
And for the battle empowered with My might.
You are predestined My likeness to bear.
One day in heaven My splendour you'll share.
Precious and honoured, the child of My heart,
I love you always I'll never depart.
~~~~~
MY OFFERING
(This poem was based on thoughts from a book I read, which pointed out that we can offer God the dark problems of our life and receive His strength)
I offer You my hurt, Lord,
The things that trouble me;
My sin and my temptation,
For You alone can free.
I offer You my pain, Lord,
For You can understand.
The weakness of my body
I place into Your hand.
I offer You my darkness,
My deepest, inmost night,
That You might share it with me
And shed Your holy light.
I offer You my tiredness,
So busy is the day.
You offer strength and comfort
Along life's toilsome way.
I offer You my day, Lord -
May everything I do
Be consecrated wholly
My blessed Lord, to You.
I offer You my all, Lord,
The mundane tasks I share.
I offer You the night hours
And know You will be there.
You took the bread of suffering,
You bore it all for me.
You take my heavy burdens,
And in You I am free.
~~~~~
MARY MAGDALENE
(This was based upon a sermon and reminds me how God forgives every sin and accepts every sinner who comes to Him)
He loved me, took me as I was, forgave me all my sin.
And the He died upon the cross and darkness came within.
An empty tomb awaited me; a quiet voice I heard.
I did not know it was my Lord, and yet my heart was stirred.
It was my Master, Teacher, Friend, this one Who healed my soul.
His love reached out, enfolding me, and I was fully whole.
He spoke my name - I turned to Him, and I just had to share -
"I've seen the Lord, He's risen indeed, the One beyond compare."
He can touch you as He touched me; He is the mighty King.
He knows our pain and shares with us, He comes His strength to bring.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
(It is so easy to sin – to ‘do it again’ when we think we will never fall that way, but still God welcomes, still God forgives)
You love me, even when I stray;
You lead me back into Your way.
You hand is gentle, yet so strong,
You lift me up, give me a song.
Your touch is tender, healing me.
Your love sets my whole being free.
You meet me at my point of need,
And in You I find life indeed.
Restoring body, spirit, soul,
Purging the dross and making whole.
You make me soar on eagles' wings
And with Your praise my heart now sings.
My precious, lovely, holy Lord,
My joy, my light, my great reward,
How can I praise You as I ought,
Since with Your blood You pardon bought.
I love You, though my love is poor,
I long to know and love You more.
Accept the humble praise I bring
To You, my Saviour and my King.
~~~~~
I RECEIVE YOUR LOVE
(Sometimes I feel nobody could love me and I need to receive the love of God)
I receive Your love, Lord,
The love that can make whole.
Love that removes the heartache
And reaches to my soul.
A love without condition,
Love that does not compare.
Love that will not reject me,
A love that's always there.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love that can cleanse and heal.
Love that dispels the darkness
My Saviour to reveal.
A love that always welcomes,
However far I stray.
A love that gently guides me
Along life's pilgrim way.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love which brings joy and peace.
Love that can break all bondage,
Love that can bring release.
A love that never changes,
Though all may change around;
A love that leads to glory,
Where life and strength abound.
~~~~~
YOU SPEAK MY NAME
(I find it so wonderful that God knows me by name, knows all my sinfulness, yet still welcomes me)
You meet me face to face and speak my name.
There is no place that I can hide from You.
You say that, if I'll let You, You'll come in
And be with me in everything I do.
Each part of daily life You long to share
And undergird me with Your loving care.
My family and friends, my joy, my pain,
My hopes, my fun, my tears and laughter too.
In each relationship You still are there
And long to work through me Your will to do.
My care for your creation must be shown
And through my life Your presence must be known.
"Do I love You?” - the question comes to me.
"Am I prepared to give my all to You?"
I stand, my faith in You here to declare,
Here to proclaim that in You I'm made new
Yes, I love You, You are my Lord and King.
Come, fill my life, rule over everything.
~~~~~
YOUR NAME - MY NAME
(Another reminder of how much God loves each one of us, however we may feel)
I have called you by your name
Set apart and chosen you.
You are Mine, I love you so.
I have given You life anew.
I have called you by your name
That you might respond to Me,
And I never will forsake,
I am there eternally.
I have called you by My name,
Marked you out to do My will.
I have given you work to do,
My own purpose to fulfil.
I have called you by My name,
Channel of My love and care.
I commission you to go,
My good news of grace to share.
~~~~~
COME
(Sometimes it is easy to get so wrapped up in the busyness of the day that we forget that Christ calls us to Him in order to gain strength for the day ahead)
Just come, and I will give You rest -
But you must come to Me.
Lay down your burdens and your care
And let Me set you free.
I know you are so busy, child,
But you must draw aside
And find refreshment, joy and peace -
My arms are open wide.
I long to touch you, and to heal
If you will just draw near.
I long to soothe away your pain
And calm your lurking fear.
I'll hold you safe within My arms,
Sheltered in My embrace,
And in My presence you will find
New strength for life's hard race.
You are my precious, darling one,
Come close, for I love you,
And resting in My arms of love
You shall find strength anew.
~~~~~
COME UNTO ME
(Can be sung to the tune Caswall)
Come, lay down your burdens,
Cast your care on me.
Take My yoke upon you,
And your strength I'll be.
If you will obey me
You shall find my rest,
Knowing my protection,
In me you'll be blessed.
Listen to my teaching,
Follow all my ways.
I will guide and strengthen,
Keep you all your days.
Sheltered and protected
By My hand you'll be.
Work with me together
And you will be free.
Yoked with me together
You will find release.
I will gently lead you
In the paths of peace.
~~~~~
I WILL COMPLETE WHAT I BEGAN
(Do we ever feel we’re getting nowhere?)
The work I began I will surely complete,
For you are so precious to Me.
I'll guide and protect you, I'll work in your life
Until My own image I see.
Through all of life's trials I'm working with you -
The Potter is moulding the clay
To make a clean vessel for My life within
Where I, Christ the Lord hold full sway.
In joy and in pain still My hand is on you
To fashion you after My will.
I love you, you're special and precious to Me
And in you My plans I'll fulfil.
So fear not, My child, the delight of My heart,
One day all My glory you'll share
And daily new steps on life's pathway we'll tread,
For I am with You everywhere.
~~~~~
OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who created us,
Who knows our inmost parts -
Nothing is hidden from Your eyes,
The thoughts of all our hearts.
And You love us just the same
And for our sakes to earth Christ came.
Our Father God, You sent Your Son
To work Your works on earth.
He laid aside His majesty
And came, of human birth
For us to live, for us to die,
That we might live with You on high.
He was forsaken on the tree
As He bore all our sin
That we could be brought back to You
And know your life within.
And now, our Father, we have peace
With You, and we know Your release.
Our Father, You are always there
And never will forsake,
You put Your arms of love round us
And us Your children make.
You are so tender and so kind
And in Your life our life we find.
Father and Mother, head of all,
Protecting all the day.
Father, we long to be with You,
And in Your name we pray.
Father, you long that we may share
Your healing love, Your tender care.
~~~~~~
MY DECLARATION
(I can declare to God, to myself and to the evil one that I AM made new in Christ)
I am now a new creation
I declare to God above;
Ransomed by the blood of Jesus,
Reconciled, made free to love.
I am now a new creation
I declare to powers below.
I'm in Christ, and He is victor;
His own power within I know.
I am now a new creation
I declare to my own soul.
Christ lives in me by His Spirit,
Cleansing me and making whole.
I am now a new creation,
In my Saviour born again.
Through Him I can face tomorrow
For He constant will remain.
~~~~~
MARTHA AND THE DISCIPLES
(It must have been a mystery to Mary and Martha why Jesus waited. It must have been a mystery to the disciples why Jesus went to Jerusalem. But God had a plan, and He has a plan for our mysteries, too)
We thought we knew Him
And so we called for Him
To heal our brother from His mortal ill,
And yet He did not come.
Why? We thought He loved us
Yet He left us alone.
Why?
We could not see the greater miracle in store.
We did not understand we had to wait.
Would we still trust? Would we still love?
It's hard to feel alone, let down.
We needed Him, and yet He did not come.
We knew death awaited You,
And so we told You not to go.
We saw things from a natural point of view.
We did not know that Lazarus was dead -
And yet not dead, for Christ would raise him up.
We knew the scriptures said that he would rise
At the great resurrection of the dead.
And yet You were the resurrection there.
And yet You are the resurrection here.
Can death prevail o'er resurrection power?
The future breaks upon our human sight.
Yes - I believe - Your resurrection power
Has raised me too, although I cannot see
My brother raised as yet.
The great 'I AM', the Resurrection calls
Us out to life,
And in Him we are free.
~~~~~
ENGRAVED ON YOUR PALMS
(Isaiah 49 v 16)
(Can be sung to the tune Kingsfold)
You raise Your hands to God above,
Present to Him my name.
My name is carved upon Your palms,
My value You proclaim.
"See here My precious, chosen one
On whom I set My heart.
I tenderly protect My child,
My love will not depart."
Before the Father's face, His Son
Presents my name above -
His child, redeemed, cleansed and made whole,
The object of His love.
I am His treasure, His delight,
Precious and honoured, too;
Protected by His loving hands,
Hands which make me anew.
Engraved upon Your palms always
My name will still remain.
In blood my name is written there -
You bore the dreadful pain.
Beauty You brought, new life You gave,
Clothed me in righteousness,
Not of myself, but You alone,
Jesus, my glorious dress.
~~~~~
YOU REALLY DIED
You died totally, Lord -
Not just Your body on the cross.
It was not just that You ceased to breathe.
You really died,
Cut of from God, Your Father,
Knowing darkness absolute, impenetrable.
It was our death You died.
It should have been us in Your place.
You knew all of death
That we might know all of life.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CALLS
"The Lord is here - He calls for You.
The Lord is here today.
His love is personal and real,
His mercy on life's way.
The human Jesus feels our pain -
He comes and shares our grief,
And yet He comes and lifts our heads,
And longs to bring relief.
He suffers with the weeping crowd,
He knows, He loves, He cares.
He weeps with us, He mourns with us
And in our trouble shares.
He was the God of "there and then",
The God of ages past.
He is the God of "here and now",
He is the first and last.
~~~~~
Psalm 139
You see within the darkness as clearly as in light,
For You are perfect radiance and in You there's no night.
No pit too deep for You, Lord, nowhere too high or low.
There is no place to hide, Lord, nowhere that You don't know.
You search me out and know me - my deepest, inmost part.
You see my inward feelings, the secrets of my heart.
And yet, although You know me, You love me just the same.
You paid for me the ransom and to my rescue came.
~~~~~
SCARS IN HEAVEN
The only scars in heaven are in my Saviour's side
And hands and feet - the nail-prints, for He on Calvary died.
And yet - not imperfection, for they are glorious now.
They tell of full salvation He only can bestow.
With resurrection bodies, redeemed from pain and sin,
We shall bow down before Him Who gave us life within,
And we shall gaze in wonder on Him Whom we adore,
Whose scars proclaim our ransom - We'll praise Him more and more.
~~~~~
FOR ME
You were alone, Lord ,
That I might never be alone.
You were rejected, Lord
That I might know full acceptance.
You bore my strife, Lord,
That I might know Your peace.
You took my despair, Lord,
That I might know Your hope.
You took my sorrow, Lord,
That I might know Your joy.
You were made sin, Lord,
That my sin could be forgiven.
You bore my death, Lord,
That I might know Your life.
You went to hell, Lord,
That I might live with You in heaven.
You took my darkness, Lord,
That I could know Your glorious life.
Thank you, Lord.
May I spread Your light,
Rejoice in Your love
And be a channel of Your peace
Thank You, Lord.
~~~~~
ENVELOPED IN YOU
Enveloped in Your love, Lord,
The love that casts out fear.
We come before Your throne now,
With boldness we draw near.
Enveloped in Your grace, Lord,
Forgiveness we receive.
And know Your tender mercy
As we will just believe.
Enveloped in Your peace, Lord,
You meet our inmost need,
Bring joy and hope and healing,
For You are peace indeed.
Enveloped in Yourself, Lord,
Your saving power we know
And go out as Your servants
Your love and life to show.
~~~~~
SHABAT- COMMUNION
(Based on a thought in "Child of the Covenant" relating the Eucharist to the Jewish Sabbath ceremony)
Bread for labour - strength to live you shall find in Me.
By My body, broken then, you can be set free.
So be strengthened as you feed at My table here
And go out, My will to do without doubt or fear.
Wine for rest - "Come unto Me"- Come into My peace.
Let Me wash your cares away. Let Me bring release.
So be quieted as you come, from all fear set free.
Drink, and I will satisfy. Come and drink of Me.
~~~~~
COMMUNION
(It is so easy to live life with a mask – the good worker, the good Christian – but God sees behind our mask and loves us just the same.)
I want to meet with you -
Not your mask.
I know you anyway -
There's no need to hide.
I know your good.
I know your sin.
I love you.
You are beautiful.
Lay aside your mask
Come to Me.
Meet with Me.
Eat of Me.
Drink of Me
My beloved child.
~~~~~
HEALING CHRIST
Healing Christ, born as a baby
All our pain and grief to share.
You knew trials, You knew hardship
And our sicknesses You bear.
You were pierced for our transgressions,
All our sin You bore away.
Through Your death we may know wholeness.
Through Your life find strength each day.
Healing Christ, now risen for us,
Interceding at the throne,
Fill my body, mind and spirit.
Make Your peace and glory known.
Healing Christ, make me a channel
For Your living water clear.
May I spread Your life, Your beauty,
Lord, as I go out from here.
~~~~~
FEELINGS
Faith does not depend on feelings, for You are Emmanuel -
God with us, with ME each moment, born to rescue me from hell.
Sometimes I feel You so near me, heaven's wonder I can feel.
Your joy fills my heart with laughter and Your touch seems very real.
Yet there come times of great darkness, numbness, pain and deep despair.
When I feel lost and forsaken and cannot believe You're there.
And yet You are just the same, Lord, unchanging Emmanuel, King
You are still with me in darkness, comfort, healing, life to bring.
Emmanuel, Lord of the good times, but Lord of the pit and grave.
Still You reach out and caress me. Still You are mighty to save.
Emmanuel, God ever with me, beside me along life's way.
Whatever my feelings, still You change not and I'm safe in You each day.
~~~~~
HOPE
You’ve set Your hope in me,
I need not be ashamed.
You washed away my sin.
I am by you renamed.
At times my hope grows dim
And faith begins to fail,
But You are still within
And Your hope will prevail.
In darkness You are there,
However I may feel,
And in the midst of pain
Your presence you reveal.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And You will bring me through.
Sin’s power You will destroy
And bring me life anew.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And one day I shall share
The joy of heaven above,
For perfect peace is there.
Till then, Lord, lead me on
And keep Your hope aglow,
For by your strength alone
I shall true freedom know.
~~~~~
NOT JUST MY HAND
I’m not just taken by the hand
But held in Your embrace.
Not just walking with you, my Lord,
But gazing on your face.
I see Your love, I feel your touch
And wonder how you love so much.
Your soft caress soothes care away,
Your gentle voice brings cheer.
Your eyes speak love into my soul.
I know that You are here.
And your own life I now receive
And all your gracious words believe.
~~~~~
THE CANDLE
(Inspired by lighting the candles from each other at the start of the Carol Service)
Just a flickering candle,
Not a mighty beam
Is the light within me -
Just a tiny gleam.
Yet the light God gives me
He has given to share -
Light of love and blessing,
Token of His care.
Just a flickering candle,
Lighted from above,
Fuelled by the Spirit,
Sheltered by God's love.
Light upon the pathway
That I might not stray.
Light to share with others,
Showing them the way.
Just a flickering candle
Points me to the Lord -
Light in all its fullness,
Jesus, Living Word.
He gave His own body
Darkness to dispel,
Put His light within me,
Rescued me from hell.
~~~~~
NOT FOR WHAT YOU DO
(It’s so easy to judge ourselves by what we DO, but God values us for ourselves)
You are not loved for what you do -
The time you spend in prayer,
The hours you take to read My word -
But you're My child and heir.
I love you, I delight in you,
I know you, and in Me you're new.
You are not loved for what you do -
I love you, for you're Mine.
Nothing can shake My love for you -
This is My great design -
Not just a servant, but My own,
My child, My precious one, My son.
~~~~~
NOT A FAILURE
I'm not a failure in Your sight when I fall into sin,
For I can be a learner here and know Your peace within.
I'm not a clone, for You made me according to Your plan,
And You made each of us unique, each woman and each man.
I do not have to earn Your love by all the things I do.
It is Your death that paid the price, Your life that makes me new.
It's not by rules that I must live, but by Your law within,
Seeking to please the One I love, Who cleanses me from sin.
I would not bear a man-made yoke or in my own strength serve.
Your yoke is easy, for You share - my strength You will preserve.
I do not stand by 'Jesus plus my works’, but You alone.
In You I am made perfect, whole, redeemed by God's own Son.
~~~~~
FRAGRANCE
(Tune: Blow the wind southerly)
Fragrance of godliness, fragrance of restfulness,
Fragrant communion with one that we love.
Not in our striving and not in activity,
Fragrance in friendship with our God above.
Though we may fail You, Your love is unchanging,
You do not condemn us or cast us aside.
You will transform into beauty our ugliness.
You will for ever in our hearts abide.
You take all our shame and remove our self-righteousness,
We are made perfect by Your grace alone.
You give us a purpose to live as Your children here,
Precious and honoured and wholly Your own.
You made us special, unique in Your wisdom.
You gave Your life to redeem us from sin.
We are not worthless, but clothed with Your glory now.
We are Your temple and You live within.
~~~~~
A PRAYER BEFORE A HEALING SERVICE
Healer of hurts , and grief and pain,
The One Who brings to life again,
Come, fill me, body, spirit, soul.
Revive, restore and make me whole,
Just as You healed in Galilee,
Just as You set the captives free,
Come, speak Your healing, quickening word
And break all chains with Your great sword.
Make me what You would have me be.
Fulfil the plans You have for me.
Help me to realise Your grace
And rest secure in Your embrace.
Help me Your perfect will to know.
Help me in love and faith to grow
More like my Saviour and my King,
To Whom I owe my everything.
~~~~~
I LOOK INTO THE MIRROR
I look into the mirror,
I see God's precious child.
I see me as He sees me,
Made pure and undefiled.
I look into the mirror,
And see the clothes He gives -
His righteousness and glory,
Since Jesus in me lives.
I look into the mirror,
I see His beauty there,
Transforming, healing, cleansing,
As in Christ's life I share.
I look into the mirror,
Receive His love divine
And hear Him singing to me
“My precious child, you’re Mine.”
~~~~~
LEGALISM
I am set free, no more a slave, God's liberty to know;
His grace and mercy here to share, His joy and peace to show.
For man-made rules will weigh me down, unlike the yoke Christ gives.
He bears the yoke, He's by my side, His Spirit in me lives.
Behaviour must spring out of love for Christ, Who ransomed me,
Not legalistic, rigid, bound, for in Him I am free.
~~~~~
MY LOVE
Made for My pleasure, unique in My sight,
Precious and honoured, My joy, My delight,
How much I love you you cannot conceive.
Feel My caress and My comfort receive.
I went to Calvary to ransom your soul.
I bore the scourging that you might be whole.
I was made sin that you could be set free
I spread My arms out for you on the tree.
Nothing you do can diminish My love,
Nothing can separate, nothing remove
My care for you - you are held in My heart,
Precious, protected, nothing can us part.
Come, My beloved, relax in My care.
Come and enjoy Me and My own life share.
Walk arm in arm with Me, look in My face.
You are secure, held within My embrace.
~~~~~
GUARD MY MIND
Lord, guard my mind, and may my thoughts
Be under Your control.
May no delusion enter there,
But make me pure and whole.
Help me to seek Your perfect will
And not to race ahead.
Your plans are perfect - in Your time
May I by You be led.
Lord, be my helmet, guarding me,
For You are Truth indeed.
Lord, be my breastplate, guard my heart
And meet my inmost need.
Lord, You are always in control,
Although I may not see
The reason for the pain on earth,
The way You're leading me.
Help me to rest within Your love
And know Your peace within.
Help me to take Your armour here
And triumph over sin.
~~~~~
GOD'S C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy!)
(Transforming our thoughts through Christ)
Throw out the tapes of failure, for you are here to learn.
Throw out the tapes of sadness - My love for you discern.
Remember, you're not worthless, you need not live in shame.
You are My precious treasure - I know you by your name.
Put on the tape "I love you", remember it each day.
Put on the tape "You're special" and affirmations say:
In Christ I am made perfect. In Christ I am made free.
In Christ I'm precious, honoured, God's chosen one to be.
Let My thoughts dwell within you - I seek to build and heal,
To put My truth within you and make My presence real.
Renew your mind in Me, child, and let Me take control.
Cast out the thoughts which hinder and let Me make you whole.
~~~~~
SET US FREE
Lord, set us free from "oughtness" and fix our eyes on You.
Remind us of our value is not in what we do.
So many needs surround us - help us to know Your way -
What we should take upon us in following You each day.
Within Your church, Your body, help us to build and heal,
Encourage one another, no matter how we feel.
Help us to love each other and for each other care.
Help us to be Your body and Your compassion share.
Help us to focus on You, Your love to realise,
Your grace poured out upon us, Your power to make us wise.
Made new, redeemed and precious, blameless in Christ alone,
And free from condemnation we come before Your throne.
Lord, You accept our struggling, our doubting and our pain
And in all these You're with us and faithful will remain.
Within Your hands protected we're safe eternally.
With You, Lord, as our centre we can know liberty.
~~~~~
I WILL PRAISE YOU
I will praise You through my grief -
Only You can bring relief.
You are faithful, strong and true,
You alone can make things new.
I will praise You in my pain,
For You died and rose again
And You put Your life in me.
You can heal and set me free.
God of justice, power and might,
You uphold all that is right.
You are sovereign, holy Lord;
You are worshipped and adored,
Yet You meet me in my need.
You can give true peace indeed.
I can trust You, You are sure
And Your promises endure.
Lord, I give my hurt to You
And I long Your will to do.
I am safe within Your care.
You are faithful - always there.
~~~~~
PSALM 145 FOR TODAY
When I do not feel like praising,
Yet my soul will praise Your name.
I will never cease to praise You;
Your great deeds I will proclaim.
I will join with all creation
To extol You, Lord most high.
You are great and You are mighty.
You are robed in majesty.
Through the nations, through the ages
Your great deeds Your grace have shown.
We will meditate upon You
And Your love in Christ made known.
For Your works, my Lord, are awesome;
You are faithful, You are true.
You are gracious, slow to anger,
And You long to make us new.
We are children of Your kingdom
And a living hope You give.
You will lift us when we stumble;
When we sin You will forgive.
In Your time You give Your blessings
And You come to meet our need.
You are near us every moment
And You are a friend indeed.
So my heart in You rejoices;
So my mouth will speak Your praise
As I join with all creation
To proclaim Your saving grace.
~~~~~
QUESTIONS
Lord, You listen to my questions,
Things that I can't understand -
All the suffering and heartache
Not restrained by Your great hand.
I don't understand Your timing -
Why You sometimes say "just wait."
Why You don't display Your power
When I know You are so great.
I wonder about the nations
Where the people don't know You
And about the pain and hardship
Caused by what mankind can do.
And yet all these pressing questions
Fade to nothing as I come
To you, Jesus, precious Saviour,
And I make Your word my home.
And one day with You in glory
I'll no longer question why.
And I won't need any answers
In the glorious realms on high.
~~~~~
YOU COULD HAVE WASHED YOUR HANDS OF ME
You could have washed Your hands of me -
And yet You wash my feet.
You could have sent my soul to death
From Your great judgement seat.
And yet You came to ransom me,
Your glory laid aside.
You came to live as mortal man
And on the cross You died.
You could have turned away from me
And left me in my sin,
And yet Your Holy Spirit comes
And puts Your life within.
You welcome me, call me Your friend,
Your precious, honoured heir.
You walk beside me day by day
And always will be there
~~~~~.
DANIELLE'S DRAWING
(Isaiah 53)
(Danielle did a charcoal drawing of a large figure of Christ being viciously beaten. He was bending over, sheltering the tiny figure of me.)
You took the blows that should have been for me.
You came between and bore my penalty.
For my transgressions all my wounds You bore.
What can I do but worship and adore.
Lord, as a sheep before her shearers dumb,
You gave Your life, You left Your heavenly home.
Oppressed, afflicted, for my sin You died -
A refuge opened where my soul can hide.
Because You bore my pain I now am free.
Because You died I live eternally.
Because You suffered I can be made whole,
Cleansed and redeemed in body, spirit, soul.
~~~~~
A CRY FROM THE HEART
You said You'd give me joy, yet all I feel is pain
As in the depths of night depression strikes again.
I thought that I was whole, but now I cannot cope.
I cannot feel You near and I am losing hope.
And yet Your word is true - You bore my pain for me.
You died in pain, alone, forsaken on the tree.
You know just how I feel, and in my grief You share
And You will never fail - You're with me everywhere.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
Give me hope, when hope is gone.
Give me strength life's race to run.
Give me peace amid earth's pain.
Raise me up to life again.
In the darkness be my light
And protect me in the night.
Your own presence let me feel.
Your compassion, Lord, reveal.
Give me faith in times of doubt -
You will work Your purpose out.
Give me courage in my fear.
Let me know that You are near.
Grant to me Your joy and peace.
From my turmoil bring release.
Keep me waiting for that day
When You come, dear Lord, I pray.
~~~~~
AS I GROW OLDER
My body is an old clay pot -
Your treasure is within.
My strength is poor, my love is weak
And I am bound by sin.
And yet Your power is in me
To work Your will, to set me free.
You say that life begins today -
Help me to seize each hour -
To live for You, to share with You
And know Your mighty power.
Relying on Your strength alone
Your wisdom and Your life are shown.
My spirit daily is renewed
If I will wait on You,
And though my body may grow old
In You I am made new.
Help me to live, leaning on You
And let Your love and life flow through.
~~~~~
THE POTTER
The marred clay You will not discard
But work as You have planned
To make a vessel fit for You,
Moulded by Your own hand.
Our disappointments, broken dreams,
Our failures You transform
And from all the shattered pieces
A new pot You will form.
Our confidence You will renew -
Your word, O Lord, is sure.
And right until the end of time
Your promises endure.
~~~~~
OUR PRAYER
Faithful in suffering, constant in pain -
This is Your will for us that we remain.
Trust, though we cannot see, Thanks in all things.
Faithful in all our ways, borne on Your wings.
Lord, keep us following Your word each day.
Your righteous, good commands help us obey.
You are our strength and power, in You we live.
Help us to stand for You - like You forgive.
~~~~~
GOODBYE
Sometimes I have to say goodbye - let go the things I love;
People and things and hopes and dreams, that onward I may move.
Within this precious time of grace I learn to let things go,
And then Your blessed gifts You give and Your own presence show.
Sometimes I cling on to the past, experiences, things
From history, both good and bad, the things that ageing brings.
For things must change and I must grow - go on - with life made new
To welcome in Your will for me and let Your life flow through.
May I remember to forget the hurts, the pain, the sin.
May I remember what is good and know Your peace within.
May I forget what lies behind - troubles and bitterness;
My disappointments, doubts and fears and grow in holiness.
Forgetting, for You turn to good the evil I have known,
And in my failures and mistakes You can make Yourself known.
May I forgive myself, and leave regrets and grief behind.
May I go on to life anew for which I was designed.
~~~~~
ON EAGLE'S WINGS
On You we wait - give us new strength;
Uphold us when we fall.
For weariness give us Your life -
On You, dear Lord, we call.
On eagle's wings upheld, may we
Soar to the realms above
To touch Your heart, to feel Your grace
And realise Your love.
Only in You true strength is found.
Only in You is peace,
And it is as we wait on You
That we find full release.
~~~~~
YOU ARE CHANGING ME
Lord, You are changing me - no matter how I feel.
Your hand is on my life; Your work in me is real,
And though at times I may not see,
Your Spirit is at work in me.
Lord, You are changing me to make me more like You;
To purge away the dross that Your gold might shine through.
You work to make Your life in me
A living, bright reality.
A Potter, gentle, skilled, You are - I trust in You.
A vessel poor and marred by your hand is made new
And consecrated, Yours to be,
Filled with Your life and purity.
~~~~~
"AS AN EAGLE STIRS UP HER NEST"
You long to stir me up - disturb my comfort zone,
That I might learn to fly, trusting in You alone,
And as the eagle soars on high,
Borne up by You, I, too, may fly.
Not always in the nest - for flight I have been made.
And so You stir me up, although I am afraid.
My loving God will still sustain,
Cause me to soar and soar again.
On thermals of Your grace I am borne up on high
Above the things of earth that make me question why.
I view with Your perspective clear
The things of earth, for You are near.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME NOW
You accept me, Lord.
You do not wait for me to change.
You do not only love what I could be.
You love me now.
You welcome me, Lord –
Not just 'put up with me'.
You call me 'Friend',
You say I am Your child.
You love me now.
You call me now.
You want me to be with You day by day.
You hold me close in Your embrace.
You love me now.
~~~~~
TAKE MY HAND
Let go, reach out and take My hand
And I will raise you up.
I will support and comfort you –
Let go life's bitter cup.
I'll strengthen you, if you will trust,
Although you cannot see
How I will help, how I will heal,
Your living Saviour be.
Just take My hand - I'll lead you on,
Protected, held secure,
Beloved, precious - and My care
For ever will endure.
~~~~~
TRUSTING YOU FOR EVER
Trusting You for ever
In life's storms and cares
Trusting You in all things;
Bringing You my prayers.
I can always trust You –
When I am afraid.
You are the Creator,
Who has all things made.
You know all my frailty;
You will never fail.
In my weakest moments
Your strength will prevail.
Trusting You with all things –
The all-powerful One.
I lay all before You.
May Your will be done.
~~~~~
A PLACE OF REFUGE
A place of refuge when I sin
Is found at Jesus' feet.
A place of full forgiveness, free;
The one true Mercy Seat.
A holy place of sanctuary;
A place where I'm secure,
Protected, safe from all that harms –
For Christ is strong and sure.
No condemnation in that place –
Mercy, forgiveness, love;
Acceptance by my Saviour here
And peace with God above.
A place where all the past is gone;
A place where all is new;
A place where I can be myself;
A place where love flows through.
A place of transformation, too;
A place where I may grow;
A place of safety and of joy,
Where I full pardon know.
~~~~~
I AM AFRAID
Lord, I am afraid,
But You are in control.
Speak Your word of peace
And I shall be whole,
Calm my anxious thoughts,
Still my restless mind,
For in You alone
I can freedom find.
May I cast my load
Wholly upon You.
May I leave the past –
Move to life anew.
Wash me with Your calm.
With Your presence fill.
Slow me down, my Lord.
Teach me to be still.
With Your healing power
Flood me, through and through.
And in Your own strength
Your work may I do.
~~~~~
I AM COMPLETE IN YOU
I am complete in You, Lord –
Not someone who should be in a couple;
Not someone who has not found their "other half";
Not someone who can never be fulfilled alone;
Not a misfit, not a mistake.
I an complete in You.
I am not a reject –
Last to be wanted for the team –
Uncoordinated, useless.
I am complete in You.
I need not search for completeness.
I need not fear being alone.
I am complete in You.
~~~~~
YOU WILL RESTORE
(Written during a service at St. Matthew’s Church.
The first three lines relate to three worship songs
which we sang in the service)
You make the desert live again; You bring new hope at dawn;
You carry us in all our trials and mend that which was torn.
You know our doubts, darkness and fear; You feel with us our pain;
You will not cast our souls aside but will restore again.
So much we cannot understand, and yet we know You’re true,
And in our puzzlement and doubts Your love can still shine through.
Though faith may fail us, You remain faithful through all our days.
You’re merciful, and will forgive our sinful, foolish ways.
No pit too deep for You to reach; No sin You won’t forgive;
No problem you can’t overcome and give us grace to live.
Lord, help our hearts to understand Your free, unbounded care
And make our desert bloom again as in Your life we share.
~~~~~
NO PIT TOO DEEP
No pit too deep for God’s great love to reach;
No sin too great for Christ’s blood to atone;
No place so far God’s Spirit is not there;
No testing that the Saviour has not known.
The Saviour knows each burden that we bear
And longs to take them that we might go free.
He walks with us to strengthen us each day,
To give us life and make our blind eyes see.
His grace is all I need, His love so sure.
I am surrounded by His constant care.
He is my all, and in Him I am strong.
He is my God, Who hears my faintest prayer
~~~~~
YOU ARE FAITHFUL
You are faithful, You are true,
All You promised You will do.
Every word You speak is sure
And for ever will endure.
You give hope for our despair.
In our weakness You are there.
In our darkness You bring light,
Chasing shadows of the night.
In our conflicts You bring peace;
From our bondage bring release.
In our times of doubt and fear
You are faithful, always near.
~~~~~
COCOONED
Cocooned, enwombed within Your love,
Your healing power I know.
Your life renews my barrenness
And causes me to grow.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your care
I know security.
I'm held, caressed so tenderly
And I find strength to be.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your grace
I feel Your perfect peace,
Then, as a child enters this world,
In You I find release.
~~~~~
PSALM 42
Although deserted and alone
Yet still Your love is sure.
You are my Rock, Your promises
For ever will endure.
In loneliness I thirst for You
When earthly things let down,
Familiar things are done away,
The future is unknown.
When others ask "Where is your God?"
They cannot see Your hand,
Yet still I know You're in control,
By You my way is planned.
I thirst for You, I need You, Lord,
I hope in You alone.
I trust in You to keep my soul
And make Your presence known.
~~~~~
ELIJAH IN THE CAVE
Sometimes we see You moving,
Our faith is fixed on You,
The mighty God of power
And all that You can do.
But then we look at problems
And we feel all alone
And doubts and fears assail us -
Our faith is overthrown.
But You have not abandoned
Our souls to face our fate.
You still support, though hidden,
When problems seem so great.
For when our faith is shaken,
When we feel poor and weak,
Your power is unchanging
If we will only seek.
You, Lord, are still all-powerful,
Nothing's too big for You.
You still work out Your purpose
And You will see us through.
And when we call, You hear us,
Kindle our faith again.
You strengthen and encourage
And faithful will remain.
You are the great Creator
And You are in control.
You never leave Your children
But lift and make them whole.
In gentleness and mercy
Your tender voice is heard,
And so we wait upon You
And listen for Your word.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN
The carving may be painful
But I will make of you
An instrument of beauty
That My joy may flow through -
My melody of wonder
Through you may be made known,
And as you let Me shape you
My glory will be shown.
My moulding may seem cruel,
And yet I have a plan
To use you as My channel -
I will use broken man.
Through suffering I bring power;
Through pain I bring My joy.
It is the path I followed
The way that I employ.
Take up your cross and follow,
The rule of self deny.
You must show full commitment
To know life from on high.
For I must be your centre,
The driving force within,
Controlling, moulding, working,
Purging away your sin.
I am the Master Craftsman,
My perfect work I'll do.
Through suffering and trials
I'll make your life anew.
For suffering is not failure
Since I through suffering came,
And I am working in you
To glorify My name.
~~~~~
I BELIEVE IN YOU
I believe in you, My child
For My strength is in you.
My strength your weakness will replace
That My tasks you may do.
The challenges that lie ahead,
The problems that you face
You will surmount and overcome
Through My sustaining grace.
The tasks I call you to perform
I'll give you strength to do.
So go in faith, so prove My power
And know My life anew.
~~~~~
WOUNDED GOD
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
Wounded God, You suffered on the tree -
Apparent failure, to win liberty.
You bore the pain and tasted death for me
And, through Your woundedness I may go free.
Wounded God, You suffer still today
As men of violence have their wicked way.
Disowned, rejected, You are suffering still
And, by Your woundedness bring good from ill.
Wounded God, You suffer in my pain.
You feel the hurt, the burdens that remain.
You know my weakness, all my trials share
And, by Your woundedness, freedom declare.
Wounded God, I cast my care on You.
I take Your life to give me life anew.
I lean on You life's toilsome way along
And, by Your woundedness, I am made strong.
~~~~~
STORMS
(Inspired by a sermon on the storm on the lake)
Down from the mountain top into a storm,
Tempests of doubt, pain and fear -
Sent by the Lord fierce temptations to face,
We cannot feel Jesus near.
From great success sent to feel all alone,
Drowning in grief and despair
We may lose sight of our Saviour and Friend
Yet, in the storm He is there.
Jesus is praying our faith to sustain,
In all our suffering He shares.
He will not leave us to suffer alone.
All of our burdens He bears.
He's in control and will not let us down.
His gentle touch meets our need.
He will commission us His will to do.
He is the victor indeed.
Our eyes on Jesus, His power upholds.
Lord of the tempests is He.
He has a purpose in all storms of life.
With Him we know victory.
~~~~~
CALVARY
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
You embraced suffering
That I might know Your peace.
You embraced nakedness
That I might be clothed with You.
You embraced powerlessness
That I might know Your power in me.
Your embraced darkness
That I might know Your light.
You embraced aloneness
That I might know the joy of Your family.
You embraced thirst
That I might know Your living water.
You embraced death
That I might know eternal life.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
When I turn away You love me just the same.
When I speak words of hate You love me just the same.
When I hate myself You love me just the same
For You are my Father - my loving Father,
My caring Father, my accepting Father,
My welcoming Father, my unchanging Father,
My Father, Who gave His Son for me.
My reaching out Father. my Father in Whom I am complete;
I am whole; I am saved;
I am healed; I am loved.
~~~~~
HOPE
We have a gift of hope from God,
Hope for a home ahead;
Assurance that Christ has prepared
And we go where He led.
The lights of home are beckoning,
We know our Lord awaits,
And realms of joy and peace we'll share
Beyond the pearly gates.
We have a gift of hope from God,
Within this world of pain.
We know that storms and tears will pass,
The sun will shine again.
We know that Christ is with us still
And in our pain will share.
We know He will sustain and keep
With grace beyond compare.
We have a gift of hope from God,
On this hope we rely.
Christ is our hope, our certainty,
Our Saviour from on high.
We wait in patience, trusting Him
Although we cannot see,
And so this vale of grief and tears
We tread rejoicingly.
~~~~~
FEELINGS OR FACT?
It is a fact – I am forgiven,
All my sin on Jesus laid.
Christ is risen and ascended,
Peace with God for ever made.
By faith I may know I’m worthy,
Made complete in Christ the Son.
By faith I may claim His promise.
I shall hear His great ‘Well done’.
Feelings often would deceive me,
Pull me down, fill me with doubt.
I may feel God cannot love me
And I am by Him cast out.
Yet the facts remain unchanging –
Christ, on Whom our faith depends.
He is true, my feelings liars.
His is love which never ends.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM ELIJAH
After the mountain top, down in the valley
Satan would tempt us, our courage destroy,
Bringing in doubt and the fear of the future –
In comes the darkness and gone is our joy.
Out in the desert the tempter is waiting,
Causing our feelings and fears to control,
Bringing depression, anxiety, torment,
Bringing disquiet in body and soul.
Yet God provides rest, refreshment and water.
He provides food for the journey ahead.
If we will let Him, our Lord will refresh us.
He gives us rest and by Him we are fed.
His food sustains us as we travel onwards.
His word comes to us our faith to renew.
He has His church, and it ever is growing –
His faithful people, called His work to do.
Not in the wind, in the earthquake or fire,
But in a whisper God speaks His own word.
He has a task, a commission to serve Him.
He has a plan, and His power He’ll afford.
There, at the end of our tether, we meet Him.
When our resources just dwindle and fail
We meet our Saviour, our Lord and Sustainer
And in His power we know we’ll prevail.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM HABAKKUK
Sure-footed as a deer
Upon the mountain steep
The Lord will make His own,
And He will safely keep.
This is His promise, firm and sure,
Of love that ever will endure.
Familiar things may fail,
The going may be rough –
Oppression, trials, sin –
Life is so very tough.
Sometimes the wait seems hard and long.
I trust in You and I am strong.
The Father has a plan
We cannot understand,
But all the powers of earth
Are in His mighty hand.
Things may get worse, but God is King
And through deep trials life will bring.
In patience I must wait
And I must watch and pray.
I cannot “do”, just “be”
Until the coming day
When His great power will be shown,
His loving plan will be made known.
Give me the grace to wait,
In faith depend on You,
Relying on Your power,
Your grace to see me through.
All that You’ve done I’ll call to mind
And trust the plan You have designed.
In You I will rejoice
Through hard times as through good,
And trust Your mighty plan,
Although not understood.
Some questions may unanswered stay,
But You are faithful all the way.
~~~~~
TESTING
Sometimes You test me, Lord -
But gold is tested, too
In the refiners fire
That his face may show through.
Help me to hold fast to Your word
And trust in You, my faithful Lord.
Sometimes You shake things, Lord,
And I begin to fear,
But Your great work remains,
Your promises are clear.
Help me to trust, though I can't see
And know You always true will be.
Sometimes strong winds may blow
Against my slender tree.
They help me put down roots
That stronger I may be.
Make me deeply rooted in You,
Strengthened to prove Your grace anew.
~~~~~
ROMANS 8
With great anticipation creation waits for You
To come in power and splendour and make all things anew.
Although we are unworthy we are of priceless worth –
It was for our salvation the Saviour came to earth.
There is no condemnation – in You we are made free,
And in our human weakness You come, our strength to be.
Our sin and death and darkness You bore upon the tree,
And You are working in us that we may be like Thee.
In Your own time You’re working, transforming to Your plan,
And You will bring perfection – complete what You began.
Our groaning will be over, there will be no more sin
And we shall be like Jesus, bearing His life within.
Before our birth You chose us – before the world was made,
And in Your love and mercy we need not be afraid.
Nothing can be against us when You are on our side
And we can stand with boldness since You in us abide.
You took our sin on Calvary our freedom to declare.
Your boundless love led Jesus our punishment to bear.
That we might know forgiveness You rose, and live above.
Nothing can separate us from Your unending love.
In You we’re more than conquerors – nothing can overcome
The life You put within us – no power can consume.
Sin has no claim upon us. In You we’re free and whole.
For now and all the future we’re safe – You’re in control
~~~~~
OUR VALUE
Christmas proclaims our value – The Saviour came to earth.
To save the unimportant He came, of humble birth.
Because God counts us precious the Saviour came to die
That we might know forgiveness and reign with Him on high.
God makes His holy temple our human bodies here.
He bids us come with boldness and worship without fear.
He calls us His own children – His love is full and free.
He makes us pure and holy, His dwelling place to be.
Christmas proclaims our value – It was for us He came.
However weak and sinful He loves us just the same.
In Him is full salvation, cleansing from all our sin.
In Him is strength for living – the Spirit’s power within.
~~~~~
THE FUTURE
The future is unknown – Lord, take my hand
And lead me safely as Your love has planned.
With You as Guide, Protector on life’s way
I can be safe, so ever with me stay.
The future may be dark – Lord, be my Light.
Illuminate and chase away the night.
And when the shadows come You will be there,
And in all sorrow and all pain You share.
The future is a challenge – by Your power
Alone can I fulfil Your will each hour.
So, Holy Spirit, come, my whole life fill
And keep me faithful to Your holy will.
The future is unknown – You have a plan
To share Your word, your love for every man;
To tell of Your salvation, seek the lost –
So help me serve and not to count the cost.
The future is unknown to me – not You.
Your plans of love will see me safely through.
Whatever it may hold, with You I go.
Lord, may my life Your own compassion show.
~~~~~
WHEN I CAN’T FEEL YOU
When I can’t feel You, yet You are still there.
When I can’t understand, my pain You share.
When doubts oppress and I feel faith is gone
Yet You still love me, Christ, the Faithful One.
When I am fearful, yet You’re still the same.
When I feel powerless, there’s power in Your name.
When all is shaken, You stable remain.
When I fail You, You forgive me again.
Help me to trust, even though I can’t see –
When all my feelings and faith desert me.
You are unchanging – You’re always my Friend
And You will keep me till my journey’s end.
~~~~~
THE HARD TIMES
It’s not an easy road – things may be hard
As we will follow on the Christian way,
But Christ is with us, sharing in our pain,
Our joys and sorrows – with us every day.
He is our strength when we are feeling weak,
And in the darkness He will be our light.
He is our comforter when we are sad.
He is our guide as we pass through earth’s night.
On Him we cast our care – He cares for us
And He will give us strength to carry on.
And He will lead us safely to our home
Until at last we hear His great “Well done!”
~~~~~
I EMBRACE CHRIST
I embrace life -
Life in all its uncertainty.
Life in all its unpredictability.
Life in all its perplexity.
I embrace life -
I embrace life -
Life with all its suffering.
Life with all its pain.
Life with all its problems.
I embrace life.
I embrace life -
Life in all its potential.
Life in all its wonder.
Life in all its gifts.
I embrace life.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, the source of being.
Christ, the source of comfort.
Christ, the source of healing.
I embrace Christ.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, my guide, my pathway.
Christ, my Rock unchanging,
Christ, Who never leaves me.
I embrace Christ.
And in embracing Him I embrace life -
Life in all its fullness.
~~~~~
YOU CALLED YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME
You called Your child to overcome
And so the trials came
To prove Your faithfulness to me
And my faith in Your name.
You called Your child to overcome
And harder the winds blew
Making my roots go deep in You,
The faithful, strong and true.
You called Your child to overcome
And sent a raging flood
Washing away the rocks and dirt
And making room for God.
You called Your child to overcome,
You put Your life in me -
Your Spirit deep within my heart
To set my spirit free.
You called Your child to overcome -
Your promises You gave
Of power to overcome on earth -
Glory beyond the grave.
~~~~~
THE WIND
The wind is blowing, shaking up
The things that we hold dear,
Tearing and breaking, till our hearts
Are filled with doubt and fear.
And yet these winds are sent from God
To cleanse and purify,
To send our roots down deep in Him,
To cause the flesh to die.
To blow away the dross and froth,
To make us clean and bare,
Prepared for His infilling power
His glory here to share.
Welcome the wind, welcome the trials
For in them God is known
That we might be made fit for Him -
His life in us be shown.
~~~~~
LORD, FIX MY EYES ON YOU
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
In You alone I'm strong,
Not in what man may think of me
For I to You belong.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Upon Your holy word
For there I learn more of my God,
My Saviour and my Lord.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Not on problems and fear
For You are Lord of everything
And You are always near.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
For You are in control
And as I trust my all to You
I can be free and whole.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Each moment of each day.
No more shall stress rule over me -
You are my strength and stay.
~~~~~
LOOK INTO MY EYES
Look into My eyes, then you'll realise
My great love for you - love that's ever true.
More than human love of mother for her child.
Take My perfect love, pure and undefiled.
Look into My face, realise My grace.
Feel My tender heart. Be of Me a part.
Do not turn away, but even if you stray
I am always there and your pain I share.
Spend your time with Me. I will set you free.
Feed upon My word. Worship Me, your Lord.
Make for Me a space in life's hectic race
And My strength I'll give - make you fully live.
~~~~~
DARKNESS
When the darkness you are facing
Seems unending, stifling hope,
Lean on Me each passing moment,
I will give the strength to cope.
Know the blackness that surrounds you
Is a tunnel, not a cave,
And when all around seems hopeless
I am with you still to save.
When My face seems very distant,
When your dreams and hopes have died,
Know that I have not forsaken -
I am always by your side.
When the future is uncertain
And you feel just doubt and fear,
When you have no peaceful feelings
I still love you, do not fear.
Through the trials I work patience,
Shaking winds make you grow strong,
Sending roots down deep in Jesus
Though the road seems hard and long.
One day you shall share My glory
As you share My comfort here.
Till that time, trust My sustaining,
Ever present, ever near.
~~~~~
SPIRIT OF GOD
Spirit of God, casting out fear,
In deepest darkness still You are near,
Giving assurance, setting me free,
Bringing Your peace and Your comfort to me.
Spirit of God, cleansing all sin,
All guilt and shame, then You put Your life in,
Taking away all the things of the past,
Bringing forgiveness and joy that will last.
Spirit of God, source of all life,
You move within me to quell all my strife,
Then You embrace me in Your arms of love,
Bringing Your comfort and life from above.
~~~~~
I AM IN CONTROL
Cast your burdens on to Me,
I alone can set you free.
I know every circumstance;
Nothing can occur by chance.
Fear not, I am in control
And I long to make you whole.
Leave your problems in My hands;
Rest secure within My plans.
All your future I'll not leave.
Do not fear, only believe.
Through the darkness and the night
I will bring you to the light.
Trust in Me and do not fear.
I, your God, am always near.
You are ever in My heart
And I never will depart.
In My strength then daily go.
In My knowledge daily grow,
Casting every care on Me.
I am God eternally.
~~~~~
RELAX
Relax within the presence of the King.
Rest in His love, He will His healing bring.
The words which He has said, He will fulfil
As you will wait before Him, calm and still.
Relax and let the Saviour have His way.
Let go the cares, the tensions of the day.
His peace, his love envelop all your soul
And in His presence you will be made whole.
Relax and let the Spirit flow on through,
Cleansing, empowering, giving life anew.
His purifying fire burns within
Giving new passion for those lost in sin.
Relax in God, the mighty Three in One,
For when He speaks the deed is surely done.
In His own time His healing will be shown,
The glory of the risen Christ be known.
~~~~~
I WAS WITH YOU
I was with you long ago when you felt alone.
I was right beside you there, though I was not known.
Though you could not understand, I then shared your pain
And I long to lift you up, bringing life again.
I was with you there at school in the gym and games.
I was with you when the boys laughed and called you naems.
I was with you when you failed - felt you let Me down
And I purpose in your life that My power be shown.
I am with you day by day and I love you so.
I am with you on life's path as you forward go.
And whate'eer the future holds I will never fail.
Trust in Me, receive My power and you will prevail.
~~~~~
YOUR GLORY
Your glory is here surrounding us now.
Your Spirit is present to heal.
Your grace like a river floods over our hearts
As You long all Your power to reveal.
The weight of Your glory descends upon us -
You cause us to rest and be still.
The wounds of deep pain are healed by Your word
As our hearts and our spirits You fill.
~~~~~
MY WORD
My word brings freedom from the cage
Surrounding you today.
My word brings hope and full release
And guidance on the way.
The bars of disillusionment,
Of doubt, oppression, fear
Must break before My powerful word
When I, the Lord, draw near.
So do not fear to speak My word,
Which I give you to share
For I will pour out from My heart
Wisdom beyond compare.
My Spirit comes to you to guide,
Embolden and make real;
To bring My joy in worship here,
My glory to reveal.
My Spirit comes to you to share
This wine which makes you glad,
To reach the hungry, hurting ones,
The lost, despairing, sad.
My Spirit comes to lead you on
As you let Him control,
To use you as His channel here
To make a lost world whole.
~~~~~
.
I AM WITH YOU
I'll let you know you walk with Me, My peace to you I give.
All condemnation will be gone as I your sins forgive.
I put My peace within your heart to guard you day by day,
Surrounding you as you proceed along the pilgrim way.
My purity you too may know as I break Satan's power,
For you have died to sin in Me - I live in you each hour.
My spirit leads you into prayer to Me, your Father dear.
You speak to Me your needs and cares - I speak and you will hear.
My sufferings My children share, but I am with you still.
I give you strength to overcome and prove My perfect will.
I'll show to you My view of life from way above all things
That you may have assurance clear which My perspective brings.
I'll give you grace to persevere although the road is long.
The devil cannot hold you down since you to Christ belong.
I give to you My purpose clear to work out My own plan,
To do My will, to walk My ways prepared e'er time began.
My power I have given you that you may overcome,
Borne up by My great love alone bestowed in Christ, My Son.
On eagles’ wings you’ll rise again,
My dear, beloved one.
~~~~~
LOVE
Love is the hammer that breaks down the walls -
All the fear and the hurt that divide.
Love is the power to tear kingdoms down
And bring men to Jesus' side.
Love is the key that can open the hearts
By hurt and deep wounding fast barred.
Love is the power to bring full release
To hearts that are stony and hard.
Love is the channel to bring you back home,
Though you have wandered away.
Love is the power which turns you around,
Bringing you back to My way.
Love is Myself, in My glory revealed -
Love shown in Jesus, My Son.
Love is the power to bring glory down.
And My love the victory has won.
~~~~~
WITH ALL OF MY BEING
(St. Denio)
With all of my being I praise You O Lord
For I am redeemed and made whole by Your word
I lift up my voice as I praise your great Name
For You are all-glorious, for ever the same.
My spirit You raise as I kneel by Your throne.
Your peace floods my being, You call me Your own.
The whole of my body cries out to Your praise
Be Lord of each moment, be Lord of my days.
Your bounty You pour on my body and soul.
I thank You for saving and making me whole.
I join with the glorious throng up above
In praising Your boundless and fathomless love.
In worship You meet me and work out Your will.
With Your Holy Spirit my heart now You fill.
I come to Your presence and there I would live
And in Your great mercy Your glory You give.
~~~~~
THE ROCK-DOVE
The Spirit as a rock-dove,
The wilderness His home
Came down into the darkness
And made His presence known.
He found the deepest darkness,
The barren wilderness
And there He chose to settle,
The shadow lands to bless.
From there new life and freedom
By Spirit came to birth -
New fruitfulness and beauty
To populate the earth.
He turned the dust to roses,
Brought new life out of death.
He gave me a new purpose
By His creative breath.
Returning from the desert
I was empowered to bring
His life and hope to others
To glorify the King
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
REALISATION OF LOVE
You loved the world, the Bible said,
And that included me
And if I gave my life to You,
My Saviour You would be.
You loved my spirit, and You chose
To claim me as Your own,
To come into my human life
And make my heart Your throne.
You loved my soul - me as I was,
Not just as I could be.
You longed to heal my wounded heart
And set me fully free.
You loved my body, which You made,
Though marred in human eyes.
You do not look for perfect form
In features or in size.
And as Your love flowed into me
Then I learned how to love.
I realised my worth to You
That brought You from above.
Self-hatred turned to care for that
Which You in love had made.
For I am perfect in Your eyes
And face You unafraid.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE A CALLING
You have a calling on your life
To follow Christ the King,
To own His lordship, do His will
His life to others bring.
You have a story of God's love,
What Christ has done for you,
How He has come to dwell within
And given life anew.
So do not be ashamed to share,
For others need Him too,
By words and actions witnessing
That His love may shine through.
Just grasp the opportunity
To speak of what He's done
And He will give the strength and grace -
He is the Mighty One.
~~~~~
METAMORPHOSIS
You're My child of perfect beauty,
Chosen before time began;
Cleansed, made pure, robed in white garments
To fulfil My special plan.
I have set My love upon you -
Love for spirit, body, soul.
I have put My life within you,
I will surely make you whole.
My own radiance beautifies you,
Even when you cannot see.
My great power I put inside you
That you may be free to be.
I bring light into the darkness,
Into chaos I speak peace.
I will turn your tears to gladness,
From all bondage bring release.
Like a chrysalis, unfolding
To reveal the butterfly
Your life will know transformation,
Strengthened by your Lord on high.
Like a seed, sown in the darkness,
Sprouting up towards the light
You shall blossom, you shall flourish,
Raised up by My powerful might.
Beauty, wisdom, grace I give you -
Precious child, I love you so.
As you lean upon Me wholly
All My glory you shall know.
Strength I give you for your weakness,
Hope I give you for despair.
I have chosen and redeemed you
And I see you whole and fair.
~~~~~
I NEED TO WORSHIP YOU
I need to worship You - I am so busy, Lord,
Yet in the rush of life, You Lord alone afford
A source of strength, comfort and peace,
And from all tension bring release.
I need to worship You - amid the haste and noise,
The stress and strain which comes, and peace and joy destroys.
I must take time to be with You,
For from Your throne flows life anew.
I need to worship You - for there You meet with me.
As I bow at Your feet You set my spirit free
That I may mount on eagles' wings,
Knowing the strength Your Spirit brings.
I long to worship You - You are my heart's desire.
You make me like Yourself by Your refining fire.
I need to worship You each day
To know your grace along life's way.
~~~~~
WASH ME
Wash me, dear Lord.
The cares of life have weighed me down.
The fears that come possess my heart and mind.
I cannot see,
But You are in control and you are Lord
And in the darkness You are there.
You will not leave
And I am always in Your hands
And You caress me with Your love.
Grant me Your peace
And calm the anxious seething of my mind.
Dispel the darkness, fill me with Your light.
Cleanse me, dear Lord.
~~~~~
YOU WILL BE THERE
You do not say darkness won't come
But promise to be there.
You walk the barren path with us -
Our pains and grief You share.
Though we may not feel You near
We know you'll never leave
For You are faithful to Your word
And help us to believe.
You strengthen us to follow You
We claim Your power each day
To go on walking in Your paths
Along life's pilgrim way.
You give Your grace, Your cleansing power
As we depend on You;
Relying on Your strength alone
We find our life anew.
~~~~~
RESUSCITATE THE FIRE
Resuscitate the fire, Lord,
The hope now burning low,
My faltering trust in You, Lord -
Let me Your healing know.
Remove the dust and ashes
And blow upon the flame
By Your all-powerful Spirit
To glorify Your name.
Grant me new perseverance
To press towards the goal,
The prize by Jesus promised,
Freedom of heart and soul,
True wholeness in Your presence,
Courage while here below;
And may I be Your channel
Your glory here to show.
~~~~~
I DO NOT NEED TO UNDERSTAND
I do not need to understand the path that lies ahead.
I simply need to trust the Lord Who all the way has led.
I do not need to understand or ask the reason why
But claim the strength and power to live Christ offers from on high.
I do not need to understand, I do not need to see,
For all is in the hand of Him Who caused the worlds to be.
I know that God is in control and will work out His plan
Purposed in Christ the Mighty One long before time began.
One day I'll fully understand before the Saviour's throne
And one day I shall fully know as I am fully known.
Till then I put my trust in Christ, the Faithful, Strong and True,
And claim the grace He gives to me, knowing He'll see me through.
~~~~~
GREATER
Greater is He who lives in me than he who's in the world;
Greater by far God's mighty power Whose banner is unfurled.
Greater by far His strength and might, though Satan presses in,
For Jesus' death has overcome and conquered death and sin.
Greater is Christ Who lives within and has made me His own.
He puts his life within my heart and makes his glory known.
He will uphold when troubles come, and never, never leave;
Through fire and flood He will sustain - I just have to believe.
Greater is He, the risen One, with power to set free.
He comes to cleanse and purify, then put His life in me.
He makes all His resources mine, His strength to me He gives
That I may go out in His Name and prove that Jesus lives.
~~~~~
THE ROCK
This was based on a picture of myself as a tomato under pressure and about to split. The tomato was then replaced by a stone, and the words "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
Who is bearing the pressure?
I am the Rock - I live in you, My strength is made your own.
I am all-powerful, I sustain and make My glory known.
If you will just depend on Me and of My power share
You'll find I make your burden light which once you could not bear.
Nothing against Me can prevail - no power in earth or hell,
For by My death I overcame and rose, that you might tell
That I have power to uphold, to keep you all life through,
That you might soar on eagles' wings, knowing My strength anew.
So do not fear, though you are frail - the power is Mine alone
And as you will depend on Me My power will be shown.
Cast all your cares and fears on Me and I will set you free.
I am the Rock, I am your strength and life eternally.
~~~~~
AT YOUR PACE
Lord, help me to slow down amid the haste,
The rush of life as time is passing by.
The rhythm of Your heart help me perceive,
And Your perspective from the realms on high.
Not always to the swiftest is the race
But those who run according to Your will,
Those who take time to listen to Your voice
And in Your presence learn how to be still.
Lord, help me move according to Your pace,
Not running on in human strength alone,
But realising the power to live each day
Is only found by kneeling at Your throne.
~~~~~
I KNOW YOU
My child, I know your shame
And I can wash you clean.
I can heal your heart
And make you whole again.
Broken, shattered lives
My power can restore.
I can make you whole
And My strength is sure.
I can take your past
And give life anew
I can be your strength
All life's journey through.
Open up your heart ‑
!I'll teach you to love,
Heal your broken life,
Give peace from above
~~~~~
GIVE ME THE KEYS
Give Me the keys to every room
That you would want to hide,
Where darkness and confusion reign
And fear and pain reside.
The room in which you cry alone
Uncomforted in pain;
The rooms which hide your guilt and shame,
The deepest hidden stain.
Give Me the keys, My light will shine
And chase away all gloom.
My Spirit cleanses, beautifies
And sanctifies each room.
~~~~~
RECEIVE MY LOVE
My child, reach out, receive My love ‑
You are My own design.
I gave you life, caused you to be;
I love you ‑ you are Mine.
Not broken and imperfect, marred,
But made to be My own,
Made to display My special grace
And make your Saviour known.
Though you are weak, My hand is strong.
My life I've put in you.
I will make whole, cleanse and redeem
That My light might shine through.
You are My child, of special worth,
Created in My plan.
You are beloved, pure and fair,
Mine ere your life began.
Though you may fail, I love you still
And I will never leave.
All that I have I give to you
If you will but receive.
~~~~~
ALL THE RESOURCES OF HEAVEN
All the resources of heaven are yours,
Poured out on those that I love.
If you depend on Me, trust in My word,
I will give strength from above.
I will give sight and My purpose reveal,
You shall see into My plan.
I give My words, bringing healing and light,
Give you love for your fellow‑man.
I will give wisdom ‑ man's wisdom is vain.
I will give gladness and peace.
If you are bound in defeat and despair
In Me alone is release.
~~~~~
CHOSEN
I have CHOSEN you, My dear one
And I know you through and through,
Yet I still see you as precious ‑
I will work My plans in you.
You are not a reject, useless,
You are made to My design.
You are not unwanted, hopeless,
I have called you ‑ you are MINE.
All the past My love can conquer;
I can change you deep within,
Take away the pain and sadness,
Put My joy and freedom in.
I have CHOSEN you in weakness
That My strength you should display.
I have put My Spirit in you,
Given you grace to walk My way.
I am working daily in you,
Perfecting My glorious plan
For you are My own beloved,
CHOSEN before time began.
~~~~~
GOD'S LOVE INCLUDES YOU
God's love includes YOU, precious child
Though you feel guilt and shame.
His love for you will never end,
His grace remains the same.
He knows your sin ‑ He bore it all
When on the cross He died.
He rose again and by His power
Declares YOU justified.
God's love includes YOU, broken one,
Though you may hide away
He'll find you, hold you in His arms
And words of comfort say.
There is no place His love can't reach,
No part His power can't heal.
He comes to give His life to you
And make His presence real.
God's love includes YOU ‑ even you;
He sees you pure and fair,
Destined before the world began
His image here to bear.
His love can cleanse, redeem, restore
And make you fully whole.
The riches of His glorious grace
He'll pour into your soul.
~~~~~
THROUGH GOD'S EYES
You see yourself as rich and strong,
I see you poor and weak,
Relying on your strength alone,
My face you do not seek.
You can do nothing without Me,
Man's strength alone is vain
But in Me all My wealth is yours
And all My power you gain.
You see yourself as weak and frail,
I see you strong in Me.
You think that you can only fail
But your success I see.
You think that you are evil, bad,
But I died for your sin.
I see you robed in righteousness,
Made pure and clean within.
You see yourself broken within,
But I see you as whole,
For you are made complete in Me
In spirit and in soul.
You see yourself as on your own
But I see you in Me
Redeemed, fulfilled, filled with My love,
Walking in liberty
~~~~~.
REMOVE THE BARS
Tear down the walls, remove the bars
You've built around your soul.
You've put them there to keep out harm ‑
They stop you being whole.
They barricade you from My love
And from your fellow‑men.
They hold you back from reaching Me,
So take them down again.
I want you free, I want you whole,
No more bound and confined,
To live your life free as a bird,
As I, your Lord, designed.
So do not fear to venture out,
You venture out with Me
And as you put your hand in Mine
You taste true liberty
~~~~~.
MY WORK OF ART
You are My poem, My work of art,
First conceived within My heart
Long before the world began,
Chosen to fulfil My plan.
You are beautiful to Me,
Sanctified, redeemed, set free.
Lift your head, don't be ashamed,
In the Saviour you are named.
Not your spirit, child, alone
Do I love and call My own,
But your body, I declare,
Before Me is pure and fair.
As you are I love you still,
With My grace your life I'll fill.
Let your body glorify
My great name and lift it high.
You are Mine in all your ways,
Destined to show forth My praise,
Body, mind, spirit and soul
By My Spirit pure and whole.
~~~~~
TEACH ME
Teach me to know Your love, O Lord,
So limitless and free.
Teach me to know that this great love
Has planned the path for me.
Teach me to trust in You, dear Lord,
To lean on You each day.
I need not fear what lies ahead;
You are my strength and stay.
May I be confident in You,
Knowing Your power in me.
When I am weak You are my strength;
You save eternally.
~~~~~
COMPLETE WHAT YOU BEGAN
Lord, complete what You began, working deep within.
Bring Your wholeness to my life, cleanse me from all sin.
May Your peace reign in my heart, may I daily know
More of You, Your power and love; Your free grace bestow.
Teach me, Lord, to trust in You, trust Your perfect plan
For my life, laid down in love long before time began.
!You put me in Your body here ‑ work out Your will in me.
Lord, take my hands, Lord, take my all to set the captives free.
~~~~~
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS
I will not fear, my times are in Your hand
And all my ways in love by You are planned.
Though chaos reigns and all around gives way
The river of Your peace still flows today.
You bring Your life, protect when foes assail,
Bringing deliverance, strength that cannot fail.
You bring Your peace and bid our striving cease,
For in Your stillness we can find release.
You are the Lord, and we acknowledge You
The sovereign God Who can make all things new.
We must be still, rest in Your love alone ‑
'I Am', Jehovah, through the ages known.
We rest on You, defender, Saviour, king,
Ceasing from restless work, that You may bring
The answer, where our human deeds are vain.
The Lord of all for ever You remain
~~~~~.
TRANSFORMATION
You reached out in transforming power
And touched the outcast one,
Bringing Your wholeness, life and power,
Your mighty work was done.
You reached in with transforming power
And took away my sin.
You healed the hurts that filled my soul
And put Your life within.
~~~~~
OIL
Holy Spirit, precious oil
Poured upon me from above,
Consecrate me to the Lord,
Set my soul ablaze with love.
Holy Spirit, healing oil,
Touching body, spirit, soul,
Purge away all sin and fear,
Make me clean and make me whole.
Oil of gladness, freely poured,
Make my heart in God rejoice.
Teach me how to praise the Lord
With my spirit, heart and voice.
Oil of God, anoint me now
For Your service where You send,
Knowing You will never fail
And Your power has no end.
~~~~~
YOU MAKE MY HEART REJOICE
Lord, You make my heart rejoice.
I praise You for all You've done,
Bringing freedom, life and power,
Bringing healing through Your Son.
Lord, I long to live for You,
Radiate Your life and love,
Bring Your healing, grace and joy,
Bring Your wholeness from above.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE ANOINTED ME
Lord, You have anointed me with Your Spirit free,
Consecrated me to You, called me Yours to be.
Given me a task to do where Your love has planned
And, whate'er the future holds, I am in Your hand.
Lord, You have anointed me with the oil of joy,
Given me a peace within nothing can destroy;
Given gladness for my woe, healing for my pain
And I know that Your great love constant will remain.
Lord, You have anointed me, chosen me below
And commissioned me to share of the love You show;
Comforting from what You give, bringing joy and peace
And, since You have set me free, bringing Your release.
~~~~~
LIKE AN EAGLE
You made me to soar like an eagle,
Designed me to rise and be free,
Borne up by Your Spirit of power,
Created to know liberty.
Exchanging my strength like an eagle,
You give me the power to live.
You take all my rubbish and weakness
And Your life and power You give.
If I will but hope in You, Saviour
Commit all my burdens to You,
I'll soar up on wings like an eagle,
Through Your Holy Spirit made new.
~~~~~
YOUR PEACE
Your peace is a garrison, guarding my heart,
Though Satan's hosts may surround.
Your peace gives me power to conquer each foe,
For victory in You, Lord, is found.
Your peace is a power beyond all man's own,
Far more than our minds comprehend,
For it flows from the throne of the Father in heaven
And it never will come to an end.
Your peace is made mine as I look upon You.
In Your presence I find full release.
For You give me Your life and Your Spirit within,
And You are the God of all peace
~~~~~.
DESPERATION
Lord, in my desperation I come to You today.
You are the source of wisdom ‑ I need to know Your way.
Grant me the grace to listen, Your holy will to do,
Obedient to Your bidding, that Your power may flow through.
You care for me each moment, each part of life You share.
You come into the shadows and shed Your radiance there.
Into my anxious turmoil none but You can bring peace.
Where snares of earth would trap me, You, Lord, can bring release.
I give to You my burdens, the loads I cannot bear.
I place them in Your hands, Lord, and I would leave them there.
I come into Your presence, look up into Your face
And go forth in Your freedom, strengthened by Your own grace.
~~~~~
SEEK ME FIRST
In all your ways acknowledge Me,
My ways I shall make plain.
Cast all your load of care on Me,
Let go the stress and strain.
If you will own Me Lord of all,
My guidance you shall know.
My wisdom I will give to you
My grace and power bestow.
Seek first My kingdom and My will,
In righteousness to live
And I will guide you all your days
And needed strength will give.
My strength is given to the weak
Who will depend on Me
And as they in obedience walk
Then I will set them free.
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
I KNOW
I know where you're coming from
I know where you're coming from
And I too have been there.
I have known the wilderness,
The valley of despair
I have known Gethsemane,
Forsaken and alone,
Plumbing depths of sorrow deep
No human heart has known.
I have known rejection deep
By all whom I held dear.
I was cut off from God Himself
That you might be brought near.
I have known defilement vile,
For I bore human sin.
I gave My life upon the cross
To give you life within.
I will not condemn one soul
Who turns their eyes to Me,
However hesitant their faith
My power can set them free.
Every one is dear to Me,
Precious in My sight,
And I long to make them whole,
Bringing joy and light.
Do not fear, just trust in Me -
I love you, you are Mine.
In My hands you shall be safe.
On My breast recline.
Cast Your burdens on to Me -
All your load I'll bear.
I know where you're coming from -
I, too, have been there.
~~~~~
CLEANSED
You feel unclean, stained by your sin,
Unworthy of My care.
You feel the things that you have done
Must cause you to despair.
I bore your sin on Calvary
That you could be made clean,
As white as snow before My eyes
Where once dark stains had been.
The sins of others stain your soul -
Abuse, rejection, fear.
They separate you from My joy,
Keep you from drawing near.
I bore these, too, upon the cross -
I washed them all away
That you might be holy and pure
And know My glorious day.
You feel that you have sinned AGAIN
And I will not forgive.
You feel a failure, weak and frail -
How can I in you live?
My blood still cleanses EVERY sin,
No vestige shall remain.
I will remember them no more;
Pure whiteness you regain.
Accept My cleansing, healing love,
Let Me wash you each day.
You shall be free and you may go
Rejoicing on life's way.
~~~~~
THE QUESTION OF PAIN
No answer to the question of human pain is found
Within this fallen, broken world where sin and hurt abound.
Yet Christ knew human sorrow, forsaken on the cross,
He knew humiliation, He knew despair and loss.
He understands our anger, our rage at human pain;
He understands the darkness, but sheds his love again.
He shared our human nature, with us identifies
And He will never leave us but hear our feeble cries.
And in our place of darkness the Saviour still is there
Giving us strength to bear it, knowing that He can share.
Even though we can't feel Him, He will not leave or fail;
His life He puts within us, knowing that we are frail.
Through darkness He leads onwards, enriching, making new.
Even though we may doubt Him, He still will bring us through
Until with Him in glory, all pain for ever gone
Our questions will be needless as we behold the Son.
~~~~~
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Light of all the world, You came
To shed your light abroad;
To cause us to reflect Your life
That hope might be restored;
To show us every trace of sin
That we must bring to You;
To make our pathway safe and sure;
To give us life anew.
You fill us with Your mighty power -
Your Spirit lives within,
And in our weakness we can know
Your grace and power poured in.
Only in You can we be strong -
For human strength is vain.
By prayer we may draw from Your life
Amid earth's stress and strain.
Though buffeted on every side
By troubles that we face,
Although we cannot understand
We trust to Your free grace.
When persecuted for Your sake
You are our faithful Friend
And You will never leave our side
But keep us to the end.
Though we may not be in control,
Our life by You is planned
To make us channels of Your grace
As we rest in Your hand.
~~~~~
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND
Lord, I cannot understand
The ways You say in love are planned,
The darkness that comes over me,
The times when no end I can see.
Lord, all things are in Your care
For you are sovereign, always there.
You have not left Your world alone
But You are watching from Your throne,
You are with us in our pain;
You are there through storm and rain.
When no comfort we can feel
You are with us still to heal.
In our trials we can turn
To You, Lord, and of You learn.
If from You we turn away
Who can be our strength and stay.
Suffering One, we look to You;
Pain and trials for us You knew.
Help us see things through Your eyes
And Your glory recognise.
All our grief to You we give,
Claim from You the strength to live.
From the evil You can bring
Good, and glorify the King
~~~~~.
I AM WITH YOU
When you're walking in the darkness and no light ahead you see,
When you cannot feel or hear Me I am with you - trust in Me.
I know all your human weakness and I share your grief and pain.
I will bring you through the tunnel into light and joy again.
When the path ahead seems endless and your strength and faith would fail,
I have put My Spirit in you and He surely will prevail.
Though at times you feel forsaken I still firmly hold your hand.
You are precious and I love you - all your pain I understand.
One day you shall share My glory and you will be fully whole,
Filled with joy, enjoying freedom, perfect peace within your soul.
Take My hand, I'll lead you onward to your glorious home above.
Till that time I'm with you always - simply rest in My great love.
~~~~~
YOU NEED ME
You thought that you could stand alone, and so I let you try
To teach you that you must depend on power from on high.
Your human strength is not enough - unaided you will fail,
But I have put My life in you, power which will prevail.
You need to feed upon My word, that I your spirit fill;
You need to put your trust in Me in good times and in ill.
You need to worship and take time to feel My tender care;
You need to cast worries and fears on Me in earnest prayer.
You cannot bear the load alone -you need a Helper true -
My Holy Spirit in your life, with you in all you do.
Give up your independence, child, and learn that you need Me;
For I alone can share the yoke and set you truly free.
Just as a child grows and learns, so with Me you may grow,
And as you spend more time with Me you shall My wisdom know.
So do not try to rush ahead, Your times are in My hand
And I will lead you safely on the path that I have planned.
I know the way - I AM THE WAY - on Me you can depend;
When human comfort fails and dies I am your faithful Friend.
Admit your need, receive My love, rely on Me each day
And I will prove My faithfulness - the Life, the Truth, the Way.
~~~~~
CHANGING TIMES - UNCHANGING GOD
Life with ever-quickening pace
Rushes on - a hectic race:
Faxes, e-mail, Internet -
Life is getting faster yet.
But our God unchanging stands
And our lives are in His hands
Rumours of war all around;
Pain and wickedness abound.
Men forget the One Who made
Earth and sky, and are afraid.
The unchanging God is He;
To the end He'll faithful be.
So much change - how can we cope?
Only in Christ is true hope.
In our trouble He is near;
He alone can calm our fear.
Changing times - unchanging God.
He'll protect us with His rod.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
I come in weakness to You, Lord,
Asking for strength from You.
I seek Your cleansing, healing power
To make my life anew.
All my confusion, Lord, I bring -
Your way I cannot see.
Reveal to me Your perfect will
And shed Your light in me.
Open my eyes to see Your face,
My ears to hear Your voice.
Speak out the word that sets me free
And bids my heart rejoice.
Grant me Your strength to carry on,
And fill me with Your peace,
For it is by Your grace alone
That I can find release.
Make me a channel of your love,
Your comfort here to share,
Giving out what you give to me
As I receive in prayer.
~~~
ENTRUSTMENT
What I have entrusted I'll give strength to bear.
You may leave your loved ones safe within My care.
I will give you wisdom, I will give My peace,
Give you strength and power, give My full release.
Cast on Me your burdens - let My hands uphold.
I will not forsake you - let My arms enfold.
It is in My presence that you will receive
Life and love and freedom if you will believe.
I'm your loving Father - you're My precious child.
Rest your head upon Me when life's storms are wild.
Into your confusion I will bring My calm.
On your pain and anguish I will shed My balm.
As you will be faithful I am faithful too.
I will keep My promise - I'll give strength anew.
As you wait before Me all My strength I'll give
And you'll go out boldly in My name to live.
~~~~~
PROBLEMS
Sometimes life's problems hem me in
And take away the peace You give.
Sometimes earth's stresses compass me
And it is hard just to believe.
Yet You uphold me when I fall
And hear my weak, despairing call.
Sometimes the pressures that I face
Seem to crowd in from every side.
It's hard to put my trust in You
And in Your presence to abide.
Yet You are reaching out to me
And long to set me truly free.
Sometimes I cannot feel You near;
My mind is filled with doubt and care;
Time is so short, demands so great,
Just squeezing out worship and prayer.
Yet in Your presence strength is found
And life and love and peace abound.
I will press on, though feelings fail -
In following You I'll persevere.
I'll place my problems in Your hands
And seek Your grace and wisdom here.
You promise You will see me through
And raise me up to life anew.
~~~~~
BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT
I left the splendour of heaven because you’re worth it.
I took on all the limitations of human life because you’re worth it.
I gave My life on the cross because you’re worth it.
I rose for your salvation because you’re worth it.
I intercede for you daily because you’re worth it.
Whatever your past - you’re worth it.
However great your sin - you’re worth it.
However unworthy you feel - you’re worth it.
However much you hate yourself - you’re worth it.
Whatever your age - you’re worth it.
Whatever your state of health - you’re worth it.
Whatever others may have done to you - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have done - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have thought - you’re worth it.
I love you. I have chosen you.
You’re Mine. You’re precious. You’re beautiful.
I clothe you in white. I clothe you in My righteousness.
I hold you in My arms. I sing My love song to you.
I caress you tenderly. You’re worth it.
~~~~~
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} These are a few poems, written over a period of years, which , I hope, may bring encouragement to us in the dark times of our lives and remind us how precious and special we are to God, however worthless and useless we may feel. Perhaps our particular suffering may be emotional or mental pain, physical pain, loneliness or bereavement, relationship breakdown or the stress of circumstances. Perhaps an end may be in sight, perhaps there may seem no end this side of glory. However, the Bible tells us we have a God Who suffers WITH us and supports us through all our suffering, whether we feel him near or not. We may say with the psalmist “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, hope thou in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Just as the sun has not ceased to exist when night falls on this land, we are enveloped in darkness and familiar landmarks disappear, so the Son has not ceased to exist because we are experiencing times of darkness, and light WILL come again.
In no way are these poems intended to provide any ‘pat answers’, for there are none, or to minimise the experience of suffering, which is all too real, but I hope they may just shed a ray of encouragement.
PRECIOUS AND HONOURED
(This poem was inspired by a talk based on words from Isaiah. However we feel we are PRECIOUS – valued by God, and HONOURED – displayed by Him as a person of value)
Precious, protected, held in My hand;
Lovingly guided in paths I have planned.
This is My purpose for you, My dear child;
I see you spotless, in Christ undefiled.
My love is constant, unbounded My grace;
Deep in My heart you have always a place.
Your name engraved on My palms will remain.
I will be with you, through joy and through pain.
Honoured, exalted - you're special to Me;
Lifted and chosen My vessel to be;
Filled with My glory, ablaze with My light,
And for the battle empowered with My might.
You are predestined My likeness to bear.
One day in heaven My splendour you'll share.
Precious and honoured, the child of My heart,
I love you always I'll never depart.
~~~~~
MY OFFERING
(This poem was based on thoughts from a book I read, which pointed out that we can offer God the dark problems of our life and receive His strength)
I offer You my hurt, Lord,
The things that trouble me;
My sin and my temptation,
For You alone can free.
I offer You my pain, Lord,
For You can understand.
The weakness of my body
I place into Your hand.
I offer You my darkness,
My deepest, inmost night,
That You might share it with me
And shed Your holy light.
I offer You my tiredness,
So busy is the day.
You offer strength and comfort
Along life's toilsome way.
I offer You my day, Lord -
May everything I do
Be consecrated wholly
My blessed Lord, to You.
I offer You my all, Lord,
The mundane tasks I share.
I offer You the night hours
And know You will be there.
You took the bread of suffering,
You bore it all for me.
You take my heavy burdens,
And in You I am free.
~~~~~
MARY MAGDALENE
(This was based upon a sermon and reminds me how God forgives every sin and accepts every sinner who comes to Him)
He loved me, took me as I was, forgave me all my sin.
And the He died upon the cross and darkness came within.
An empty tomb awaited me; a quiet voice I heard.
I did not know it was my Lord, and yet my heart was stirred.
It was my Master, Teacher, Friend, this one Who healed my soul.
His love reached out, enfolding me, and I was fully whole.
He spoke my name - I turned to Him, and I just had to share -
"I've seen the Lord, He's risen indeed, the One beyond compare."
He can touch you as He touched me; He is the mighty King.
He knows our pain and shares with us, He comes His strength to bring.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
(It is so easy to sin – to ‘do it again’ when we think we will never fall that way, but still God welcomes, still God forgives)
You love me, even when I stray;
You lead me back into Your way.
You hand is gentle, yet so strong,
You lift me up, give me a song.
Your touch is tender, healing me.
Your love sets my whole being free.
You meet me at my point of need,
And in You I find life indeed.
Restoring body, spirit, soul,
Purging the dross and making whole.
You make me soar on eagles' wings
And with Your praise my heart now sings.
My precious, lovely, holy Lord,
My joy, my light, my great reward,
How can I praise You as I ought,
Since with Your blood You pardon bought.
I love You, though my love is poor,
I long to know and love You more.
Accept the humble praise I bring
To You, my Saviour and my King.
~~~~~
I RECEIVE YOUR LOVE
(Sometimes I feel nobody could love me and I need to receive the love of God)
I receive Your love, Lord,
The love that can make whole.
Love that removes the heartache
And reaches to my soul.
A love without condition,
Love that does not compare.
Love that will not reject me,
A love that's always there.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love that can cleanse and heal.
Love that dispels the darkness
My Saviour to reveal.
A love that always welcomes,
However far I stray.
A love that gently guides me
Along life's pilgrim way.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love which brings joy and peace.
Love that can break all bondage,
Love that can bring release.
A love that never changes,
Though all may change around;
A love that leads to glory,
Where life and strength abound.
~~~~~
YOU SPEAK MY NAME
(I find it so wonderful that God knows me by name, knows all my sinfulness, yet still welcomes me)
You meet me face to face and speak my name.
There is no place that I can hide from You.
You say that, if I'll let You, You'll come in
And be with me in everything I do.
Each part of daily life You long to share
And undergird me with Your loving care.
My family and friends, my joy, my pain,
My hopes, my fun, my tears and laughter too.
In each relationship You still are there
And long to work through me Your will to do.
My care for your creation must be shown
And through my life Your presence must be known.
"Do I love You?” - the question comes to me.
"Am I prepared to give my all to You?"
I stand, my faith in You here to declare,
Here to proclaim that in You I'm made new
Yes, I love You, You are my Lord and King.
Come, fill my life, rule over everything.
~~~~~
YOUR NAME - MY NAME
(Another reminder of how much God loves each one of us, however we may feel)
I have called you by your name
Set apart and chosen you.
You are Mine, I love you so.
I have given You life anew.
I have called you by your name
That you might respond to Me,
And I never will forsake,
I am there eternally.
I have called you by My name,
Marked you out to do My will.
I have given you work to do,
My own purpose to fulfil.
I have called you by My name,
Channel of My love and care.
I commission you to go,
My good news of grace to share.
~~~~~
COME
(Sometimes it is easy to get so wrapped up in the busyness of the day that we forget that Christ calls us to Him in order to gain strength for the day ahead)
Just come, and I will give You rest -
But you must come to Me.
Lay down your burdens and your care
And let Me set you free.
I know you are so busy, child,
But you must draw aside
And find refreshment, joy and peace -
My arms are open wide.
I long to touch you, and to heal
If you will just draw near.
I long to soothe away your pain
And calm your lurking fear.
I'll hold you safe within My arms,
Sheltered in My embrace,
And in My presence you will find
New strength for life's hard race.
You are my precious, darling one,
Come close, for I love you,
And resting in My arms of love
You shall find strength anew.
~~~~~
COME UNTO ME
(Can be sung to the tune Caswall)
Come, lay down your burdens,
Cast your care on me.
Take My yoke upon you,
And your strength I'll be.
If you will obey me
You shall find my rest,
Knowing my protection,
In me you'll be blessed.
Listen to my teaching,
Follow all my ways.
I will guide and strengthen,
Keep you all your days.
Sheltered and protected
By My hand you'll be.
Work with me together
And you will be free.
Yoked with me together
You will find release.
I will gently lead you
In the paths of peace.
~~~~~
I WILL COMPLETE WHAT I BEGAN
(Do we ever feel we’re getting nowhere?)
The work I began I will surely complete,
For you are so precious to Me.
I'll guide and protect you, I'll work in your life
Until My own image I see.
Through all of life's trials I'm working with you -
The Potter is moulding the clay
To make a clean vessel for My life within
Where I, Christ the Lord hold full sway.
In joy and in pain still My hand is on you
To fashion you after My will.
I love you, you're special and precious to Me
And in you My plans I'll fulfil.
So fear not, My child, the delight of My heart,
One day all My glory you'll share
And daily new steps on life's pathway we'll tread,
For I am with You everywhere.
~~~~~
OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who created us,
Who knows our inmost parts -
Nothing is hidden from Your eyes,
The thoughts of all our hearts.
And You love us just the same
And for our sakes to earth Christ came.
Our Father God, You sent Your Son
To work Your works on earth.
He laid aside His majesty
And came, of human birth
For us to live, for us to die,
That we might live with You on high.
He was forsaken on the tree
As He bore all our sin
That we could be brought back to You
And know your life within.
And now, our Father, we have peace
With You, and we know Your release.
Our Father, You are always there
And never will forsake,
You put Your arms of love round us
And us Your children make.
You are so tender and so kind
And in Your life our life we find.
Father and Mother, head of all,
Protecting all the day.
Father, we long to be with You,
And in Your name we pray.
Father, you long that we may share
Your healing love, Your tender care.
~~~~~~
MY DECLARATION
(I can declare to God, to myself and to the evil one that I AM made new in Christ)
I am now a new creation
I declare to God above;
Ransomed by the blood of Jesus,
Reconciled, made free to love.
I am now a new creation
I declare to powers below.
I'm in Christ, and He is victor;
His own power within I know.
I am now a new creation
I declare to my own soul.
Christ lives in me by His Spirit,
Cleansing me and making whole.
I am now a new creation,
In my Saviour born again.
Through Him I can face tomorrow
For He constant will remain.
~~~~~
MARTHA AND THE DISCIPLES
(It must have been a mystery to Mary and Martha why Jesus waited. It must have been a mystery to the disciples why Jesus went to Jerusalem. But God had a plan, and He has a plan for our mysteries, too)
We thought we knew Him
And so we called for Him
To heal our brother from His mortal ill,
And yet He did not come.
Why? We thought He loved us
Yet He left us alone.
Why?
We could not see the greater miracle in store.
We did not understand we had to wait.
Would we still trust? Would we still love?
It's hard to feel alone, let down.
We needed Him, and yet He did not come.
We knew death awaited You,
And so we told You not to go.
We saw things from a natural point of view.
We did not know that Lazarus was dead -
And yet not dead, for Christ would raise him up.
We knew the scriptures said that he would rise
At the great resurrection of the dead.
And yet You were the resurrection there.
And yet You are the resurrection here.
Can death prevail o'er resurrection power?
The future breaks upon our human sight.
Yes - I believe - Your resurrection power
Has raised me too, although I cannot see
My brother raised as yet.
The great 'I AM', the Resurrection calls
Us out to life,
And in Him we are free.
~~~~~
ENGRAVED ON YOUR PALMS
(Isaiah 49 v 16)
(Can be sung to the tune Kingsfold)
You raise Your hands to God above,
Present to Him my name.
My name is carved upon Your palms,
My value You proclaim.
"See here My precious, chosen one
On whom I set My heart.
I tenderly protect My child,
My love will not depart."
Before the Father's face, His Son
Presents my name above -
His child, redeemed, cleansed and made whole,
The object of His love.
I am His treasure, His delight,
Precious and honoured, too;
Protected by His loving hands,
Hands which make me anew.
Engraved upon Your palms always
My name will still remain.
In blood my name is written there -
You bore the dreadful pain.
Beauty You brought, new life You gave,
Clothed me in righteousness,
Not of myself, but You alone,
Jesus, my glorious dress.
~~~~~
YOU REALLY DIED
You died totally, Lord -
Not just Your body on the cross.
It was not just that You ceased to breathe.
You really died,
Cut of from God, Your Father,
Knowing darkness absolute, impenetrable.
It was our death You died.
It should have been us in Your place.
You knew all of death
That we might know all of life.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CALLS
"The Lord is here - He calls for You.
The Lord is here today.
His love is personal and real,
His mercy on life's way.
The human Jesus feels our pain -
He comes and shares our grief,
And yet He comes and lifts our heads,
And longs to bring relief.
He suffers with the weeping crowd,
He knows, He loves, He cares.
He weeps with us, He mourns with us
And in our trouble shares.
He was the God of "there and then",
The God of ages past.
He is the God of "here and now",
He is the first and last.
~~~~~
Psalm 139
You see within the darkness as clearly as in light,
For You are perfect radiance and in You there's no night.
No pit too deep for You, Lord, nowhere too high or low.
There is no place to hide, Lord, nowhere that You don't know.
You search me out and know me - my deepest, inmost part.
You see my inward feelings, the secrets of my heart.
And yet, although You know me, You love me just the same.
You paid for me the ransom and to my rescue came.
~~~~~
SCARS IN HEAVEN
The only scars in heaven are in my Saviour's side
And hands and feet - the nail-prints, for He on Calvary died.
And yet - not imperfection, for they are glorious now.
They tell of full salvation He only can bestow.
With resurrection bodies, redeemed from pain and sin,
We shall bow down before Him Who gave us life within,
And we shall gaze in wonder on Him Whom we adore,
Whose scars proclaim our ransom - We'll praise Him more and more.
~~~~~
FOR ME
You were alone, Lord ,
That I might never be alone.
You were rejected, Lord
That I might know full acceptance.
You bore my strife, Lord,
That I might know Your peace.
You took my despair, Lord,
That I might know Your hope.
You took my sorrow, Lord,
That I might know Your joy.
You were made sin, Lord,
That my sin could be forgiven.
You bore my death, Lord,
That I might know Your life.
You went to hell, Lord,
That I might live with You in heaven.
You took my darkness, Lord,
That I could know Your glorious life.
Thank you, Lord.
May I spread Your light,
Rejoice in Your love
And be a channel of Your peace
Thank You, Lord.
~~~~~
ENVELOPED IN YOU
Enveloped in Your love, Lord,
The love that casts out fear.
We come before Your throne now,
With boldness we draw near.
Enveloped in Your grace, Lord,
Forgiveness we receive.
And know Your tender mercy
As we will just believe.
Enveloped in Your peace, Lord,
You meet our inmost need,
Bring joy and hope and healing,
For You are peace indeed.
Enveloped in Yourself, Lord,
Your saving power we know
And go out as Your servants
Your love and life to show.
~~~~~
SHABAT- COMMUNION
(Based on a thought in "Child of the Covenant" relating the Eucharist to the Jewish Sabbath ceremony)
Bread for labour - strength to live you shall find in Me.
By My body, broken then, you can be set free.
So be strengthened as you feed at My table here
And go out, My will to do without doubt or fear.
Wine for rest - "Come unto Me"- Come into My peace.
Let Me wash your cares away. Let Me bring release.
So be quieted as you come, from all fear set free.
Drink, and I will satisfy. Come and drink of Me.
~~~~~
COMMUNION
(It is so easy to live life with a mask – the good worker, the good Christian – but God sees behind our mask and loves us just the same.)
I want to meet with you -
Not your mask.
I know you anyway -
There's no need to hide.
I know your good.
I know your sin.
I love you.
You are beautiful.
Lay aside your mask
Come to Me.
Meet with Me.
Eat of Me.
Drink of Me
My beloved child.
~~~~~
HEALING CHRIST
Healing Christ, born as a baby
All our pain and grief to share.
You knew trials, You knew hardship
And our sicknesses You bear.
You were pierced for our transgressions,
All our sin You bore away.
Through Your death we may know wholeness.
Through Your life find strength each day.
Healing Christ, now risen for us,
Interceding at the throne,
Fill my body, mind and spirit.
Make Your peace and glory known.
Healing Christ, make me a channel
For Your living water clear.
May I spread Your life, Your beauty,
Lord, as I go out from here.
~~~~~
FEELINGS
Faith does not depend on feelings, for You are Emmanuel -
God with us, with ME each moment, born to rescue me from hell.
Sometimes I feel You so near me, heaven's wonder I can feel.
Your joy fills my heart with laughter and Your touch seems very real.
Yet there come times of great darkness, numbness, pain and deep despair.
When I feel lost and forsaken and cannot believe You're there.
And yet You are just the same, Lord, unchanging Emmanuel, King
You are still with me in darkness, comfort, healing, life to bring.
Emmanuel, Lord of the good times, but Lord of the pit and grave.
Still You reach out and caress me. Still You are mighty to save.
Emmanuel, God ever with me, beside me along life's way.
Whatever my feelings, still You change not and I'm safe in You each day.
~~~~~
HOPE
You’ve set Your hope in me,
I need not be ashamed.
You washed away my sin.
I am by you renamed.
At times my hope grows dim
And faith begins to fail,
But You are still within
And Your hope will prevail.
In darkness You are there,
However I may feel,
And in the midst of pain
Your presence you reveal.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And You will bring me through.
Sin’s power You will destroy
And bring me life anew.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And one day I shall share
The joy of heaven above,
For perfect peace is there.
Till then, Lord, lead me on
And keep Your hope aglow,
For by your strength alone
I shall true freedom know.
~~~~~
NOT JUST MY HAND
I’m not just taken by the hand
But held in Your embrace.
Not just walking with you, my Lord,
But gazing on your face.
I see Your love, I feel your touch
And wonder how you love so much.
Your soft caress soothes care away,
Your gentle voice brings cheer.
Your eyes speak love into my soul.
I know that You are here.
And your own life I now receive
And all your gracious words believe.
~~~~~
THE CANDLE
(Inspired by lighting the candles from each other at the start of the Carol Service)
Just a flickering candle,
Not a mighty beam
Is the light within me -
Just a tiny gleam.
Yet the light God gives me
He has given to share -
Light of love and blessing,
Token of His care.
Just a flickering candle,
Lighted from above,
Fuelled by the Spirit,
Sheltered by God's love.
Light upon the pathway
That I might not stray.
Light to share with others,
Showing them the way.
Just a flickering candle
Points me to the Lord -
Light in all its fullness,
Jesus, Living Word.
He gave His own body
Darkness to dispel,
Put His light within me,
Rescued me from hell.
~~~~~
NOT FOR WHAT YOU DO
(It’s so easy to judge ourselves by what we DO, but God values us for ourselves)
You are not loved for what you do -
The time you spend in prayer,
The hours you take to read My word -
But you're My child and heir.
I love you, I delight in you,
I know you, and in Me you're new.
You are not loved for what you do -
I love you, for you're Mine.
Nothing can shake My love for you -
This is My great design -
Not just a servant, but My own,
My child, My precious one, My son.
~~~~~
NOT A FAILURE
I'm not a failure in Your sight when I fall into sin,
For I can be a learner here and know Your peace within.
I'm not a clone, for You made me according to Your plan,
And You made each of us unique, each woman and each man.
I do not have to earn Your love by all the things I do.
It is Your death that paid the price, Your life that makes me new.
It's not by rules that I must live, but by Your law within,
Seeking to please the One I love, Who cleanses me from sin.
I would not bear a man-made yoke or in my own strength serve.
Your yoke is easy, for You share - my strength You will preserve.
I do not stand by 'Jesus plus my works’, but You alone.
In You I am made perfect, whole, redeemed by God's own Son.
~~~~~
FRAGRANCE
(Tune: Blow the wind southerly)
Fragrance of godliness, fragrance of restfulness,
Fragrant communion with one that we love.
Not in our striving and not in activity,
Fragrance in friendship with our God above.
Though we may fail You, Your love is unchanging,
You do not condemn us or cast us aside.
You will transform into beauty our ugliness.
You will for ever in our hearts abide.
You take all our shame and remove our self-righteousness,
We are made perfect by Your grace alone.
You give us a purpose to live as Your children here,
Precious and honoured and wholly Your own.
You made us special, unique in Your wisdom.
You gave Your life to redeem us from sin.
We are not worthless, but clothed with Your glory now.
We are Your temple and You live within.
~~~~~
A PRAYER BEFORE A HEALING SERVICE
Healer of hurts , and grief and pain,
The One Who brings to life again,
Come, fill me, body, spirit, soul.
Revive, restore and make me whole,
Just as You healed in Galilee,
Just as You set the captives free,
Come, speak Your healing, quickening word
And break all chains with Your great sword.
Make me what You would have me be.
Fulfil the plans You have for me.
Help me to realise Your grace
And rest secure in Your embrace.
Help me Your perfect will to know.
Help me in love and faith to grow
More like my Saviour and my King,
To Whom I owe my everything.
~~~~~
I LOOK INTO THE MIRROR
I look into the mirror,
I see God's precious child.
I see me as He sees me,
Made pure and undefiled.
I look into the mirror,
And see the clothes He gives -
His righteousness and glory,
Since Jesus in me lives.
I look into the mirror,
I see His beauty there,
Transforming, healing, cleansing,
As in Christ's life I share.
I look into the mirror,
Receive His love divine
And hear Him singing to me
“My precious child, you’re Mine.”
~~~~~
LEGALISM
I am set free, no more a slave, God's liberty to know;
His grace and mercy here to share, His joy and peace to show.
For man-made rules will weigh me down, unlike the yoke Christ gives.
He bears the yoke, He's by my side, His Spirit in me lives.
Behaviour must spring out of love for Christ, Who ransomed me,
Not legalistic, rigid, bound, for in Him I am free.
~~~~~
MY LOVE
Made for My pleasure, unique in My sight,
Precious and honoured, My joy, My delight,
How much I love you you cannot conceive.
Feel My caress and My comfort receive.
I went to Calvary to ransom your soul.
I bore the scourging that you might be whole.
I was made sin that you could be set free
I spread My arms out for you on the tree.
Nothing you do can diminish My love,
Nothing can separate, nothing remove
My care for you - you are held in My heart,
Precious, protected, nothing can us part.
Come, My beloved, relax in My care.
Come and enjoy Me and My own life share.
Walk arm in arm with Me, look in My face.
You are secure, held within My embrace.
~~~~~
GUARD MY MIND
Lord, guard my mind, and may my thoughts
Be under Your control.
May no delusion enter there,
But make me pure and whole.
Help me to seek Your perfect will
And not to race ahead.
Your plans are perfect - in Your time
May I by You be led.
Lord, be my helmet, guarding me,
For You are Truth indeed.
Lord, be my breastplate, guard my heart
And meet my inmost need.
Lord, You are always in control,
Although I may not see
The reason for the pain on earth,
The way You're leading me.
Help me to rest within Your love
And know Your peace within.
Help me to take Your armour here
And triumph over sin.
~~~~~
GOD'S C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy!)
(Transforming our thoughts through Christ)
Throw out the tapes of failure, for you are here to learn.
Throw out the tapes of sadness - My love for you discern.
Remember, you're not worthless, you need not live in shame.
You are My precious treasure - I know you by your name.
Put on the tape "I love you", remember it each day.
Put on the tape "You're special" and affirmations say:
In Christ I am made perfect. In Christ I am made free.
In Christ I'm precious, honoured, God's chosen one to be.
Let My thoughts dwell within you - I seek to build and heal,
To put My truth within you and make My presence real.
Renew your mind in Me, child, and let Me take control.
Cast out the thoughts which hinder and let Me make you whole.
~~~~~
SET US FREE
Lord, set us free from "oughtness" and fix our eyes on You.
Remind us of our value is not in what we do.
So many needs surround us - help us to know Your way -
What we should take upon us in following You each day.
Within Your church, Your body, help us to build and heal,
Encourage one another, no matter how we feel.
Help us to love each other and for each other care.
Help us to be Your body and Your compassion share.
Help us to focus on You, Your love to realise,
Your grace poured out upon us, Your power to make us wise.
Made new, redeemed and precious, blameless in Christ alone,
And free from condemnation we come before Your throne.
Lord, You accept our struggling, our doubting and our pain
And in all these You're with us and faithful will remain.
Within Your hands protected we're safe eternally.
With You, Lord, as our centre we can know liberty.
~~~~~
I WILL PRAISE YOU
I will praise You through my grief -
Only You can bring relief.
You are faithful, strong and true,
You alone can make things new.
I will praise You in my pain,
For You died and rose again
And You put Your life in me.
You can heal and set me free.
God of justice, power and might,
You uphold all that is right.
You are sovereign, holy Lord;
You are worshipped and adored,
Yet You meet me in my need.
You can give true peace indeed.
I can trust You, You are sure
And Your promises endure.
Lord, I give my hurt to You
And I long Your will to do.
I am safe within Your care.
You are faithful - always there.
~~~~~
PSALM 145 FOR TODAY
When I do not feel like praising,
Yet my soul will praise Your name.
I will never cease to praise You;
Your great deeds I will proclaim.
I will join with all creation
To extol You, Lord most high.
You are great and You are mighty.
You are robed in majesty.
Through the nations, through the ages
Your great deeds Your grace have shown.
We will meditate upon You
And Your love in Christ made known.
For Your works, my Lord, are awesome;
You are faithful, You are true.
You are gracious, slow to anger,
And You long to make us new.
We are children of Your kingdom
And a living hope You give.
You will lift us when we stumble;
When we sin You will forgive.
In Your time You give Your blessings
And You come to meet our need.
You are near us every moment
And You are a friend indeed.
So my heart in You rejoices;
So my mouth will speak Your praise
As I join with all creation
To proclaim Your saving grace.
~~~~~
QUESTIONS
Lord, You listen to my questions,
Things that I can't understand -
All the suffering and heartache
Not restrained by Your great hand.
I don't understand Your timing -
Why You sometimes say "just wait."
Why You don't display Your power
When I know You are so great.
I wonder about the nations
Where the people don't know You
And about the pain and hardship
Caused by what mankind can do.
And yet all these pressing questions
Fade to nothing as I come
To you, Jesus, precious Saviour,
And I make Your word my home.
And one day with You in glory
I'll no longer question why.
And I won't need any answers
In the glorious realms on high.
~~~~~
YOU COULD HAVE WASHED YOUR HANDS OF ME
You could have washed Your hands of me -
And yet You wash my feet.
You could have sent my soul to death
From Your great judgement seat.
And yet You came to ransom me,
Your glory laid aside.
You came to live as mortal man
And on the cross You died.
You could have turned away from me
And left me in my sin,
And yet Your Holy Spirit comes
And puts Your life within.
You welcome me, call me Your friend,
Your precious, honoured heir.
You walk beside me day by day
And always will be there
~~~~~.
DANIELLE'S DRAWING
(Isaiah 53)
(Danielle did a charcoal drawing of a large figure of Christ being viciously beaten. He was bending over, sheltering the tiny figure of me.)
You took the blows that should have been for me.
You came between and bore my penalty.
For my transgressions all my wounds You bore.
What can I do but worship and adore.
Lord, as a sheep before her shearers dumb,
You gave Your life, You left Your heavenly home.
Oppressed, afflicted, for my sin You died -
A refuge opened where my soul can hide.
Because You bore my pain I now am free.
Because You died I live eternally.
Because You suffered I can be made whole,
Cleansed and redeemed in body, spirit, soul.
~~~~~
A CRY FROM THE HEART
You said You'd give me joy, yet all I feel is pain
As in the depths of night depression strikes again.
I thought that I was whole, but now I cannot cope.
I cannot feel You near and I am losing hope.
And yet Your word is true - You bore my pain for me.
You died in pain, alone, forsaken on the tree.
You know just how I feel, and in my grief You share
And You will never fail - You're with me everywhere.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
Give me hope, when hope is gone.
Give me strength life's race to run.
Give me peace amid earth's pain.
Raise me up to life again.
In the darkness be my light
And protect me in the night.
Your own presence let me feel.
Your compassion, Lord, reveal.
Give me faith in times of doubt -
You will work Your purpose out.
Give me courage in my fear.
Let me know that You are near.
Grant to me Your joy and peace.
From my turmoil bring release.
Keep me waiting for that day
When You come, dear Lord, I pray.
~~~~~
AS I GROW OLDER
My body is an old clay pot -
Your treasure is within.
My strength is poor, my love is weak
And I am bound by sin.
And yet Your power is in me
To work Your will, to set me free.
You say that life begins today -
Help me to seize each hour -
To live for You, to share with You
And know Your mighty power.
Relying on Your strength alone
Your wisdom and Your life are shown.
My spirit daily is renewed
If I will wait on You,
And though my body may grow old
In You I am made new.
Help me to live, leaning on You
And let Your love and life flow through.
~~~~~
THE POTTER
The marred clay You will not discard
But work as You have planned
To make a vessel fit for You,
Moulded by Your own hand.
Our disappointments, broken dreams,
Our failures You transform
And from all the shattered pieces
A new pot You will form.
Our confidence You will renew -
Your word, O Lord, is sure.
And right until the end of time
Your promises endure.
~~~~~
OUR PRAYER
Faithful in suffering, constant in pain -
This is Your will for us that we remain.
Trust, though we cannot see, Thanks in all things.
Faithful in all our ways, borne on Your wings.
Lord, keep us following Your word each day.
Your righteous, good commands help us obey.
You are our strength and power, in You we live.
Help us to stand for You - like You forgive.
~~~~~
GOODBYE
Sometimes I have to say goodbye - let go the things I love;
People and things and hopes and dreams, that onward I may move.
Within this precious time of grace I learn to let things go,
And then Your blessed gifts You give and Your own presence show.
Sometimes I cling on to the past, experiences, things
From history, both good and bad, the things that ageing brings.
For things must change and I must grow - go on - with life made new
To welcome in Your will for me and let Your life flow through.
May I remember to forget the hurts, the pain, the sin.
May I remember what is good and know Your peace within.
May I forget what lies behind - troubles and bitterness;
My disappointments, doubts and fears and grow in holiness.
Forgetting, for You turn to good the evil I have known,
And in my failures and mistakes You can make Yourself known.
May I forgive myself, and leave regrets and grief behind.
May I go on to life anew for which I was designed.
~~~~~
ON EAGLE'S WINGS
On You we wait - give us new strength;
Uphold us when we fall.
For weariness give us Your life -
On You, dear Lord, we call.
On eagle's wings upheld, may we
Soar to the realms above
To touch Your heart, to feel Your grace
And realise Your love.
Only in You true strength is found.
Only in You is peace,
And it is as we wait on You
That we find full release.
~~~~~
YOU ARE CHANGING ME
Lord, You are changing me - no matter how I feel.
Your hand is on my life; Your work in me is real,
And though at times I may not see,
Your Spirit is at work in me.
Lord, You are changing me to make me more like You;
To purge away the dross that Your gold might shine through.
You work to make Your life in me
A living, bright reality.
A Potter, gentle, skilled, You are - I trust in You.
A vessel poor and marred by your hand is made new
And consecrated, Yours to be,
Filled with Your life and purity.
~~~~~
"AS AN EAGLE STIRS UP HER NEST"
You long to stir me up - disturb my comfort zone,
That I might learn to fly, trusting in You alone,
And as the eagle soars on high,
Borne up by You, I, too, may fly.
Not always in the nest - for flight I have been made.
And so You stir me up, although I am afraid.
My loving God will still sustain,
Cause me to soar and soar again.
On thermals of Your grace I am borne up on high
Above the things of earth that make me question why.
I view with Your perspective clear
The things of earth, for You are near.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME NOW
You accept me, Lord.
You do not wait for me to change.
You do not only love what I could be.
You love me now.
You welcome me, Lord –
Not just 'put up with me'.
You call me 'Friend',
You say I am Your child.
You love me now.
You call me now.
You want me to be with You day by day.
You hold me close in Your embrace.
You love me now.
~~~~~
TAKE MY HAND
Let go, reach out and take My hand
And I will raise you up.
I will support and comfort you –
Let go life's bitter cup.
I'll strengthen you, if you will trust,
Although you cannot see
How I will help, how I will heal,
Your living Saviour be.
Just take My hand - I'll lead you on,
Protected, held secure,
Beloved, precious - and My care
For ever will endure.
~~~~~
TRUSTING YOU FOR EVER
Trusting You for ever
In life's storms and cares
Trusting You in all things;
Bringing You my prayers.
I can always trust You –
When I am afraid.
You are the Creator,
Who has all things made.
You know all my frailty;
You will never fail.
In my weakest moments
Your strength will prevail.
Trusting You with all things –
The all-powerful One.
I lay all before You.
May Your will be done.
~~~~~
A PLACE OF REFUGE
A place of refuge when I sin
Is found at Jesus' feet.
A place of full forgiveness, free;
The one true Mercy Seat.
A holy place of sanctuary;
A place where I'm secure,
Protected, safe from all that harms –
For Christ is strong and sure.
No condemnation in that place –
Mercy, forgiveness, love;
Acceptance by my Saviour here
And peace with God above.
A place where all the past is gone;
A place where all is new;
A place where I can be myself;
A place where love flows through.
A place of transformation, too;
A place where I may grow;
A place of safety and of joy,
Where I full pardon know.
~~~~~
I AM AFRAID
Lord, I am afraid,
But You are in control.
Speak Your word of peace
And I shall be whole,
Calm my anxious thoughts,
Still my restless mind,
For in You alone
I can freedom find.
May I cast my load
Wholly upon You.
May I leave the past –
Move to life anew.
Wash me with Your calm.
With Your presence fill.
Slow me down, my Lord.
Teach me to be still.
With Your healing power
Flood me, through and through.
And in Your own strength
Your work may I do.
~~~~~
I AM COMPLETE IN YOU
I am complete in You, Lord –
Not someone who should be in a couple;
Not someone who has not found their "other half";
Not someone who can never be fulfilled alone;
Not a misfit, not a mistake.
I an complete in You.
I am not a reject –
Last to be wanted for the team –
Uncoordinated, useless.
I am complete in You.
I need not search for completeness.
I need not fear being alone.
I am complete in You.
~~~~~
YOU WILL RESTORE
(Written during a service at St. Matthew’s Church.
The first three lines relate to three worship songs
which we sang in the service)
You make the desert live again; You bring new hope at dawn;
You carry us in all our trials and mend that which was torn.
You know our doubts, darkness and fear; You feel with us our pain;
You will not cast our souls aside but will restore again.
So much we cannot understand, and yet we know You’re true,
And in our puzzlement and doubts Your love can still shine through.
Though faith may fail us, You remain faithful through all our days.
You’re merciful, and will forgive our sinful, foolish ways.
No pit too deep for You to reach; No sin You won’t forgive;
No problem you can’t overcome and give us grace to live.
Lord, help our hearts to understand Your free, unbounded care
And make our desert bloom again as in Your life we share.
~~~~~
NO PIT TOO DEEP
No pit too deep for God’s great love to reach;
No sin too great for Christ’s blood to atone;
No place so far God’s Spirit is not there;
No testing that the Saviour has not known.
The Saviour knows each burden that we bear
And longs to take them that we might go free.
He walks with us to strengthen us each day,
To give us life and make our blind eyes see.
His grace is all I need, His love so sure.
I am surrounded by His constant care.
He is my all, and in Him I am strong.
He is my God, Who hears my faintest prayer
~~~~~
YOU ARE FAITHFUL
You are faithful, You are true,
All You promised You will do.
Every word You speak is sure
And for ever will endure.
You give hope for our despair.
In our weakness You are there.
In our darkness You bring light,
Chasing shadows of the night.
In our conflicts You bring peace;
From our bondage bring release.
In our times of doubt and fear
You are faithful, always near.
~~~~~
COCOONED
Cocooned, enwombed within Your love,
Your healing power I know.
Your life renews my barrenness
And causes me to grow.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your care
I know security.
I'm held, caressed so tenderly
And I find strength to be.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your grace
I feel Your perfect peace,
Then, as a child enters this world,
In You I find release.
~~~~~
PSALM 42
Although deserted and alone
Yet still Your love is sure.
You are my Rock, Your promises
For ever will endure.
In loneliness I thirst for You
When earthly things let down,
Familiar things are done away,
The future is unknown.
When others ask "Where is your God?"
They cannot see Your hand,
Yet still I know You're in control,
By You my way is planned.
I thirst for You, I need You, Lord,
I hope in You alone.
I trust in You to keep my soul
And make Your presence known.
~~~~~
ELIJAH IN THE CAVE
Sometimes we see You moving,
Our faith is fixed on You,
The mighty God of power
And all that You can do.
But then we look at problems
And we feel all alone
And doubts and fears assail us -
Our faith is overthrown.
But You have not abandoned
Our souls to face our fate.
You still support, though hidden,
When problems seem so great.
For when our faith is shaken,
When we feel poor and weak,
Your power is unchanging
If we will only seek.
You, Lord, are still all-powerful,
Nothing's too big for You.
You still work out Your purpose
And You will see us through.
And when we call, You hear us,
Kindle our faith again.
You strengthen and encourage
And faithful will remain.
You are the great Creator
And You are in control.
You never leave Your children
But lift and make them whole.
In gentleness and mercy
Your tender voice is heard,
And so we wait upon You
And listen for Your word.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN
The carving may be painful
But I will make of you
An instrument of beauty
That My joy may flow through -
My melody of wonder
Through you may be made known,
And as you let Me shape you
My glory will be shown.
My moulding may seem cruel,
And yet I have a plan
To use you as My channel -
I will use broken man.
Through suffering I bring power;
Through pain I bring My joy.
It is the path I followed
The way that I employ.
Take up your cross and follow,
The rule of self deny.
You must show full commitment
To know life from on high.
For I must be your centre,
The driving force within,
Controlling, moulding, working,
Purging away your sin.
I am the Master Craftsman,
My perfect work I'll do.
Through suffering and trials
I'll make your life anew.
For suffering is not failure
Since I through suffering came,
And I am working in you
To glorify My name.
~~~~~
I BELIEVE IN YOU
I believe in you, My child
For My strength is in you.
My strength your weakness will replace
That My tasks you may do.
The challenges that lie ahead,
The problems that you face
You will surmount and overcome
Through My sustaining grace.
The tasks I call you to perform
I'll give you strength to do.
So go in faith, so prove My power
And know My life anew.
~~~~~
WOUNDED GOD
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
Wounded God, You suffered on the tree -
Apparent failure, to win liberty.
You bore the pain and tasted death for me
And, through Your woundedness I may go free.
Wounded God, You suffer still today
As men of violence have their wicked way.
Disowned, rejected, You are suffering still
And, by Your woundedness bring good from ill.
Wounded God, You suffer in my pain.
You feel the hurt, the burdens that remain.
You know my weakness, all my trials share
And, by Your woundedness, freedom declare.
Wounded God, I cast my care on You.
I take Your life to give me life anew.
I lean on You life's toilsome way along
And, by Your woundedness, I am made strong.
~~~~~
STORMS
(Inspired by a sermon on the storm on the lake)
Down from the mountain top into a storm,
Tempests of doubt, pain and fear -
Sent by the Lord fierce temptations to face,
We cannot feel Jesus near.
From great success sent to feel all alone,
Drowning in grief and despair
We may lose sight of our Saviour and Friend
Yet, in the storm He is there.
Jesus is praying our faith to sustain,
In all our suffering He shares.
He will not leave us to suffer alone.
All of our burdens He bears.
He's in control and will not let us down.
His gentle touch meets our need.
He will commission us His will to do.
He is the victor indeed.
Our eyes on Jesus, His power upholds.
Lord of the tempests is He.
He has a purpose in all storms of life.
With Him we know victory.
~~~~~
CALVARY
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
You embraced suffering
That I might know Your peace.
You embraced nakedness
That I might be clothed with You.
You embraced powerlessness
That I might know Your power in me.
Your embraced darkness
That I might know Your light.
You embraced aloneness
That I might know the joy of Your family.
You embraced thirst
That I might know Your living water.
You embraced death
That I might know eternal life.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
When I turn away You love me just the same.
When I speak words of hate You love me just the same.
When I hate myself You love me just the same
For You are my Father - my loving Father,
My caring Father, my accepting Father,
My welcoming Father, my unchanging Father,
My Father, Who gave His Son for me.
My reaching out Father. my Father in Whom I am complete;
I am whole; I am saved;
I am healed; I am loved.
~~~~~
HOPE
We have a gift of hope from God,
Hope for a home ahead;
Assurance that Christ has prepared
And we go where He led.
The lights of home are beckoning,
We know our Lord awaits,
And realms of joy and peace we'll share
Beyond the pearly gates.
We have a gift of hope from God,
Within this world of pain.
We know that storms and tears will pass,
The sun will shine again.
We know that Christ is with us still
And in our pain will share.
We know He will sustain and keep
With grace beyond compare.
We have a gift of hope from God,
On this hope we rely.
Christ is our hope, our certainty,
Our Saviour from on high.
We wait in patience, trusting Him
Although we cannot see,
And so this vale of grief and tears
We tread rejoicingly.
~~~~~
FEELINGS OR FACT?
It is a fact – I am forgiven,
All my sin on Jesus laid.
Christ is risen and ascended,
Peace with God for ever made.
By faith I may know I’m worthy,
Made complete in Christ the Son.
By faith I may claim His promise.
I shall hear His great ‘Well done’.
Feelings often would deceive me,
Pull me down, fill me with doubt.
I may feel God cannot love me
And I am by Him cast out.
Yet the facts remain unchanging –
Christ, on Whom our faith depends.
He is true, my feelings liars.
His is love which never ends.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM ELIJAH
After the mountain top, down in the valley
Satan would tempt us, our courage destroy,
Bringing in doubt and the fear of the future –
In comes the darkness and gone is our joy.
Out in the desert the tempter is waiting,
Causing our feelings and fears to control,
Bringing depression, anxiety, torment,
Bringing disquiet in body and soul.
Yet God provides rest, refreshment and water.
He provides food for the journey ahead.
If we will let Him, our Lord will refresh us.
He gives us rest and by Him we are fed.
His food sustains us as we travel onwards.
His word comes to us our faith to renew.
He has His church, and it ever is growing –
His faithful people, called His work to do.
Not in the wind, in the earthquake or fire,
But in a whisper God speaks His own word.
He has a task, a commission to serve Him.
He has a plan, and His power He’ll afford.
~~~~~
FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ILL
Called aside from life’s mad race;
Called to move just at God’s pace;
Called to rest within His hands, T
rusting in His faithful plans.
Called to “be” and not to “do,”
Yet to know God still loves you;
To relax - He’ll take the strain;
Through this time He will sustain.
When assailed by doubt and fear
God has said He’s always near.
He supplies strength day by day
Like the manna on the way.
As your strength begins to grow,
May you God’s own wisdom know;
Feel the comfort of His care -
Love supporting, love to share.
May Christ make you fully whole,
Touching body, spirit, soul.
May you know His power within -
Christ, Who conquered death and sin
May you know we love you, too,
By our prayers and what we do;
One great fellowship of love,
Fired, inspired by God above.
Ann S Clifton
There, at the end of our tether, we meet Him.
When our resources just dwindle and fail
We meet our Saviour, our Lord and Sustainer
And in His power we know we’ll prevail.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM HABAKKUK
Sure-footed as a deer
Upon the mountain steep
The Lord will make His own,
And He will safely keep.
This is His promise, firm and sure,
Of love that ever will endure.
Familiar things may fail,
The going may be rough –
Oppression, trials, sin –
Life is so very tough.
Sometimes the wait seems hard and long.
I trust in You and I am strong.
The Father has a plan
We cannot understand,
But all the powers of earth
Are in His mighty hand.
Things may get worse, but God is King
And through deep trials life will bring.
In patience I must wait
And I must watch and pray.
I cannot “do”, just “be”
Until the coming day
When His great power will be shown,
His loving plan will be made known.
Give me the grace to wait,
In faith depend on You,
Relying on Your power,
Your grace to see me through.
All that You’ve done I’ll call to mind
And trust the plan You have designed.
In You I will rejoice
Through hard times as through good,
And trust Your mighty plan,
Although not understood.
Some questions may unanswered stay,
But You are faithful all the way.
~~~~~
TESTING
Sometimes You test me, Lord -
But gold is tested, too
In the refiners fire
That his face may show through.
Help me to hold fast to Your word
And trust in You, my faithful Lord.
Sometimes You shake things, Lord,
And I begin to fear,
But Your great work remains,
Your promises are clear.
Help me to trust, though I can't see
And know You always true will be.
Sometimes strong winds may blow
Against my slender tree.
They help me put down roots
That stronger I may be.
Make me deeply rooted in You,
Strengthened to prove Your grace anew.
~~~~~
ROMANS 8
With great anticipation creation waits for You
To come in power and splendour and make all things anew.
Although we are unworthy we are of priceless worth –
It was for our salvation the Saviour came to earth.
There is no condemnation – in You we are made free,
And in our human weakness You come, our strength to be.
Our sin and death and darkness You bore upon the tree,
And You are working in us that we may be like Thee.
In Your own time You’re working, transforming to Your plan,
And You will bring perfection – complete what You began.
Our groaning will be over, there will be no more sin
And we shall be like Jesus, bearing His life within.
Before our birth You chose us – before the world was made,
And in Your love and mercy we need not be afraid.
Nothing can be against us when You are on our side
And we can stand with boldness since You in us abide.
You took our sin on Calvary our freedom to declare.
Your boundless love led Jesus our punishment to bear.
That we might know forgiveness You rose, and live above.
Nothing can separate us from Your unending love.
In You we’re more than conquerors – nothing can overcome
The life You put within us – no power can consume.
Sin has no claim upon us. In You we’re free and whole.
For now and all the future we’re safe – You’re in control
~~~~~
OUR VALUE
Christmas proclaims our value – The Saviour came to earth.
To save the unimportant He came, of humble birth.
Because God counts us precious the Saviour came to die
That we might know forgiveness and reign with Him on high.
God makes His holy temple our human bodies here.
He bids us come with boldness and worship without fear.
He calls us His own children – His love is full and free.
He makes us pure and holy, His dwelling place to be.
Christmas proclaims our value – It was for us He came.
However weak and sinful He loves us just the same.
In Him is full salvation, cleansing from all our sin.
In Him is strength for living – the Spirit’s power within.
~~~~~
THE FUTURE
The future is unknown – Lord, take my hand
And lead me safely as Your love has planned.
With You as Guide, Protector on life’s way
I can be safe, so ever with me stay.
The future may be dark – Lord, be my Light.
Illuminate and chase away the night.
And when the shadows come You will be there,
And in all sorrow and all pain You share.
The future is a challenge – by Your power
Alone can I fulfil Your will each hour.
So, Holy Spirit, come, my whole life fill
And keep me faithful to Your holy will.
The future is unknown – You have a plan
To share Your word, your love for every man;
To tell of Your salvation, seek the lost –
So help me serve and not to count the cost.
The future is unknown to me – not You.
Your plans of love will see me safely through.
Whatever it may hold, with You I go.
Lord, may my life Your own compassion show.
~~~~~
WHEN I CAN’T FEEL YOU
When I can’t feel You, yet You are still there.
When I can’t understand, my pain You share.
When doubts oppress and I feel faith is gone
Yet You still love me, Christ, the Faithful One.
When I am fearful, yet You’re still the same.
When I feel powerless, there’s power in Your name.
When all is shaken, You stable remain.
When I fail You, You forgive me again.
Help me to trust, even though I can’t see –
When all my feelings and faith desert me.
You are unchanging – You’re always my Friend
And You will keep me till my journey’s end.
~~~~~
THE HARD TIMES
It’s not an easy road – things may be hard
As we will follow on the Christian way,
But Christ is with us, sharing in our pain,
Our joys and sorrows – with us every day.
He is our strength when we are feeling weak,
And in the darkness He will be our light.
He is our comforter when we are sad.
He is our guide as we pass through earth’s night.
On Him we cast our care – He cares for us
And He will give us strength to carry on.
And He will lead us safely to our home
Until at last we hear His great “Well done!”
~~~~~
I EMBRACE CHRIST
I embrace life -
Life in all its uncertainty.
Life in all its unpredictability.
Life in all its perplexity.
I embrace life -
I embrace life -
Life with all its suffering.
Life with all its pain.
Life with all its problems.
I embrace life.
I embrace life -
Life in all its potential.
Life in all its wonder.
Life in all its gifts.
I embrace life.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, the source of being.
Christ, the source of comfort.
Christ, the source of healing.
I embrace Christ.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, my guide, my pathway.
Christ, my Rock unchanging,
Christ, Who never leaves me.
I embrace Christ.
And in embracing Him I embrace life -
Life in all its fullness.
~~~~~
YOU CALLED YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME
You called Your child to overcome
And so the trials came
To prove Your faithfulness to me
And my faith in Your name.
You called Your child to overcome
And harder the winds blew
Making my roots go deep in You,
The faithful, strong and true.
You called Your child to overcome
And sent a raging flood
Washing away the rocks and dirt
And making room for God.
You called Your child to overcome,
You put Your life in me -
Your Spirit deep within my heart
To set my spirit free.
You called Your child to overcome -
Your promises You gave
Of power to overcome on earth -
Glory beyond the grave.
~~~~~
THE WIND
The wind is blowing, shaking up
The things that we hold dear,
Tearing and breaking, till our hearts
Are filled with doubt and fear.
And yet these winds are sent from God
To cleanse and purify,
To send our roots down deep in Him,
To cause the flesh to die.
To blow away the dross and froth,
To make us clean and bare,
Prepared for His infilling power
His glory here to share.
Welcome the wind, welcome the trials
For in them God is known
That we might be made fit for Him -
His life in us be shown.
~~~~~
LORD, FIX MY EYES ON YOU
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
In You alone I'm strong,
Not in what man may think of me
For I to You belong.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Upon Your holy word
For there I learn more of my God,
My Saviour and my Lord.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Not on problems and fear
For You are Lord of everything
And You are always near.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
For You are in control
And as I trust my all to You
I can be free and whole.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Each moment of each day.
No more shall stress rule over me -
You are my strength and stay.
~~~~~
LOOK INTO MY EYES
Look into My eyes, then you'll realise
My great love for you - love that's ever true.
More than human love of mother for her child.
Take My perfect love, pure and undefiled.
Look into My face, realise My grace.
Feel My tender heart. Be of Me a part.
Do not turn away, but even if you stray
I am always there and your pain I share.
Spend your time with Me. I will set you free.
Feed upon My word. Worship Me, your Lord.
Make for Me a space in life's hectic race
And My strength I'll give - make you fully live.
~~~~~
DARKNESS
When the darkness you are facing
Seems unending, stifling hope,
Lean on Me each passing moment,
I will give the strength to cope.
Know the blackness that surrounds you
Is a tunnel, not a cave,
And when all around seems hopeless
I am with you still to save.
When My face seems very distant,
When your dreams and hopes have died,
Know that I have not forsaken -
I am always by your side.
When the future is uncertain
And you feel just doubt and fear,
When you have no peaceful feelings
I still love you, do not fear.
Through the trials I work patience,
Shaking winds make you grow strong,
Sending roots down deep in Jesus
Though the road seems hard and long.
One day you shall share My glory
As you share My comfort here.
Till that time, trust My sustaining,
Ever present, ever near.
~~~~~
SPIRIT OF GOD
Spirit of God, casting out fear,
In deepest darkness still You are near,
Giving assurance, setting me free,
Bringing Your peace and Your comfort to me.
Spirit of God, cleansing all sin,
All guilt and shame, then You put Your life in,
Taking away all the things of the past,
Bringing forgiveness and joy that will last.
Spirit of God, source of all life,
You move within me to quell all my strife,
Then You embrace me in Your arms of love,
Bringing Your comfort and life from above.
~~~~~
I AM IN CONTROL
Cast your burdens on to Me,
I alone can set you free.
I know every circumstance;
Nothing can occur by chance.
Fear not, I am in control
And I long to make you whole.
Leave your problems in My hands;
Rest secure within My plans.
All your future I'll not leave.
Do not fear, only believe.
Through the darkness and the night
I will bring you to the light.
Trust in Me and do not fear.
I, your God, am always near.
You are ever in My heart
And I never will depart.
In My strength then daily go.
In My knowledge daily grow,
Casting every care on Me.
I am God eternally.
~~~~~
RELAX
Relax within the presence of the King.
Rest in His love, He will His healing bring.
The words which He has said, He will fulfil
As you will wait before Him, calm and still.
Relax and let the Saviour have His way.
Let go the cares, the tensions of the day.
His peace, his love envelop all your soul
And in His presence you will be made whole.
Relax and let the Spirit flow on through,
Cleansing, empowering, giving life anew.
His purifying fire burns within
Giving new passion for those lost in sin.
Relax in God, the mighty Three in One,
For when He speaks the deed is surely done.
In His own time His healing will be shown,
The glory of the risen Christ be known.
~~~~~
I WAS WITH YOU
I was with you long ago when you felt alone.
I was right beside you there, though I was not known.
Though you could not understand, I then shared your pain
And I long to lift you up, bringing life again.
I was with you there at school in the gym and games.
I was with you when the boys laughed and called you naems.
I was with you when you failed - felt you let Me down
And I purpose in your life that My power be shown.
I am with you day by day and I love you so.
I am with you on life's path as you forward go.
And whate'eer the future holds I will never fail.
Trust in Me, receive My power and you will prevail.
~~~~~
YOUR GLORY
Your glory is here surrounding us now.
Your Spirit is present to heal.
Your grace like a river floods over our hearts
As You long all Your power to reveal.
The weight of Your glory descends upon us -
You cause us to rest and be still.
The wounds of deep pain are healed by Your word
As our hearts and our spirits You fill.
~~~~~
MY WORD
My word brings freedom from the cage
Surrounding you today.
My word brings hope and full release
And guidance on the way.
The bars of disillusionment,
Of doubt, oppression, fear
Must break before My powerful word
When I, the Lord, draw near.
So do not fear to speak My word,
Which I give you to share
For I will pour out from My heart
Wisdom beyond compare.
My Spirit comes to you to guide,
Embolden and make real;
To bring My joy in worship here,
My glory to reveal.
My Spirit comes to you to share
This wine which makes you glad,
To reach the hungry, hurting ones,
The lost, despairing, sad.
My Spirit comes to lead you on
As you let Him control,
To use you as His channel here
To make a lost world whole.
~~~~~
.
I AM WITH YOU
I'll let you know you walk with Me, My peace to you I give.
All condemnation will be gone as I your sins forgive.
I put My peace within your heart to guard you day by day,
Surrounding you as you proceed along the pilgrim way.
My purity you too may know as I break Satan's power,
For you have died to sin in Me - I live in you each hour.
My spirit leads you into prayer to Me, your Father dear.
You speak to Me your needs and cares - I speak and you will hear.
My sufferings My children share, but I am with you still.
I give you strength to overcome and prove My perfect will.
I'll show to you My view of life from way above all things
That you may have assurance clear which My perspective brings.
I'll give you grace to persevere although the road is long.
The devil cannot hold you down since you to Christ belong.
I give to you My purpose clear to work out My own plan,
To do My will, to walk My ways prepared e'er time began.
My power I have given you that you may overcome,
Borne up by My great love alone bestowed in Christ, My Son.
On eagles’ wings you’ll rise again,
My dear, beloved one.
~~~~~
LOVE
Love is the hammer that breaks down the walls -
All the fear and the hurt that divide.
Love is the power to tear kingdoms down
And bring men to Jesus' side.
Love is the key that can open the hearts
By hurt and deep wounding fast barred.
Love is the power to bring full release
To hearts that are stony and hard.
Love is the channel to bring you back home,
Though you have wandered away.
Love is the power which turns you around,
Bringing you back to My way.
Love is Myself, in My glory revealed -
Love shown in Jesus, My Son.
Love is the power to bring glory down.
And My love the victory has won.
~~~~~
WITH ALL OF MY BEING
(St. Denio)
With all of my being I praise You O Lord
For I am redeemed and made whole by Your word
I lift up my voice as I praise your great Name
For You are all-glorious, for ever the same.
My spirit You raise as I kneel by Your throne.
Your peace floods my being, You call me Your own.
The whole of my body cries out to Your praise
Be Lord of each moment, be Lord of my days.
Your bounty You pour on my body and soul.
I thank You for saving and making me whole.
I join with the glorious throng up above
In praising Your boundless and fathomless love.
In worship You meet me and work out Your will.
With Your Holy Spirit my heart now You fill.
I come to Your presence and there I would live
And in Your great mercy Your glory You give.
~~~~~
THE ROCK-DOVE
The Spirit as a rock-dove,
The wilderness His home
Came down into the darkness
And made His presence known.
He found the deepest darkness,
The barren wilderness
And there He chose to settle,
The shadow lands to bless.
From there new life and freedom
By Spirit came to birth -
New fruitfulness and beauty
To populate the earth.
He turned the dust to roses,
Brought new life out of death.
He gave me a new purpose
By His creative breath.
Returning from the desert
I was empowered to bring
His life and hope to others
To glorify the King
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
REALISATION OF LOVE
You loved the world, the Bible said,
And that included me
And if I gave my life to You,
My Saviour You would be.
You loved my spirit, and You chose
To claim me as Your own,
To come into my human life
And make my heart Your throne.
You loved my soul - me as I was,
Not just as I could be.
You longed to heal my wounded heart
And set me fully free.
You loved my body, which You made,
Though marred in human eyes.
You do not look for perfect form
In features or in size.
And as Your love flowed into me
Then I learned how to love.
I realised my worth to You
That brought You from above.
Self-hatred turned to care for that
Which You in love had made.
For I am perfect in Your eyes
And face You unafraid.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE A CALLING
You have a calling on your life
To follow Christ the King,
To own His lordship, do His will
His life to others bring.
You have a story of God's love,
What Christ has done for you,
How He has come to dwell within
And given life anew.
So do not be ashamed to share,
For others need Him too,
By words and actions witnessing
That His love may shine through.
Just grasp the opportunity
To speak of what He's done
And He will give the strength and grace -
He is the Mighty One.
~~~~~
METAMORPHOSIS
You're My child of perfect beauty,
Chosen before time began;
Cleansed, made pure, robed in white garments
To fulfil My special plan.
I have set My love upon you -
Love for spirit, body, soul.
I have put My life within you,
I will surely make you whole.
My own radiance beautifies you,
Even when you cannot see.
My great power I put inside you
That you may be free to be.
I bring light into the darkness,
Into chaos I speak peace.
I will turn your tears to gladness,
From all bondage bring release.
Like a chrysalis, unfolding
To reveal the butterfly
Your life will know transformation,
Strengthened by your Lord on high.
Like a seed, sown in the darkness,
Sprouting up towards the light
You shall blossom, you shall flourish,
Raised up by My powerful might.
Beauty, wisdom, grace I give you -
Precious child, I love you so.
As you lean upon Me wholly
All My glory you shall know.
Strength I give you for your weakness,
Hope I give you for despair.
I have chosen and redeemed you
And I see you whole and fair.
~~~~~
I NEED TO WORSHIP YOU
I need to worship You - I am so busy, Lord,
Yet in the rush of life, You Lord alone afford
A source of strength, comfort and peace,
And from all tension bring release.
I need to worship You - amid the haste and noise,
The stress and strain which comes, and peace and joy destroys.
I must take time to be with You,
For from Your throne flows life anew.
I need to worship You - for there You meet with me.
As I bow at Your feet You set my spirit free
That I may mount on eagles' wings,
Knowing the strength Your Spirit brings.
I long to worship You - You are my heart's desire.
You make me like Yourself by Your refining fire.
I need to worship You each day
To know your grace along life's way.
~~~~~
WASH ME
Wash me, dear Lord.
The cares of life have weighed me down.
The fears that come possess my heart and mind.
I cannot see,
But You are in control and you are Lord
And in the darkness You are there.
You will not leave
And I am always in Your hands
And You caress me with Your love.
Grant me Your peace
And calm the anxious seething of my mind.
Dispel the darkness, fill me with Your light.
Cleanse me, dear Lord.
~~~~~
YOU WILL BE THERE
You do not say darkness won't come
But promise to be there.
You walk the barren path with us -
Our pains and grief You share.
Though we may not feel You near
We know you'll never leave
For You are faithful to Your word
And help us to believe.
You strengthen us to follow You
We claim Your power each day
To go on walking in Your paths
Along life's pilgrim way.
You give Your grace, Your cleansing power
As we depend on You;
Relying on Your strength alone
We find our life anew.
~~~~~
RESUSCITATE THE FIRE
Resuscitate the fire, Lord,
The hope now burning low,
My faltering trust in You, Lord -
Let me Your healing know.
Remove the dust and ashes
And blow upon the flame
By Your all-powerful Spirit
To glorify Your name.
Grant me new perseverance
To press towards the goal,
The prize by Jesus promised,
Freedom of heart and soul,
True wholeness in Your presence,
Courage while here below;
And may I be Your channel
Your glory here to show.
~~~~~
I DO NOT NEED TO UNDERSTAND
I do not need to understand the path that lies ahead.
I simply need to trust the Lord Who all the way has led.
I do not need to understand or ask the reason why
But claim the strength and power to live Christ offers from on high.
I do not need to understand, I do not need to see,
For all is in the hand of Him Who caused the worlds to be.
I know that God is in control and will work out His plan
Purposed in Christ the Mighty One long before time began.
One day I'll fully understand before the Saviour's throne
And one day I shall fully know as I am fully known.
Till then I put my trust in Christ, the Faithful, Strong and True,
And claim the grace He gives to me, knowing He'll see me through.
~~~~~
GREATER
Greater is He who lives in me than he who's in the world;
Greater by far God's mighty power Whose banner is unfurled.
Greater by far His strength and might, though Satan presses in,
For Jesus' death has overcome and conquered death and sin.
Greater is Christ Who lives within and has made me His own.
He puts his life within my heart and makes his glory known.
He will uphold when troubles come, and never, never leave;
Through fire and flood He will sustain - I just have to believe.
Greater is He, the risen One, with power to set free.
He comes to cleanse and purify, then put His life in me.
He makes all His resources mine, His strength to me He gives
That I may go out in His Name and prove that Jesus lives.
~~~~~
THE ROCK
This was based on a picture of myself as a tomato under pressure and about to split. The tomato was then replaced by a stone, and the words "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
Who is bearing the pressure?
I am the Rock - I live in you, My strength is made your own.
I am all-powerful, I sustain and make My glory known.
If you will just depend on Me and of My power share
You'll find I make your burden light which once you could not bear.
Nothing against Me can prevail - no power in earth or hell,
For by My death I overcame and rose, that you might tell
That I have power to uphold, to keep you all life through,
That you might soar on eagles' wings, knowing My strength anew.
So do not fear, though you are frail - the power is Mine alone
And as you will depend on Me My power will be shown.
Cast all your cares and fears on Me and I will set you free.
I am the Rock, I am your strength and life eternally.
~~~~~
AT YOUR PACE
Lord, help me to slow down amid the haste,
The rush of life as time is passing by.
The rhythm of Your heart help me perceive,
And Your perspective from the realms on high.
Not always to the swiftest is the race
But those who run according to Your will,
Those who take time to listen to Your voice
And in Your presence learn how to be still.
Lord, help me move according to Your pace,
Not running on in human strength alone,
But realising the power to live each day
Is only found by kneeling at Your throne.
~~~~~
I KNOW YOU
My child, I know your shame
And I can wash you clean.
I can heal your heart
And make you whole again.
Broken, shattered lives
My power can restore.
I can make you whole
And My strength is sure.
I can take your past
And give life anew
I can be your strength
All life's journey through.
Open up your heart ‑
!I'll teach you to love,
Heal your broken life,
Give peace from above
~~~~~
GIVE ME THE KEYS
Give Me the keys to every room
That you would want to hide,
Where darkness and confusion reign
And fear and pain reside.
The room in which you cry alone
Uncomforted in pain;
The rooms which hide your guilt and shame,
The deepest hidden stain.
Give Me the keys, My light will shine
And chase away all gloom.
My Spirit cleanses, beautifies
And sanctifies each room.
~~~~~
RECEIVE MY LOVE
My child, reach out, receive My love ‑
You are My own design.
I gave you life, caused you to be;
I love you ‑ you are Mine.
Not broken and imperfect, marred,
But made to be My own,
Made to display My special grace
And make your Saviour known.
Though you are weak, My hand is strong.
My life I've put in you.
I will make whole, cleanse and redeem
That My light might shine through.
You are My child, of special worth,
Created in My plan.
You are beloved, pure and fair,
Mine ere your life began.
Though you may fail, I love you still
And I will never leave.
All that I have I give to you
If you will but receive.
~~~~~
ALL THE RESOURCES OF HEAVEN
All the resources of heaven are yours,
Poured out on those that I love.
If you depend on Me, trust in My word,
I will give strength from above.
I will give sight and My purpose reveal,
You shall see into My plan.
I give My words, bringing healing and light,
Give you love for your fellow‑man.
I will give wisdom ‑ man's wisdom is vain.
I will give gladness and peace.
If you are bound in defeat and despair
In Me alone is release.
~~~~~
CHOSEN
I have CHOSEN you, My dear one
And I know you through and through,
Yet I still see you as precious ‑
I will work My plans in you.
You are not a reject, useless,
You are made to My design.
You are not unwanted, hopeless,
I have called you ‑ you are MINE.
All the past My love can conquer;
I can change you deep within,
Take away the pain and sadness,
Put My joy and freedom in.
I have CHOSEN you in weakness
That My strength you should display.
I have put My Spirit in you,
Given you grace to walk My way.
I am working daily in you,
Perfecting My glorious plan
For you are My own beloved,
CHOSEN before time began.
~~~~~
GOD'S LOVE INCLUDES YOU
God's love includes YOU, precious child
Though you feel guilt and shame.
His love for you will never end,
His grace remains the same.
He knows your sin ‑ He bore it all
When on the cross He died.
He rose again and by His power
Declares YOU justified.
God's love includes YOU, broken one,
Though you may hide away
He'll find you, hold you in His arms
And words of comfort say.
There is no place His love can't reach,
No part His power can't heal.
He comes to give His life to you
And make His presence real.
God's love includes YOU ‑ even you;
He sees you pure and fair,
Destined before the world began
His image here to bear.
His love can cleanse, redeem, restore
And make you fully whole.
The riches of His glorious grace
He'll pour into your soul.
~~~~~
THROUGH GOD'S EYES
You see yourself as rich and strong,
I see you poor and weak,
Relying on your strength alone,
My face you do not seek.
You can do nothing without Me,
Man's strength alone is vain
But in Me all My wealth is yours
And all My power you gain.
You see yourself as weak and frail,
I see you strong in Me.
You think that you can only fail
But your success I see.
You think that you are evil, bad,
But I died for your sin.
I see you robed in righteousness,
Made pure and clean within.
You see yourself broken within,
But I see you as whole,
For you are made complete in Me
In spirit and in soul.
You see yourself as on your own
But I see you in Me
Redeemed, fulfilled, filled with My love,
Walking in liberty
~~~~~.
REMOVE THE BARS
Tear down the walls, remove the bars
You've built around your soul.
You've put them there to keep out harm ‑
They stop you being whole.
They barricade you from My love
And from your fellow‑men.
They hold you back from reaching Me,
So take them down again.
I want you free, I want you whole,
No more bound and confined,
To live your life free as a bird,
As I, your Lord, designed.
So do not fear to venture out,
You venture out with Me
And as you put your hand in Mine
You taste true liberty
~~~~~.
MY WORK OF ART
You are My poem, My work of art,
First conceived within My heart
Long before the world began,
Chosen to fulfil My plan.
You are beautiful to Me,
Sanctified, redeemed, set free.
Lift your head, don't be ashamed,
In the Saviour you are named.
Not your spirit, child, alone
Do I love and call My own,
But your body, I declare,
Before Me is pure and fair.
As you are I love you still,
With My grace your life I'll fill.
Let your body glorify
My great name and lift it high.
You are Mine in all your ways,
Destined to show forth My praise,
Body, mind, spirit and soul
By My Spirit pure and whole.
~~~~~
TEACH ME
Teach me to know Your love, O Lord,
So limitless and free.
Teach me to know that this great love
Has planned the path for me.
Teach me to trust in You, dear Lord,
To lean on You each day.
I need not fear what lies ahead;
You are my strength and stay.
May I be confident in You,
Knowing Your power in me.
When I am weak You are my strength;
You save eternally.
~~~~~
COMPLETE WHAT YOU BEGAN
Lord, complete what You began, working deep within.
Bring Your wholeness to my life, cleanse me from all sin.
May Your peace reign in my heart, may I daily know
More of You, Your power and love; Your free grace bestow.
Teach me, Lord, to trust in You, trust Your perfect plan
For my life, laid down in love long before time began.
!You put me in Your body here ‑ work out Your will in me.
Lord, take my hands, Lord, take my all to set the captives free.
~~~~~
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS
I will not fear, my times are in Your hand
And all my ways in love by You are planned.
Though chaos reigns and all around gives way
The river of Your peace still flows today.
You bring Your life, protect when foes assail,
Bringing deliverance, strength that cannot fail.
You bring Your peace and bid our striving cease,
For in Your stillness we can find release.
You are the Lord, and we acknowledge You
The sovereign God Who can make all things new.
We must be still, rest in Your love alone ‑
'I Am', Jehovah, through the ages known.
We rest on You, defender, Saviour, king,
Ceasing from restless work, that You may bring
The answer, where our human deeds are vain.
The Lord of all for ever You remain
~~~~~.
TRANSFORMATION
You reached out in transforming power
And touched the outcast one,
Bringing Your wholeness, life and power,
Your mighty work was done.
You reached in with transforming power
And took away my sin.
You healed the hurts that filled my soul
And put Your life within.
~~~~~
OIL
Holy Spirit, precious oil
Poured upon me from above,
Consecrate me to the Lord,
Set my soul ablaze with love.
Holy Spirit, healing oil,
Touching body, spirit, soul,
Purge away all sin and fear,
Make me clean and make me whole.
Oil of gladness, freely poured,
Make my heart in God rejoice.
Teach me how to praise the Lord
With my spirit, heart and voice.
Oil of God, anoint me now
For Your service where You send,
Knowing You will never fail
And Your power has no end.
~~~~~
YOU MAKE MY HEART REJOICE
Lord, You make my heart rejoice.
I praise You for all You've done,
Bringing freedom, life and power,
Bringing healing through Your Son.
Lord, I long to live for You,
Radiate Your life and love,
Bring Your healing, grace and joy,
Bring Your wholeness from above.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE ANOINTED ME
Lord, You have anointed me with Your Spirit free,
Consecrated me to You, called me Yours to be.
Given me a task to do where Your love has planned
And, whate'er the future holds, I am in Your hand.
Lord, You have anointed me with the oil of joy,
Given me a peace within nothing can destroy;
Given gladness for my woe, healing for my pain
And I know that Your great love constant will remain.
Lord, You have anointed me, chosen me below
And commissioned me to share of the love You show;
Comforting from what You give, bringing joy and peace
And, since You have set me free, bringing Your release.
~~~~~
LIKE AN EAGLE
You made me to soar like an eagle,
Designed me to rise and be free,
Borne up by Your Spirit of power,
Created to know liberty.
Exchanging my strength like an eagle,
You give me the power to live.
You take all my rubbish and weakness
And Your life and power You give.
If I will but hope in You, Saviour
Commit all my burdens to You,
I'll soar up on wings like an eagle,
Through Your Holy Spirit made new.
~~~~~
YOUR PEACE
Your peace is a garrison, guarding my heart,
Though Satan's hosts may surround.
Your peace gives me power to conquer each foe,
For victory in You, Lord, is found.
Your peace is a power beyond all man's own,
Far more than our minds comprehend,
For it flows from the throne of the Father in heaven
And it never will come to an end.
Your peace is made mine as I look upon You.
In Your presence I find full release.
For You give me Your life and Your Spirit within,
And You are the God of all peace
~~~~~.
DESPERATION
Lord, in my desperation I come to You today.
You are the source of wisdom ‑ I need to know Your way.
Grant me the grace to listen, Your holy will to do,
Obedient to Your bidding, that Your power may flow through.
You care for me each moment, each part of life You share.
You come into the shadows and shed Your radiance there.
Into my anxious turmoil none but You can bring peace.
Where snares of earth would trap me, You, Lord, can bring release.
I give to You my burdens, the loads I cannot bear.
I place them in Your hands, Lord, and I would leave them there.
I come into Your presence, look up into Your face
And go forth in Your freedom, strengthened by Your own grace.
~~~~~
SEEK ME FIRST
In all your ways acknowledge Me,
My ways I shall make plain.
Cast all your load of care on Me,
Let go the stress and strain.
If you will own Me Lord of all,
My guidance you shall know.
My wisdom I will give to you
My grace and power bestow.
Seek first My kingdom and My will,
In righteousness to live
And I will guide you all your days
And needed strength will give.
My strength is given to the weak
Who will depend on Me
And as they in obedience walk
Then I will set them free.
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
I KNOW
I know where you're coming from
I know where you're coming from
And I too have been there.
I have known the wilderness,
The valley of despair
I have known Gethsemane,
Forsaken and alone,
Plumbing depths of sorrow deep
No human heart has known.
I have known rejection deep
By all whom I held dear.
I was cut off from God Himself
That you might be brought near.
I have known defilement vile,
For I bore human sin.
I gave My life upon the cross
To give you life within.
I will not condemn one soul
Who turns their eyes to Me,
However hesitant their faith
My power can set them free.
Every one is dear to Me,
Precious in My sight,
And I long to make them whole,
Bringing joy and light.
Do not fear, just trust in Me -
I love you, you are Mine.
In My hands you shall be safe.
On My breast recline.
Cast Your burdens on to Me -
All your load I'll bear.
I know where you're coming from -
I, too, have been there.
~~~~~
CLEANSED
You feel unclean, stained by your sin,
Unworthy of My care.
You feel the things that you have done
Must cause you to despair.
I bore your sin on Calvary
That you could be made clean,
As white as snow before My eyes
Where once dark stains had been.
The sins of others stain your soul -
Abuse, rejection, fear.
They separate you from My joy,
Keep you from drawing near.
I bore these, too, upon the cross -
I washed them all away
That you might be holy and pure
And know My glorious day.
You feel that you have sinned AGAIN
And I will not forgive.
You feel a failure, weak and frail -
How can I in you live?
My blood still cleanses EVERY sin,
No vestige shall remain.
I will remember them no more;
Pure whiteness you regain.
Accept My cleansing, healing love,
Let Me wash you each day.
You shall be free and you may go
Rejoicing on life's way.
~~~~~
THE QUESTION OF PAIN
No answer to the question of human pain is found
Within this fallen, broken world where sin and hurt abound.
Yet Christ knew human sorrow, forsaken on the cross,
He knew humiliation, He knew despair and loss.
He understands our anger, our rage at human pain;
He understands the darkness, but sheds his love again.
He shared our human nature, with us identifies
And He will never leave us but hear our feeble cries.
And in our place of darkness the Saviour still is there
Giving us strength to bear it, knowing that He can share.
Even though we can't feel Him, He will not leave or fail;
His life He puts within us, knowing that we are frail.
Through darkness He leads onwards, enriching, making new.
Even though we may doubt Him, He still will bring us through
Until with Him in glory, all pain for ever gone
Our questions will be needless as we behold the Son.
~~~~~
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Light of all the world, You came
To shed your light abroad;
To cause us to reflect Your life
That hope might be restored;
To show us every trace of sin
That we must bring to You;
To make our pathway safe and sure;
To give us life anew.
You fill us with Your mighty power -
Your Spirit lives within,
And in our weakness we can know
Your grace and power poured in.
Only in You can we be strong -
For human strength is vain.
By prayer we may draw from Your life
Amid earth's stress and strain.
Though buffeted on every side
By troubles that we face,
Although we cannot understand
We trust to Your free grace.
When persecuted for Your sake
You are our faithful Friend
And You will never leave our side
But keep us to the end.
Though we may not be in control,
Our life by You is planned
To make us channels of Your grace
As we rest in Your hand.
~~~~~
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND
Lord, I cannot understand
The ways You say in love are planned,
The darkness that comes over me,
The times when no end I can see.
Lord, all things are in Your care
For you are sovereign, always there.
You have not left Your world alone
But You are watching from Your throne,
You are with us in our pain;
You are there through storm and rain.
When no comfort we can feel
You are with us still to heal.
In our trials we can turn
To You, Lord, and of You learn.
If from You we turn away
Who can be our strength and stay.
Suffering One, we look to You;
Pain and trials for us You knew.
Help us see things through Your eyes
And Your glory recognise.
All our grief to You we give,
Claim from You the strength to live.
From the evil You can bring
Good, and glorify the King
~~~~~.
I AM WITH YOU
When you're walking in the darkness and no light ahead you see,
When you cannot feel or hear Me I am with you - trust in Me.
I know all your human weakness and I share your grief and pain.
I will bring you through the tunnel into light and joy again.
When the path ahead seems endless and your strength and faith would fail,
I have put My Spirit in you and He surely will prevail.
Though at times you feel forsaken I still firmly hold your hand.
You are precious and I love you - all your pain I understand.
One day you shall share My glory and you will be fully whole,
Filled with joy, enjoying freedom, perfect peace within your soul.
Take My hand, I'll lead you onward to your glorious home above.
Till that time I'm with you always - simply rest in My great love.
~~~~~
YOU NEED ME
You thought that you could stand alone, and so I let you try
To teach you that you must depend on power from on high.
Your human strength is not enough - unaided you will fail,
But I have put My life in you, power which will prevail.
You need to feed upon My word, that I your spirit fill;
You need to put your trust in Me in good times and in ill.
You need to worship and take time to feel My tender care;
You need to cast worries and fears on Me in earnest prayer.
You cannot bear the load alone -you need a Helper true -
My Holy Spirit in your life, with you in all you do.
Give up your independence, child, and learn that you need Me;
For I alone can share the yoke and set you truly free.
Just as a child grows and learns, so with Me you may grow,
And as you spend more time with Me you shall My wisdom know.
So do not try to rush ahead, Your times are in My hand
And I will lead you safely on the path that I have planned.
I know the way - I AM THE WAY - on Me you can depend;
When human comfort fails and dies I am your faithful Friend.
Admit your need, receive My love, rely on Me each day
And I will prove My faithfulness - the Life, the Truth, the Way.
~~~~~
CHANGING TIMES - UNCHANGING GOD
Life with ever-quickening pace
Rushes on - a hectic race:
Faxes, e-mail, Internet -
Life is getting faster yet.
But our God unchanging stands
And our lives are in His hands
Rumours of war all around;
Pain and wickedness abound.
Men forget the One Who made
Earth and sky, and are afraid.
The unchanging God is He;
To the end He'll faithful be.
So much change - how can we cope?
Only in Christ is true hope.
In our trouble He is near;
He alone can calm our fear.
Changing times - unchanging God.
He'll protect us with His rod.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
I come in weakness to You, Lord,
Asking for strength from You.
I seek Your cleansing, healing power
To make my life anew.
All my confusion, Lord, I bring -
Your way I cannot see.
Reveal to me Your perfect will
And shed Your light in me.
Open my eyes to see Your face,
My ears to hear Your voice.
Speak out the word that sets me free
And bids my heart rejoice.
Grant me Your strength to carry on,
And fill me with Your peace,
For it is by Your grace alone
That I can find release.
Make me a channel of your love,
Your comfort here to share,
Giving out what you give to me
As I receive in prayer.
~~~
ENTRUSTMENT
What I have entrusted I'll give strength to bear.
You may leave your loved ones safe within My care.
I will give you wisdom, I will give My peace,
Give you strength and power, give My full release.
Cast on Me your burdens - let My hands uphold.
I will not forsake you - let My arms enfold.
It is in My presence that you will receive
Life and love and freedom if you will believe.
I'm your loving Father - you're My precious child.
Rest your head upon Me when life's storms are wild.
Into your confusion I will bring My calm.
On your pain and anguish I will shed My balm.
As you will be faithful I am faithful too.
I will keep My promise - I'll give strength anew.
As you wait before Me all My strength I'll give
And you'll go out boldly in My name to live.
~~~~~
PROBLEMS
Sometimes life's problems hem me in
And take away the peace You give.
Sometimes earth's stresses compass me
And it is hard just to believe.
Yet You uphold me when I fall
And hear my weak, despairing call.
Sometimes the pressures that I face
Seem to crowd in from every side.
It's hard to put my trust in You
And in Your presence to abide.
Yet You are reaching out to me
And long to set me truly free.
Sometimes I cannot feel You near;
My mind is filled with doubt and care;
Time is so short, demands so great,
Just squeezing out worship and prayer.
Yet in Your presence strength is found
And life and love and peace abound.
I will press on, though feelings fail -
In following You I'll persevere.
I'll place my problems in Your hands
And seek Your grace and wisdom here.
You promise You will see me through
And raise me up to life anew.
~~~~~
BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT
I left the splendour of heaven because you’re worth it.
I took on all the limitations of human life because you’re worth it.
I gave My life on the cross because you’re worth it.
I rose for your salvation because you’re worth it.
I intercede for you daily because you’re worth it.
Whatever your past - you’re worth it.
However great your sin - you’re worth it.
However unworthy you feel - you’re worth it.
However much you hate yourself - you’re worth it.
Whatever your age - you’re worth it.
Whatever your state of health - you’re worth it.
Whatever others may have done to you - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have done - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have thought - you’re worth it.
I love you. I have chosen you.
You’re Mine. You’re precious. You’re beautiful.
I clothe you in white. I clothe you in My righteousness.
I hold you in My arms. I sing My love song to you.
I caress you tenderly. You’re worth it.
~~~~~
HOPE - FOR THOSE WHO FEEL NO HOPE
Sometimes our hope is hidden –
We’re tempted to despair
As illness clouds our judgement,
Yet Jesus is still there.
Although we may not feel Him,
He’s with us day by day.
His promises won’t fail us.
He is our living Way.
God does not promise feelings
Of happiness and joy,
But still He lives within us –
His life naught can destroy.
His promise still is faithful,
And one day we shall see
A world renewed, made perfect,
From pain and suffering free.
Christ is our hope, our purpose
No matter how we feel.
His love remains unchanging.
His life in us is real.
~~~~~ Author's Notes:
In the UK we had a united churches initiative called 'Hope 2008.' It is good to share the Christian hope, but I think it is very important that we recognise that for a number of Christians, because of illness, hope is not something we feel all the time. I grew up on choruses such as 'I am HAPPY' and "I'm inright, outright, upright, downright happy all the time," and even as a child I knew that these just weren't true in my feelings - yet I knew I had a relationship with God that went beyond what I felt. This poem and the piece at the beginning are intended as an encouragement for those for whom the feeling of hope is a real struggle. Sometimes the Christian hope is presented as something we ‘feel’ all the time. It was reported that in one sermon the preacher said that “If everyone had hope in Christ, there would be no need for Prozac.” Would they also say there would be no need for insulin or cancer medications? Sadly, for many people, illness – depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia or other conditions, rob us of the feeling of hope – and Christians, too, can even suffer from suicidal temptations during their illness. This absence of feeling does not make us any less Christian, for our hope is in the faithfulness of God, who is the same whether we feel hope or despair. One day we will know a new heaven and a new earth, free from all the sickness, pain and sorrow which besets us in this fallen world, and our hope will be realised in sight.
WAITING
WAITING
(Thoughts after a prayer at Burrswood – 29/09/2007)
It’s hard to wait
When I have heard Your promise
“I shall smile.”
But when?
By Christmas?
Unlikely now.
It’s so easy to want patience
In a hurry!
Now!
And the red tape seems endless:
Waiting for appointments;
Waiting for the lab;
Waiting for tests;
Waiting …
“A thousand years is as one day”
To You, Who is outside of time.
But to me – IN time
A few months seem like eternity.
Lord, give me the grace
To wait with patience
For YOUR timing;
For Your wisdom;
For Your guidance;
To lay aside the frustration
Of secretaries;
Of voice-recognition phone systems
On a dental department!
Of travel and navigation.
Help me to wait
In the sure knowledge
That Your promise will be fulfilled
In Your time.
~~~~~ Author's Notes:
Written when I had been without front teeth since my first operation in January - waiting for the consultant in London to sort things out. Also waiting for a cardiology consultation
. These are a few poems, written over a period of years, which , I hope, may bring encouragement to us in the dark times of our lives and remind us how precious and special we are to God, however worthless and useless we may feel. Perhaps our particular suffering may be emotional or mental pain, physical pain, loneliness or bereavement, relationship breakdown or the stress of circumstances. Perhaps an end may be in sight, perhaps there may seem no end this side of glory. However, the Bible tells us we have a God Who suffers WITH us and supports us through all our suffering, whether we feel him near or not. We may say with the psalmist “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, hope thou in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Just as the sun has not ceased to exist when night falls on this land, we are enveloped in darkness and familiar landmarks disappear, so the Son has not ceased to exist because we are experiencing times of darkness, and light WILL come again.
In no way are these poems intended to provide any ‘pat answers’, for there are none, or to minimise the experience of suffering, which is all too real, but I hope they may just shed a ray of encouragement.
PRECIOUS AND HONOURED
(This poem was inspired by a talk based on words from Isaiah. However we feel we are PRECIOUS – valued by God, and HONOURED – displayed by Him as a person of value)
Precious, protected, held in My hand;
Lovingly guided in paths I have planned.
This is My purpose for you, My dear child;
I see you spotless, in Christ undefiled.
My love is constant, unbounded My grace;
Deep in My heart you have always a place.
Your name engraved on My palms will remain.
I will be with you, through joy and through pain.
Honoured, exalted - you're special to Me;
Lifted and chosen My vessel to be;
Filled with My glory, ablaze with My light,
And for the battle empowered with My might.
You are predestined My likeness to bear.
One day in heaven My splendour you'll share.
Precious and honoured, the child of My heart,
I love you always I'll never depart.
~~~~~
MY OFFERING
(This poem was based on thoughts from a book I read, which pointed out that we can offer God the dark problems of our life and receive His strength)
I offer You my hurt, Lord,
The things that trouble me;
My sin and my temptation,
For You alone can free.
I offer You my pain, Lord,
For You can understand.
The weakness of my body
I place into Your hand.
I offer You my darkness,
My deepest, inmost night,
That You might share it with me
And shed Your holy light.
I offer You my tiredness,
So busy is the day.
You offer strength and comfort
Along life's toilsome way.
I offer You my day, Lord -
May everything I do
Be consecrated wholly
My blessed Lord, to You.
I offer You my all, Lord,
The mundane tasks I share.
I offer You the night hours
And know You will be there.
You took the bread of suffering,
You bore it all for me.
You take my heavy burdens,
And in You I am free.
~~~~~
MARY MAGDALENE
(This was based upon a sermon and reminds me how God forgives every sin and accepts every sinner who comes to Him)
He loved me, took me as I was, forgave me all my sin.
And the He died upon the cross and darkness came within.
An empty tomb awaited me; a quiet voice I heard.
I did not know it was my Lord, and yet my heart was stirred.
It was my Master, Teacher, Friend, this one Who healed my soul.
His love reached out, enfolding me, and I was fully whole.
He spoke my name - I turned to Him, and I just had to share -
"I've seen the Lord, He's risen indeed, the One beyond compare."
He can touch you as He touched me; He is the mighty King.
He knows our pain and shares with us, He comes His strength to bring.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
(It is so easy to sin – to ‘do it again’ when we think we will never fall that way, but still God welcomes, still God forgives)
You love me, even when I stray;
You lead me back into Your way.
You hand is gentle, yet so strong,
You lift me up, give me a song.
Your touch is tender, healing me.
Your love sets my whole being free.
You meet me at my point of need,
And in You I find life indeed.
Restoring body, spirit, soul,
Purging the dross and making whole.
You make me soar on eagles' wings
And with Your praise my heart now sings.
My precious, lovely, holy Lord,
My joy, my light, my great reward,
How can I praise You as I ought,
Since with Your blood You pardon bought.
I love You, though my love is poor,
I long to know and love You more.
Accept the humble praise I bring
To You, my Saviour and my King.
~~~~~
I RECEIVE YOUR LOVE
(Sometimes I feel nobody could love me and I need to receive the love of God)
I receive Your love, Lord,
The love that can make whole.
Love that removes the heartache
And reaches to my soul.
A love without condition,
Love that does not compare.
Love that will not reject me,
A love that's always there.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love that can cleanse and heal.
Love that dispels the darkness
My Saviour to reveal.
A love that always welcomes,
However far I stray.
A love that gently guides me
Along life's pilgrim way.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love which brings joy and peace.
Love that can break all bondage,
Love that can bring release.
A love that never changes,
Though all may change around;
A love that leads to glory,
Where life and strength abound.
~~~~~
YOU SPEAK MY NAME
(I find it so wonderful that God knows me by name, knows all my sinfulness, yet still welcomes me)
You meet me face to face and speak my name.
There is no place that I can hide from You.
You say that, if I'll let You, You'll come in
And be with me in everything I do.
Each part of daily life You long to share
And undergird me with Your loving care.
My family and friends, my joy, my pain,
My hopes, my fun, my tears and laughter too.
In each relationship You still are there
And long to work through me Your will to do.
My care for your creation must be shown
And through my life Your presence must be known.
"Do I love You?” - the question comes to me.
"Am I prepared to give my all to You?"
I stand, my faith in You here to declare,
Here to proclaim that in You I'm made new
Yes, I love You, You are my Lord and King.
Come, fill my life, rule over everything.
~~~~~
YOUR NAME - MY NAME
(Another reminder of how much God loves each one of us, however we may feel)
I have called you by your name
Set apart and chosen you.
You are Mine, I love you so.
I have given You life anew.
I have called you by your name
That you might respond to Me,
And I never will forsake,
I am there eternally.
I have called you by My name,
Marked you out to do My will.
I have given you work to do,
My own purpose to fulfil.
I have called you by My name,
Channel of My love and care.
I commission you to go,
My good news of grace to share.
~~~~~
COME
(Sometimes it is easy to get so wrapped up in the busyness of the day that we forget that Christ calls us to Him in order to gain strength for the day ahead)
Just come, and I will give You rest -
But you must come to Me.
Lay down your burdens and your care
And let Me set you free.
I know you are so busy, child,
But you must draw aside
And find refreshment, joy and peace -
My arms are open wide.
I long to touch you, and to heal
If you will just draw near.
I long to soothe away your pain
And calm your lurking fear.
I'll hold you safe within My arms,
Sheltered in My embrace,
And in My presence you will find
New strength for life's hard race.
You are my precious, darling one,
Come close, for I love you,
And resting in My arms of love
You shall find strength anew.
~~~~~
COME UNTO ME
(Can be sung to the tune Caswall)
Come, lay down your burdens,
Cast your care on me.
Take My yoke upon you,
And your strength I'll be.
If you will obey me
You shall find my rest,
Knowing my protection,
In me you'll be blessed.
Listen to my teaching,
Follow all my ways.
I will guide and strengthen,
Keep you all your days.
Sheltered and protected
By My hand you'll be.
Work with me together
And you will be free.
Yoked with me together
You will find release.
I will gently lead you
In the paths of peace.
~~~~~
I WILL COMPLETE WHAT I BEGAN
(Do we ever feel we’re getting nowhere?)
The work I began I will surely complete,
For you are so precious to Me.
I'll guide and protect you, I'll work in your life
Until My own image I see.
Through all of life's trials I'm working with you -
The Potter is moulding the clay
To make a clean vessel for My life within
Where I, Christ the Lord hold full sway.
In joy and in pain still My hand is on you
To fashion you after My will.
I love you, you're special and precious to Me
And in you My plans I'll fulfil.
So fear not, My child, the delight of My heart,
One day all My glory you'll share
And daily new steps on life's pathway we'll tread,
For I am with You everywhere.
~~~~~
OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who created us,
Who knows our inmost parts -
Nothing is hidden from Your eyes,
The thoughts of all our hearts.
And You love us just the same
And for our sakes to earth Christ came.
Our Father God, You sent Your Son
To work Your works on earth.
He laid aside His majesty
And came, of human birth
For us to live, for us to die,
That we might live with You on high.
He was forsaken on the tree
As He bore all our sin
That we could be brought back to You
And know your life within.
And now, our Father, we have peace
With You, and we know Your release.
Our Father, You are always there
And never will forsake,
You put Your arms of love round us
And us Your children make.
You are so tender and so kind
And in Your life our life we find.
Father and Mother, head of all,
Protecting all the day.
Father, we long to be with You,
And in Your name we pray.
Father, you long that we may share
Your healing love, Your tender care.
~~~~~~
MY DECLARATION
(I can declare to God, to myself and to the evil one that I AM made new in Christ)
I am now a new creation
I declare to God above;
Ransomed by the blood of Jesus,
Reconciled, made free to love.
I am now a new creation
I declare to powers below.
I'm in Christ, and He is victor;
His own power within I know.
I am now a new creation
I declare to my own soul.
Christ lives in me by His Spirit,
Cleansing me and making whole.
I am now a new creation,
In my Saviour born again.
Through Him I can face tomorrow
For He constant will remain.
~~~~~
MARTHA AND THE DISCIPLES
(It must have been a mystery to Mary and Martha why Jesus waited. It must have been a mystery to the disciples why Jesus went to Jerusalem. But God had a plan, and He has a plan for our mysteries, too)
We thought we knew Him
And so we called for Him
To heal our brother from His mortal ill,
And yet He did not come.
Why? We thought He loved us
Yet He left us alone.
Why?
We could not see the greater miracle in store.
We did not understand we had to wait.
Would we still trust? Would we still love?
It's hard to feel alone, let down.
We needed Him, and yet He did not come.
We knew death awaited You,
And so we told You not to go.
We saw things from a natural point of view.
We did not know that Lazarus was dead -
And yet not dead, for Christ would raise him up.
We knew the scriptures said that he would rise
At the great resurrection of the dead.
And yet You were the resurrection there.
And yet You are the resurrection here.
Can death prevail o'er resurrection power?
The future breaks upon our human sight.
Yes - I believe - Your resurrection power
Has raised me too, although I cannot see
My brother raised as yet.
The great 'I AM', the Resurrection calls
Us out to life,
And in Him we are free.
~~~~~
ENGRAVED ON YOUR PALMS
(Isaiah 49 v 16)
(Can be sung to the tune Kingsfold)
You raise Your hands to God above,
Present to Him my name.
My name is carved upon Your palms,
My value You proclaim.
"See here My precious, chosen one
On whom I set My heart.
I tenderly protect My child,
My love will not depart."
Before the Father's face, His Son
Presents my name above -
His child, redeemed, cleansed and made whole,
The object of His love.
I am His treasure, His delight,
Precious and honoured, too;
Protected by His loving hands,
Hands which make me anew.
Engraved upon Your palms always
My name will still remain.
In blood my name is written there -
You bore the dreadful pain.
Beauty You brought, new life You gave,
Clothed me in righteousness,
Not of myself, but You alone,
Jesus, my glorious dress.
~~~~~
YOU REALLY DIED
You died totally, Lord -
Not just Your body on the cross.
It was not just that You ceased to breathe.
You really died,
Cut of from God, Your Father,
Knowing darkness absolute, impenetrable.
It was our death You died.
It should have been us in Your place.
You knew all of death
That we might know all of life.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CALLS
"The Lord is here - He calls for You.
The Lord is here today.
His love is personal and real,
His mercy on life's way.
The human Jesus feels our pain -
He comes and shares our grief,
And yet He comes and lifts our heads,
And longs to bring relief.
He suffers with the weeping crowd,
He knows, He loves, He cares.
He weeps with us, He mourns with us
And in our trouble shares.
He was the God of "there and then",
The God of ages past.
He is the God of "here and now",
He is the first and last.
~~~~~
Psalm 139
You see within the darkness as clearly as in light,
For You are perfect radiance and in You there's no night.
No pit too deep for You, Lord, nowhere too high or low.
There is no place to hide, Lord, nowhere that You don't know.
You search me out and know me - my deepest, inmost part.
You see my inward feelings, the secrets of my heart.
And yet, although You know me, You love me just the same.
You paid for me the ransom and to my rescue came.
~~~~~
SCARS IN HEAVEN
The only scars in heaven are in my Saviour's side
And hands and feet - the nail-prints, for He on Calvary died.
And yet - not imperfection, for they are glorious now.
They tell of full salvation He only can bestow.
With resurrection bodies, redeemed from pain and sin,
We shall bow down before Him Who gave us life within,
And we shall gaze in wonder on Him Whom we adore,
Whose scars proclaim our ransom - We'll praise Him more and more.
~~~~~
FOR ME
You were alone, Lord ,
That I might never be alone.
You were rejected, Lord
That I might know full acceptance.
You bore my strife, Lord,
That I might know Your peace.
You took my despair, Lord,
That I might know Your hope.
You took my sorrow, Lord,
That I might know Your joy.
You were made sin, Lord,
That my sin could be forgiven.
You bore my death, Lord,
That I might know Your life.
You went to hell, Lord,
That I might live with You in heaven.
You took my darkness, Lord,
That I could know Your glorious life.
Thank you, Lord.
May I spread Your light,
Rejoice in Your love
And be a channel of Your peace
Thank You, Lord.
~~~~~
ENVELOPED IN YOU
Enveloped in Your love, Lord,
The love that casts out fear.
We come before Your throne now,
With boldness we draw near.
Enveloped in Your grace, Lord,
Forgiveness we receive.
And know Your tender mercy
As we will just believe.
Enveloped in Your peace, Lord,
You meet our inmost need,
Bring joy and hope and healing,
For You are peace indeed.
Enveloped in Yourself, Lord,
Your saving power we know
And go out as Your servants
Your love and life to show.
~~~~~
SHABAT- COMMUNION
(Based on a thought in "Child of the Covenant" relating the Eucharist to the Jewish Sabbath ceremony)
Bread for labour - strength to live you shall find in Me.
By My body, broken then, you can be set free.
So be strengthened as you feed at My table here
And go out, My will to do without doubt or fear.
Wine for rest - "Come unto Me"- Come into My peace.
Let Me wash your cares away. Let Me bring release.
So be quieted as you come, from all fear set free.
Drink, and I will satisfy. Come and drink of Me.
~~~~~
COMMUNION
(It is so easy to live life with a mask – the good worker, the good Christian – but God sees behind our mask and loves us just the same.)
I want to meet with you -
Not your mask.
I know you anyway -
There's no need to hide.
I know your good.
I know your sin.
I love you.
You are beautiful.
Lay aside your mask
Come to Me.
Meet with Me.
Eat of Me.
Drink of Me
My beloved child.
~~~~~
HEALING CHRIST
Healing Christ, born as a baby
All our pain and grief to share.
You knew trials, You knew hardship
And our sicknesses You bear.
You were pierced for our transgressions,
All our sin You bore away.
Through Your death we may know wholeness.
Through Your life find strength each day.
Healing Christ, now risen for us,
Interceding at the throne,
Fill my body, mind and spirit.
Make Your peace and glory known.
Healing Christ, make me a channel
For Your living water clear.
May I spread Your life, Your beauty,
Lord, as I go out from here.
~~~~~
FEELINGS
Faith does not depend on feelings, for You are Emmanuel -
God with us, with ME each moment, born to rescue me from hell.
Sometimes I feel You so near me, heaven's wonder I can feel.
Your joy fills my heart with laughter and Your touch seems very real.
Yet there come times of great darkness, numbness, pain and deep despair.
When I feel lost and forsaken and cannot believe You're there.
And yet You are just the same, Lord, unchanging Emmanuel, King
You are still with me in darkness, comfort, healing, life to bring.
Emmanuel, Lord of the good times, but Lord of the pit and grave.
Still You reach out and caress me. Still You are mighty to save.
Emmanuel, God ever with me, beside me along life's way.
Whatever my feelings, still You change not and I'm safe in You each day.
~~~~~
HOPE
You’ve set Your hope in me,
I need not be ashamed.
You washed away my sin.
I am by you renamed.
At times my hope grows dim
And faith begins to fail,
But You are still within
And Your hope will prevail.
In darkness You are there,
However I may feel,
And in the midst of pain
Your presence you reveal.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And You will bring me through.
Sin’s power You will destroy
And bring me life anew.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And one day I shall share
The joy of heaven above,
For perfect peace is there.
Till then, Lord, lead me on
And keep Your hope aglow,
For by your strength alone
I shall true freedom know.
~~~~~
NOT JUST MY HAND
I’m not just taken by the hand
But held in Your embrace.
Not just walking with you, my Lord,
But gazing on your face.
I see Your love, I feel your touch
And wonder how you love so much.
Your soft caress soothes care away,
Your gentle voice brings cheer.
Your eyes speak love into my soul.
I know that You are here.
And your own life I now receive
And all your gracious words believe.
~~~~~
THE CANDLE
(Inspired by lighting the candles from each other at the start of the Carol Service)
Just a flickering candle,
Not a mighty beam
Is the light within me -
Just a tiny gleam.
Yet the light God gives me
He has given to share -
Light of love and blessing,
Token of His care.
Just a flickering candle,
Lighted from above,
Fuelled by the Spirit,
Sheltered by God's love.
Light upon the pathway
That I might not stray.
Light to share with others,
Showing them the way.
Just a flickering candle
Points me to the Lord -
Light in all its fullness,
Jesus, Living Word.
He gave His own body
Darkness to dispel,
Put His light within me,
Rescued me from hell.
~~~~~
NOT FOR WHAT YOU DO
(It’s so easy to judge ourselves by what we DO, but God values us for ourselves)
You are not loved for what you do -
The time you spend in prayer,
The hours you take to read My word -
But you're My child and heir.
I love you, I delight in you,
I know you, and in Me you're new.
You are not loved for what you do -
I love you, for you're Mine.
Nothing can shake My love for you -
This is My great design -
Not just a servant, but My own,
My child, My precious one, My son.
~~~~~
NOT A FAILURE
I'm not a failure in Your sight when I fall into sin,
For I can be a learner here and know Your peace within.
I'm not a clone, for You made me according to Your plan,
And You made each of us unique, each woman and each man.
I do not have to earn Your love by all the things I do.
It is Your death that paid the price, Your life that makes me new.
It's not by rules that I must live, but by Your law within,
Seeking to please the One I love, Who cleanses me from sin.
I would not bear a man-made yoke or in my own strength serve.
Your yoke is easy, for You share - my strength You will preserve.
I do not stand by 'Jesus plus my works’, but You alone.
In You I am made perfect, whole, redeemed by God's own Son.
~~~~~
FRAGRANCE
(Tune: Blow the wind southerly)
Fragrance of godliness, fragrance of restfulness,
Fragrant communion with one that we love.
Not in our striving and not in activity,
Fragrance in friendship with our God above.
Though we may fail You, Your love is unchanging,
You do not condemn us or cast us aside.
You will transform into beauty our ugliness.
You will for ever in our hearts abide.
You take all our shame and remove our self-righteousness,
We are made perfect by Your grace alone.
You give us a purpose to live as Your children here,
Precious and honoured and wholly Your own.
You made us special, unique in Your wisdom.
You gave Your life to redeem us from sin.
We are not worthless, but clothed with Your glory now.
We are Your temple and You live within.
~~~~~
A PRAYER BEFORE A HEALING SERVICE
Healer of hurts , and grief and pain,
The One Who brings to life again,
Come, fill me, body, spirit, soul.
Revive, restore and make me whole,
Just as You healed in Galilee,
Just as You set the captives free,
Come, speak Your healing, quickening word
And break all chains with Your great sword.
Make me what You would have me be.
Fulfil the plans You have for me.
Help me to realise Your grace
And rest secure in Your embrace.
Help me Your perfect will to know.
Help me in love and faith to grow
More like my Saviour and my King,
To Whom I owe my everything.
~~~~~
I LOOK INTO THE MIRROR
I look into the mirror,
I see God's precious child.
I see me as He sees me,
Made pure and undefiled.
I look into the mirror,
And see the clothes He gives -
His righteousness and glory,
Since Jesus in me lives.
I look into the mirror,
I see His beauty there,
Transforming, healing, cleansing,
As in Christ's life I share.
I look into the mirror,
Receive His love divine
And hear Him singing to me
“My precious child, you’re Mine.”
~~~~~
LEGALISM
I am set free, no more a slave, God's liberty to know;
His grace and mercy here to share, His joy and peace to show.
For man-made rules will weigh me down, unlike the yoke Christ gives.
He bears the yoke, He's by my side, His Spirit in me lives.
Behaviour must spring out of love for Christ, Who ransomed me,
Not legalistic, rigid, bound, for in Him I am free.
~~~~~
MY LOVE
Made for My pleasure, unique in My sight,
Precious and honoured, My joy, My delight,
How much I love you you cannot conceive.
Feel My caress and My comfort receive.
I went to Calvary to ransom your soul.
I bore the scourging that you might be whole.
I was made sin that you could be set free
I spread My arms out for you on the tree.
Nothing you do can diminish My love,
Nothing can separate, nothing remove
My care for you - you are held in My heart,
Precious, protected, nothing can us part.
Come, My beloved, relax in My care.
Come and enjoy Me and My own life share.
Walk arm in arm with Me, look in My face.
You are secure, held within My embrace.
~~~~~
GUARD MY MIND
Lord, guard my mind, and may my thoughts
Be under Your control.
May no delusion enter there,
But make me pure and whole.
Help me to seek Your perfect will
And not to race ahead.
Your plans are perfect - in Your time
May I by You be led.
Lord, be my helmet, guarding me,
For You are Truth indeed.
Lord, be my breastplate, guard my heart
And meet my inmost need.
Lord, You are always in control,
Although I may not see
The reason for the pain on earth,
The way You're leading me.
Help me to rest within Your love
And know Your peace within.
Help me to take Your armour here
And triumph over sin.
~~~~~
GOD'S C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy!)
(Transforming our thoughts through Christ)
Throw out the tapes of failure, for you are here to learn.
Throw out the tapes of sadness - My love for you discern.
Remember, you're not worthless, you need not live in shame.
You are My precious treasure - I know you by your name.
Put on the tape "I love you", remember it each day.
Put on the tape "You're special" and affirmations say:
In Christ I am made perfect. In Christ I am made free.
In Christ I'm precious, honoured, God's chosen one to be.
Let My thoughts dwell within you - I seek to build and heal,
To put My truth within you and make My presence real.
Renew your mind in Me, child, and let Me take control.
Cast out the thoughts which hinder and let Me make you whole.
~~~~~
SET US FREE
Lord, set us free from "oughtness" and fix our eyes on You.
Remind us of our value is not in what we do.
So many needs surround us - help us to know Your way -
What we should take upon us in following You each day.
Within Your church, Your body, help us to build and heal,
Encourage one another, no matter how we feel.
Help us to love each other and for each other care.
Help us to be Your body and Your compassion share.
Help us to focus on You, Your love to realise,
Your grace poured out upon us, Your power to make us wise.
Made new, redeemed and precious, blameless in Christ alone,
And free from condemnation we come before Your throne.
Lord, You accept our struggling, our doubting and our pain
And in all these You're with us and faithful will remain.
Within Your hands protected we're safe eternally.
With You, Lord, as our centre we can know liberty.
~~~~~
I WILL PRAISE YOU
I will praise You through my grief -
Only You can bring relief.
You are faithful, strong and true,
You alone can make things new.
I will praise You in my pain,
For You died and rose again
And You put Your life in me.
You can heal and set me free.
God of justice, power and might,
You uphold all that is right.
You are sovereign, holy Lord;
You are worshipped and adored,
Yet You meet me in my need.
You can give true peace indeed.
I can trust You, You are sure
And Your promises endure.
Lord, I give my hurt to You
And I long Your will to do.
I am safe within Your care.
You are faithful - always there.
~~~~~
PSALM 145 FOR TODAY
When I do not feel like praising,
Yet my soul will praise Your name.
I will never cease to praise You;
Your great deeds I will proclaim.
I will join with all creation
To extol You, Lord most high.
You are great and You are mighty.
You are robed in majesty.
Through the nations, through the ages
Your great deeds Your grace have shown.
We will meditate upon You
And Your love in Christ made known.
For Your works, my Lord, are awesome;
You are faithful, You are true.
You are gracious, slow to anger,
And You long to make us new.
We are children of Your kingdom
And a living hope You give.
You will lift us when we stumble;
When we sin You will forgive.
In Your time You give Your blessings
And You come to meet our need.
You are near us every moment
And You are a friend indeed.
So my heart in You rejoices;
So my mouth will speak Your praise
As I join with all creation
To proclaim Your saving grace.
~~~~~
QUESTIONS
Lord, You listen to my questions,
Things that I can't understand -
All the suffering and heartache
Not restrained by Your great hand.
I don't understand Your timing -
Why You sometimes say "just wait."
Why You don't display Your power
When I know You are so great.
I wonder about the nations
Where the people don't know You
And about the pain and hardship
Caused by what mankind can do.
And yet all these pressing questions
Fade to nothing as I come
To you, Jesus, precious Saviour,
And I make Your word my home.
And one day with You in glory
I'll no longer question why.
And I won't need any answers
In the glorious realms on high.
~~~~~
YOU COULD HAVE WASHED YOUR HANDS OF ME
You could have washed Your hands of me -
And yet You wash my feet.
You could have sent my soul to death
From Your great judgement seat.
And yet You came to ransom me,
Your glory laid aside.
You came to live as mortal man
And on the cross You died.
You could have turned away from me
And left me in my sin,
And yet Your Holy Spirit comes
And puts Your life within.
You welcome me, call me Your friend,
Your precious, honoured heir.
You walk beside me day by day
And always will be there
~~~~~.
DANIELLE'S DRAWING
(Isaiah 53)
(Danielle did a charcoal drawing of a large figure of Christ being viciously beaten. He was bending over, sheltering the tiny figure of me.)
You took the blows that should have been for me.
You came between and bore my penalty.
For my transgressions all my wounds You bore.
What can I do but worship and adore.
Lord, as a sheep before her shearers dumb,
You gave Your life, You left Your heavenly home.
Oppressed, afflicted, for my sin You died -
A refuge opened where my soul can hide.
Because You bore my pain I now am free.
Because You died I live eternally.
Because You suffered I can be made whole,
Cleansed and redeemed in body, spirit, soul.
~~~~~
A CRY FROM THE HEART
You said You'd give me joy, yet all I feel is pain
As in the depths of night depression strikes again.
I thought that I was whole, but now I cannot cope.
I cannot feel You near and I am losing hope.
And yet Your word is true - You bore my pain for me.
You died in pain, alone, forsaken on the tree.
You know just how I feel, and in my grief You share
And You will never fail - You're with me everywhere.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
Give me hope, when hope is gone.
Give me strength life's race to run.
Give me peace amid earth's pain.
Raise me up to life again.
In the darkness be my light
And protect me in the night.
Your own presence let me feel.
Your compassion, Lord, reveal.
Give me faith in times of doubt -
You will work Your purpose out.
Give me courage in my fear.
Let me know that You are near.
Grant to me Your joy and peace.
From my turmoil bring release.
Keep me waiting for that day
When You come, dear Lord, I pray.
~~~~~
AS I GROW OLDER
My body is an old clay pot -
Your treasure is within.
My strength is poor, my love is weak
And I am bound by sin.
And yet Your power is in me
To work Your will, to set me free.
You say that life begins today -
Help me to seize each hour -
To live for You, to share with You
And know Your mighty power.
Relying on Your strength alone
Your wisdom and Your life are shown.
My spirit daily is renewed
If I will wait on You,
And though my body may grow old
In You I am made new.
Help me to live, leaning on You
And let Your love and life flow through.
~~~~~
THE POTTER
The marred clay You will not discard
But work as You have planned
To make a vessel fit for You,
Moulded by Your own hand.
Our disappointments, broken dreams,
Our failures You transform
And from all the shattered pieces
A new pot You will form.
Our confidence You will renew -
Your word, O Lord, is sure.
And right until the end of time
Your promises endure.
~~~~~
OUR PRAYER
Faithful in suffering, constant in pain -
This is Your will for us that we remain.
Trust, though we cannot see, Thanks in all things.
Faithful in all our ways, borne on Your wings.
Lord, keep us following Your word each day.
Your righteous, good commands help us obey.
You are our strength and power, in You we live.
Help us to stand for You - like You forgive.
~~~~~
GOODBYE
Sometimes I have to say goodbye - let go the things I love;
People and things and hopes and dreams, that onward I may move.
Within this precious time of grace I learn to let things go,
And then Your blessed gifts You give and Your own presence show.
Sometimes I cling on to the past, experiences, things
From history, both good and bad, the things that ageing brings.
For things must change and I must grow - go on - with life made new
To welcome in Your will for me and let Your life flow through.
May I remember to forget the hurts, the pain, the sin.
May I remember what is good and know Your peace within.
May I forget what lies behind - troubles and bitterness;
My disappointments, doubts and fears and grow in holiness.
Forgetting, for You turn to good the evil I have known,
And in my failures and mistakes You can make Yourself known.
May I forgive myself, and leave regrets and grief behind.
May I go on to life anew for which I was designed.
~~~~~
ON EAGLE'S WINGS
On You we wait - give us new strength;
Uphold us when we fall.
For weariness give us Your life -
On You, dear Lord, we call.
On eagle's wings upheld, may we
Soar to the realms above
To touch Your heart, to feel Your grace
And realise Your love.
Only in You true strength is found.
Only in You is peace,
And it is as we wait on You
That we find full release.
~~~~~
YOU ARE CHANGING ME
Lord, You are changing me - no matter how I feel.
Your hand is on my life; Your work in me is real,
And though at times I may not see,
Your Spirit is at work in me.
Lord, You are changing me to make me more like You;
To purge away the dross that Your gold might shine through.
You work to make Your life in me
A living, bright reality.
A Potter, gentle, skilled, You are - I trust in You.
A vessel poor and marred by your hand is made new
And consecrated, Yours to be,
Filled with Your life and purity.
~~~~~
"AS AN EAGLE STIRS UP HER NEST"
You long to stir me up - disturb my comfort zone,
That I might learn to fly, trusting in You alone,
And as the eagle soars on high,
Borne up by You, I, too, may fly.
Not always in the nest - for flight I have been made.
And so You stir me up, although I am afraid.
My loving God will still sustain,
Cause me to soar and soar again.
On thermals of Your grace I am borne up on high
Above the things of earth that make me question why.
I view with Your perspective clear
The things of earth, for You are near.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME NOW
You accept me, Lord.
You do not wait for me to change.
You do not only love what I could be.
You love me now.
You welcome me, Lord –
Not just 'put up with me'.
You call me 'Friend',
You say I am Your child.
You love me now.
You call me now.
You want me to be with You day by day.
You hold me close in Your embrace.
You love me now.
~~~~~
TAKE MY HAND
Let go, reach out and take My hand
And I will raise you up.
I will support and comfort you –
Let go life's bitter cup.
I'll strengthen you, if you will trust,
Although you cannot see
How I will help, how I will heal,
Your living Saviour be.
Just take My hand - I'll lead you on,
Protected, held secure,
Beloved, precious - and My care
For ever will endure.
~~~~~
TRUSTING YOU FOR EVER
Trusting You for ever
In life's storms and cares
Trusting You in all things;
Bringing You my prayers.
I can always trust You –
When I am afraid.
You are the Creator,
Who has all things made.
You know all my frailty;
You will never fail.
In my weakest moments
Your strength will prevail.
Trusting You with all things –
The all-powerful One.
I lay all before You.
May Your will be done.
~~~~~
A PLACE OF REFUGE
A place of refuge when I sin
Is found at Jesus' feet.
A place of full forgiveness, free;
The one true Mercy Seat.
A holy place of sanctuary;
A place where I'm secure,
Protected, safe from all that harms –
For Christ is strong and sure.
No condemnation in that place –
Mercy, forgiveness, love;
Acceptance by my Saviour here
And peace with God above.
A place where all the past is gone;
A place where all is new;
A place where I can be myself;
A place where love flows through.
A place of transformation, too;
A place where I may grow;
A place of safety and of joy,
Where I full pardon know.
~~~~~
I AM AFRAID
Lord, I am afraid,
But You are in control.
Speak Your word of peace
And I shall be whole,
Calm my anxious thoughts,
Still my restless mind,
For in You alone
I can freedom find.
May I cast my load
Wholly upon You.
May I leave the past –
Move to life anew.
Wash me with Your calm.
With Your presence fill.
Slow me down, my Lord.
Teach me to be still.
With Your healing power
Flood me, through and through.
And in Your own strength
Your work may I do.
~~~~~
I AM COMPLETE IN YOU
I am complete in You, Lord –
Not someone who should be in a couple;
Not someone who has not found their "other half";
Not someone who can never be fulfilled alone;
Not a misfit, not a mistake.
I an complete in You.
I am not a reject –
Last to be wanted for the team –
Uncoordinated, useless.
I am complete in You.
I need not search for completeness.
I need not fear being alone.
I am complete in You.
~~~~~
YOU WILL RESTORE
(Written during a service at St. Matthew’s Church.
The first three lines relate to three worship songs
which we sang in the service)
You make the desert live again; You bring new hope at dawn;
You carry us in all our trials and mend that which was torn.
You know our doubts, darkness and fear; You feel with us our pain;
You will not cast our souls aside but will restore again.
So much we cannot understand, and yet we know You’re true,
And in our puzzlement and doubts Your love can still shine through.
Though faith may fail us, You remain faithful through all our days.
You’re merciful, and will forgive our sinful, foolish ways.
No pit too deep for You to reach; No sin You won’t forgive;
No problem you can’t overcome and give us grace to live.
Lord, help our hearts to understand Your free, unbounded care
And make our desert bloom again as in Your life we share.
~~~~~
NO PIT TOO DEEP
No pit too deep for God’s great love to reach;
No sin too great for Christ’s blood to atone;
No place so far God’s Spirit is not there;
No testing that the Saviour has not known.
The Saviour knows each burden that we bear
And longs to take them that we might go free.
He walks with us to strengthen us each day,
To give us life and make our blind eyes see.
His grace is all I need, His love so sure.
I am surrounded by His constant care.
He is my all, and in Him I am strong.
He is my God, Who hears my faintest prayer
~~~~~
YOU ARE FAITHFUL
You are faithful, You are true,
All You promised You will do.
Every word You speak is sure
And for ever will endure.
You give hope for our despair.
In our weakness You are there.
In our darkness You bring light,
Chasing shadows of the night.
In our conflicts You bring peace;
From our bondage bring release.
In our times of doubt and fear
You are faithful, always near.
~~~~~
COCOONED
Cocooned, enwombed within Your love,
Your healing power I know.
Your life renews my barrenness
And causes me to grow.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your care
I know security.
I'm held, caressed so tenderly
And I find strength to be.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your grace
I feel Your perfect peace,
Then, as a child enters this world,
In You I find release.
~~~~~
PSALM 42
Although deserted and alone
Yet still Your love is sure.
You are my Rock, Your promises
For ever will endure.
In loneliness I thirst for You
When earthly things let down,
Familiar things are done away,
The future is unknown.
When others ask "Where is your God?"
They cannot see Your hand,
Yet still I know You're in control,
By You my way is planned.
I thirst for You, I need You, Lord,
I hope in You alone.
I trust in You to keep my soul
And make Your presence known.
~~~~~
ELIJAH IN THE CAVE
Sometimes we see You moving,
Our faith is fixed on You,
The mighty God of power
And all that You can do.
But then we look at problems
And we feel all alone
And doubts and fears assail us -
Our faith is overthrown.
But You have not abandoned
Our souls to face our fate.
You still support, though hidden,
When problems seem so great.
For when our faith is shaken,
When we feel poor and weak,
Your power is unchanging
If we will only seek.
You, Lord, are still all-powerful,
Nothing's too big for You.
You still work out Your purpose
And You will see us through.
And when we call, You hear us,
Kindle our faith again.
You strengthen and encourage
And faithful will remain.
You are the great Creator
And You are in control.
You never leave Your children
But lift and make them whole.
In gentleness and mercy
Your tender voice is heard,
And so we wait upon You
And listen for Your word.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN
The carving may be painful
But I will make of you
An instrument of beauty
That My joy may flow through -
My melody of wonder
Through you may be made known,
And as you let Me shape you
My glory will be shown.
My moulding may seem cruel,
And yet I have a plan
To use you as My channel -
I will use broken man.
Through suffering I bring power;
Through pain I bring My joy.
It is the path I followed
The way that I employ.
Take up your cross and follow,
The rule of self deny.
You must show full commitment
To know life from on high.
For I must be your centre,
The driving force within,
Controlling, moulding, working,
Purging away your sin.
I am the Master Craftsman,
My perfect work I'll do.
Through suffering and trials
I'll make your life anew.
For suffering is not failure
Since I through suffering came,
And I am working in you
To glorify My name.
~~~~~
I BELIEVE IN YOU
I believe in you, My child
For My strength is in you.
My strength your weakness will replace
That My tasks you may do.
The challenges that lie ahead,
The problems that you face
You will surmount and overcome
Through My sustaining grace.
The tasks I call you to perform
I'll give you strength to do.
So go in faith, so prove My power
And know My life anew.
~~~~~
WOUNDED GOD
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
Wounded God, You suffered on the tree -
Apparent failure, to win liberty.
You bore the pain and tasted death for me
And, through Your woundedness I may go free.
Wounded God, You suffer still today
As men of violence have their wicked way.
Disowned, rejected, You are suffering still
And, by Your woundedness bring good from ill.
Wounded God, You suffer in my pain.
You feel the hurt, the burdens that remain.
You know my weakness, all my trials share
And, by Your woundedness, freedom declare.
Wounded God, I cast my care on You.
I take Your life to give me life anew.
I lean on You life's toilsome way along
And, by Your woundedness, I am made strong.
~~~~~
STORMS
(Inspired by a sermon on the storm on the lake)
Down from the mountain top into a storm,
Tempests of doubt, pain and fear -
Sent by the Lord fierce temptations to face,
We cannot feel Jesus near.
From great success sent to feel all alone,
Drowning in grief and despair
We may lose sight of our Saviour and Friend
Yet, in the storm He is there.
Jesus is praying our faith to sustain,
In all our suffering He shares.
He will not leave us to suffer alone.
All of our burdens He bears.
He's in control and will not let us down.
His gentle touch meets our need.
He will commission us His will to do.
He is the victor indeed.
Our eyes on Jesus, His power upholds.
Lord of the tempests is He.
He has a purpose in all storms of life.
With Him we know victory.
~~~~~
CALVARY
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
You embraced suffering
That I might know Your peace.
You embraced nakedness
That I might be clothed with You.
You embraced powerlessness
That I might know Your power in me.
Your embraced darkness
That I might know Your light.
You embraced aloneness
That I might know the joy of Your family.
You embraced thirst
That I might know Your living water.
You embraced death
That I might know eternal life.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
When I turn away You love me just the same.
When I speak words of hate You love me just the same.
When I hate myself You love me just the same
For You are my Father - my loving Father,
My caring Father, my accepting Father,
My welcoming Father, my unchanging Father,
My Father, Who gave His Son for me.
My reaching out Father. my Father in Whom I am complete;
I am whole; I am saved;
I am healed; I am loved.
~~~~~
HOPE
We have a gift of hope from God,
Hope for a home ahead;
Assurance that Christ has prepared
And we go where He led.
The lights of home are beckoning,
We know our Lord awaits,
And realms of joy and peace we'll share
Beyond the pearly gates.
We have a gift of hope from God,
Within this world of pain.
We know that storms and tears will pass,
The sun will shine again.
We know that Christ is with us still
And in our pain will share.
We know He will sustain and keep
With grace beyond compare.
We have a gift of hope from God,
On this hope we rely.
Christ is our hope, our certainty,
Our Saviour from on high.
We wait in patience, trusting Him
Although we cannot see,
And so this vale of grief and tears
We tread rejoicingly.
~~~~~
FEELINGS OR FACT?
It is a fact – I am forgiven,
All my sin on Jesus laid.
Christ is risen and ascended,
Peace with God for ever made.
By faith I may know I’m worthy,
Made complete in Christ the Son.
By faith I may claim His promise.
I shall hear His great ‘Well done’.
Feelings often would deceive me,
Pull me down, fill me with doubt.
I may feel God cannot love me
And I am by Him cast out.
Yet the facts remain unchanging –
Christ, on Whom our faith depends.
He is true, my feelings liars.
His is love which never ends.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM ELIJAH
After the mountain top, down in the valley
Satan would tempt us, our courage destroy,
Bringing in doubt and the fear of the future –
In comes the darkness and gone is our joy.
Out in the desert the tempter is waiting,
Causing our feelings and fears to control,
Bringing depression, anxiety, torment,
Bringing disquiet in body and soul.
Yet God provides rest, refreshment and water.
He provides food for the journey ahead.
If we will let Him, our Lord will refresh us.
He gives us rest and by Him we are fed.
His food sustains us as we travel onwards.
His word comes to us our faith to renew.
He has His church, and it ever is growing –
His faithful people, called His work to do.
Not in the wind, in the earthquake or fire,
But in a whisper God speaks His own word.
He has a task, a commission to serve Him.
He has a plan, and His power He’ll afford.
There, at the end of our tether, we meet Him.
When our resources just dwindle and fail
We meet our Saviour, our Lord and Sustainer
And in His power we know we’ll prevail.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM HABAKKUK
Sure-footed as a deer
Upon the mountain steep
The Lord will make His own,
And He will safely keep.
This is His promise, firm and sure,
Of love that ever will endure.
Familiar things may fail,
The going may be rough –
Oppression, trials, sin –
Life is so very tough.
Sometimes the wait seems hard and long.
I trust in You and I am strong.
The Father has a plan
We cannot understand,
But all the powers of earth
Are in His mighty hand.
Things may get worse, but God is King
And through deep trials life will bring.
In patience I must wait
And I must watch and pray.
I cannot “do”, just “be”
Until the coming day
When His great power will be shown,
His loving plan will be made known.
Give me the grace to wait,
In faith depend on You,
Relying on Your power,
Your grace to see me through.
All that You’ve done I’ll call to mind
And trust the plan You have designed.
In You I will rejoice
Through hard times as through good,
And trust Your mighty plan,
Although not understood.
Some questions may unanswered stay,
But You are faithful all the way.
~~~~~
TESTING
Sometimes You test me, Lord -
But gold is tested, too
In the refiners fire
That his face may show through.
Help me to hold fast to Your word
And trust in You, my faithful Lord.
Sometimes You shake things, Lord,
And I begin to fear,
But Your great work remains,
Your promises are clear.
Help me to trust, though I can't see
And know You always true will be.
Sometimes strong winds may blow
Against my slender tree.
They help me put down roots
That stronger I may be.
Make me deeply rooted in You,
Strengthened to prove Your grace anew.
~~~~~
ROMANS 8
With great anticipation creation waits for You
To come in power and splendour and make all things anew.
Although we are unworthy we are of priceless worth –
It was for our salvation the Saviour came to earth.
There is no condemnation – in You we are made free,
And in our human weakness You come, our strength to be.
Our sin and death and darkness You bore upon the tree,
And You are working in us that we may be like Thee.
In Your own time You’re working, transforming to Your plan,
And You will bring perfection – complete what You began.
Our groaning will be over, there will be no more sin
And we shall be like Jesus, bearing His life within.
Before our birth You chose us – before the world was made,
And in Your love and mercy we need not be afraid.
Nothing can be against us when You are on our side
And we can stand with boldness since You in us abide.
You took our sin on Calvary our freedom to declare.
Your boundless love led Jesus our punishment to bear.
That we might know forgiveness You rose, and live above.
Nothing can separate us from Your unending love.
In You we’re more than conquerors – nothing can overcome
The life You put within us – no power can consume.
Sin has no claim upon us. In You we’re free and whole.
For now and all the future we’re safe – You’re in control
~~~~~
OUR VALUE
Christmas proclaims our value – The Saviour came to earth.
To save the unimportant He came, of humble birth.
Because God counts us precious the Saviour came to die
That we might know forgiveness and reign with Him on high.
God makes His holy temple our human bodies here.
He bids us come with boldness and worship without fear.
He calls us His own children – His love is full and free.
He makes us pure and holy, His dwelling place to be.
Christmas proclaims our value – It was for us He came.
However weak and sinful He loves us just the same.
In Him is full salvation, cleansing from all our sin.
In Him is strength for living – the Spirit’s power within.
~~~~~
THE FUTURE
The future is unknown – Lord, take my hand
And lead me safely as Your love has planned.
With You as Guide, Protector on life’s way
I can be safe, so ever with me stay.
The future may be dark – Lord, be my Light.
Illuminate and chase away the night.
And when the shadows come You will be there,
And in all sorrow and all pain You share.
The future is a challenge – by Your power
Alone can I fulfil Your will each hour.
So, Holy Spirit, come, my whole life fill
And keep me faithful to Your holy will.
The future is unknown – You have a plan
To share Your word, your love for every man;
To tell of Your salvation, seek the lost –
So help me serve and not to count the cost.
The future is unknown to me – not You.
Your plans of love will see me safely through.
Whatever it may hold, with You I go.
Lord, may my life Your own compassion show.
~~~~~
WHEN I CAN’T FEEL YOU
When I can’t feel You, yet You are still there.
When I can’t understand, my pain You share.
When doubts oppress and I feel faith is gone
Yet You still love me, Christ, the Faithful One.
When I am fearful, yet You’re still the same.
When I feel powerless, there’s power in Your name.
When all is shaken, You stable remain.
When I fail You, You forgive me again.
Help me to trust, even though I can’t see –
When all my feelings and faith desert me.
You are unchanging – You’re always my Friend
And You will keep me till my journey’s end.
~~~~~
THE HARD TIMES
It’s not an easy road – things may be hard
As we will follow on the Christian way,
But Christ is with us, sharing in our pain,
Our joys and sorrows – with us every day.
He is our strength when we are feeling weak,
And in the darkness He will be our light.
He is our comforter when we are sad.
He is our guide as we pass through earth’s night.
On Him we cast our care – He cares for us
And He will give us strength to carry on.
And He will lead us safely to our home
Until at last we hear His great “Well done!”
~~~~~
I EMBRACE CHRIST
I embrace life -
Life in all its uncertainty.
Life in all its unpredictability.
Life in all its perplexity.
I embrace life -
I embrace life -
Life with all its suffering.
Life with all its pain.
Life with all its problems.
I embrace life.
I embrace life -
Life in all its potential.
Life in all its wonder.
Life in all its gifts.
I embrace life.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, the source of being.
Christ, the source of comfort.
Christ, the source of healing.
I embrace Christ.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, my guide, my pathway.
Christ, my Rock unchanging,
Christ, Who never leaves me.
I embrace Christ.
And in embracing Him I embrace life -
Life in all its fullness.
~~~~~
YOU CALLED YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME
You called Your child to overcome
And so the trials came
To prove Your faithfulness to me
And my faith in Your name.
You called Your child to overcome
And harder the winds blew
Making my roots go deep in You,
The faithful, strong and true.
You called Your child to overcome
And sent a raging flood
Washing away the rocks and dirt
And making room for God.
You called Your child to overcome,
You put Your life in me -
Your Spirit deep within my heart
To set my spirit free.
You called Your child to overcome -
Your promises You gave
Of power to overcome on earth -
Glory beyond the grave.
~~~~~
THE WIND
The wind is blowing, shaking up
The things that we hold dear,
Tearing and breaking, till our hearts
Are filled with doubt and fear.
And yet these winds are sent from God
To cleanse and purify,
To send our roots down deep in Him,
To cause the flesh to die.
To blow away the dross and froth,
To make us clean and bare,
Prepared for His infilling power
His glory here to share.
Welcome the wind, welcome the trials
For in them God is known
That we might be made fit for Him -
His life in us be shown.
~~~~~
LORD, FIX MY EYES ON YOU
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
In You alone I'm strong,
Not in what man may think of me
For I to You belong.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Upon Your holy word
For there I learn more of my God,
My Saviour and my Lord.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Not on problems and fear
For You are Lord of everything
And You are always near.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
For You are in control
And as I trust my all to You
I can be free and whole.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Each moment of each day.
No more shall stress rule over me -
You are my strength and stay.
~~~~~
LOOK INTO MY EYES
Look into My eyes, then you'll realise
My great love for you - love that's ever true.
More than human love of mother for her child.
Take My perfect love, pure and undefiled.
Look into My face, realise My grace.
Feel My tender heart. Be of Me a part.
Do not turn away, but even if you stray
I am always there and your pain I share.
Spend your time with Me. I will set you free.
Feed upon My word. Worship Me, your Lord.
Make for Me a space in life's hectic race
And My strength I'll give - make you fully live.
~~~~~
DARKNESS
When the darkness you are facing
Seems unending, stifling hope,
Lean on Me each passing moment,
I will give the strength to cope.
Know the blackness that surrounds you
Is a tunnel, not a cave,
And when all around seems hopeless
I am with you still to save.
When My face seems very distant,
When your dreams and hopes have died,
Know that I have not forsaken -
I am always by your side.
When the future is uncertain
And you feel just doubt and fear,
When you have no peaceful feelings
I still love you, do not fear.
Through the trials I work patience,
Shaking winds make you grow strong,
Sending roots down deep in Jesus
Though the road seems hard and long.
One day you shall share My glory
As you share My comfort here.
Till that time, trust My sustaining,
Ever present, ever near.
~~~~~
SPIRIT OF GOD
Spirit of God, casting out fear,
In deepest darkness still You are near,
Giving assurance, setting me free,
Bringing Your peace and Your comfort to me.
Spirit of God, cleansing all sin,
All guilt and shame, then You put Your life in,
Taking away all the things of the past,
Bringing forgiveness and joy that will last.
Spirit of God, source of all life,
You move within me to quell all my strife,
Then You embrace me in Your arms of love,
Bringing Your comfort and life from above.
~~~~~
I AM IN CONTROL
Cast your burdens on to Me,
I alone can set you free.
I know every circumstance;
Nothing can occur by chance.
Fear not, I am in control
And I long to make you whole.
Leave your problems in My hands;
Rest secure within My plans.
All your future I'll not leave.
Do not fear, only believe.
Through the darkness and the night
I will bring you to the light.
Trust in Me and do not fear.
I, your God, am always near.
You are ever in My heart
And I never will depart.
In My strength then daily go.
In My knowledge daily grow,
Casting every care on Me.
I am God eternally.
~~~~~
RELAX
Relax within the presence of the King.
Rest in His love, He will His healing bring.
The words which He has said, He will fulfil
As you will wait before Him, calm and still.
Relax and let the Saviour have His way.
Let go the cares, the tensions of the day.
His peace, his love envelop all your soul
And in His presence you will be made whole.
Relax and let the Spirit flow on through,
Cleansing, empowering, giving life anew.
His purifying fire burns within
Giving new passion for those lost in sin.
Relax in God, the mighty Three in One,
For when He speaks the deed is surely done.
In His own time His healing will be shown,
The glory of the risen Christ be known.
~~~~~
I WAS WITH YOU
I was with you long ago when you felt alone.
I was right beside you there, though I was not known.
Though you could not understand, I then shared your pain
And I long to lift you up, bringing life again.
I was with you there at school in the gym and games.
I was with you when the boys laughed and called you naems.
I was with you when you failed - felt you let Me down
And I purpose in your life that My power be shown.
I am with you day by day and I love you so.
I am with you on life's path as you forward go.
And whate'eer the future holds I will never fail.
Trust in Me, receive My power and you will prevail.
~~~~~
YOUR GLORY
Your glory is here surrounding us now.
Your Spirit is present to heal.
Your grace like a river floods over our hearts
As You long all Your power to reveal.
The weight of Your glory descends upon us -
You cause us to rest and be still.
The wounds of deep pain are healed by Your word
As our hearts and our spirits You fill.
~~~~~
MY WORD
My word brings freedom from the cage
Surrounding you today.
My word brings hope and full release
And guidance on the way.
The bars of disillusionment,
Of doubt, oppression, fear
Must break before My powerful word
When I, the Lord, draw near.
So do not fear to speak My word,
Which I give you to share
For I will pour out from My heart
Wisdom beyond compare.
My Spirit comes to you to guide,
Embolden and make real;
To bring My joy in worship here,
My glory to reveal.
My Spirit comes to you to share
This wine which makes you glad,
To reach the hungry, hurting ones,
The lost, despairing, sad.
My Spirit comes to lead you on
As you let Him control,
To use you as His channel here
To make a lost world whole.
~~~~~
.
I AM WITH YOU
I'll let you know you walk with Me, My peace to you I give.
All condemnation will be gone as I your sins forgive.
I put My peace within your heart to guard you day by day,
Surrounding you as you proceed along the pilgrim way.
My purity you too may know as I break Satan's power,
For you have died to sin in Me - I live in you each hour.
My spirit leads you into prayer to Me, your Father dear.
You speak to Me your needs and cares - I speak and you will hear.
My sufferings My children share, but I am with you still.
I give you strength to overcome and prove My perfect will.
I'll show to you My view of life from way above all things
That you may have assurance clear which My perspective brings.
I'll give you grace to persevere although the road is long.
The devil cannot hold you down since you to Christ belong.
I give to you My purpose clear to work out My own plan,
To do My will, to walk My ways prepared e'er time began.
My power I have given you that you may overcome,
Borne up by My great love alone bestowed in Christ, My Son.
On eagles’ wings you’ll rise again,
My dear, beloved one.
~~~~~
LOVE
Love is the hammer that breaks down the walls -
All the fear and the hurt that divide.
Love is the power to tear kingdoms down
And bring men to Jesus' side.
Love is the key that can open the hearts
By hurt and deep wounding fast barred.
Love is the power to bring full release
To hearts that are stony and hard.
Love is the channel to bring you back home,
Though you have wandered away.
Love is the power which turns you around,
Bringing you back to My way.
Love is Myself, in My glory revealed -
Love shown in Jesus, My Son.
Love is the power to bring glory down.
And My love the victory has won.
~~~~~
WITH ALL OF MY BEING
(St. Denio)
With all of my being I praise You O Lord
For I am redeemed and made whole by Your word
I lift up my voice as I praise your great Name
For You are all-glorious, for ever the same.
My spirit You raise as I kneel by Your throne.
Your peace floods my being, You call me Your own.
The whole of my body cries out to Your praise
Be Lord of each moment, be Lord of my days.
Your bounty You pour on my body and soul.
I thank You for saving and making me whole.
I join with the glorious throng up above
In praising Your boundless and fathomless love.
In worship You meet me and work out Your will.
With Your Holy Spirit my heart now You fill.
I come to Your presence and there I would live
And in Your great mercy Your glory You give.
~~~~~
THE ROCK-DOVE
The Spirit as a rock-dove,
The wilderness His home
Came down into the darkness
And made His presence known.
He found the deepest darkness,
The barren wilderness
And there He chose to settle,
The shadow lands to bless.
From there new life and freedom
By Spirit came to birth -
New fruitfulness and beauty
To populate the earth.
He turned the dust to roses,
Brought new life out of death.
He gave me a new purpose
By His creative breath.
Returning from the desert
I was empowered to bring
His life and hope to others
To glorify the King
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
REALISATION OF LOVE
You loved the world, the Bible said,
And that included me
And if I gave my life to You,
My Saviour You would be.
You loved my spirit, and You chose
To claim me as Your own,
To come into my human life
And make my heart Your throne.
You loved my soul - me as I was,
Not just as I could be.
You longed to heal my wounded heart
And set me fully free.
You loved my body, which You made,
Though marred in human eyes.
You do not look for perfect form
In features or in size.
And as Your love flowed into me
Then I learned how to love.
I realised my worth to You
That brought You from above.
Self-hatred turned to care for that
Which You in love had made.
For I am perfect in Your eyes
And face You unafraid.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE A CALLING
You have a calling on your life
To follow Christ the King,
To own His lordship, do His will
His life to others bring.
You have a story of God's love,
What Christ has done for you,
How He has come to dwell within
And given life anew.
So do not be ashamed to share,
For others need Him too,
By words and actions witnessing
That His love may shine through.
Just grasp the opportunity
To speak of what He's done
And He will give the strength and grace -
He is the Mighty One.
~~~~~
METAMORPHOSIS
You're My child of perfect beauty,
Chosen before time began;
Cleansed, made pure, robed in white garments
To fulfil My special plan.
I have set My love upon you -
Love for spirit, body, soul.
I have put My life within you,
I will surely make you whole.
My own radiance beautifies you,
Even when you cannot see.
My great power I put inside you
That you may be free to be.
I bring light into the darkness,
Into chaos I speak peace.
I will turn your tears to gladness,
From all bondage bring release.
Like a chrysalis, unfolding
To reveal the butterfly
Your life will know transformation,
Strengthened by your Lord on high.
Like a seed, sown in the darkness,
Sprouting up towards the light
You shall blossom, you shall flourish,
Raised up by My powerful might.
Beauty, wisdom, grace I give you -
Precious child, I love you so.
As you lean upon Me wholly
All My glory you shall know.
Strength I give you for your weakness,
Hope I give you for despair.
I have chosen and redeemed you
And I see you whole and fair.
~~~~~
I NEED TO WORSHIP YOU
I need to worship You - I am so busy, Lord,
Yet in the rush of life, You Lord alone afford
A source of strength, comfort and peace,
And from all tension bring release.
I need to worship You - amid the haste and noise,
The stress and strain which comes, and peace and joy destroys.
I must take time to be with You,
For from Your throne flows life anew.
I need to worship You - for there You meet with me.
As I bow at Your feet You set my spirit free
That I may mount on eagles' wings,
Knowing the strength Your Spirit brings.
I long to worship You - You are my heart's desire.
You make me like Yourself by Your refining fire.
I need to worship You each day
To know your grace along life's way.
~~~~~
WASH ME
Wash me, dear Lord.
The cares of life have weighed me down.
The fears that come possess my heart and mind.
I cannot see,
But You are in control and you are Lord
And in the darkness You are there.
You will not leave
And I am always in Your hands
And You caress me with Your love.
Grant me Your peace
And calm the anxious seething of my mind.
Dispel the darkness, fill me with Your light.
Cleanse me, dear Lord.
~~~~~
YOU WILL BE THERE
You do not say darkness won't come
But promise to be there.
You walk the barren path with us -
Our pains and grief You share.
Though we may not feel You near
We know you'll never leave
For You are faithful to Your word
And help us to believe.
You strengthen us to follow You
We claim Your power each day
To go on walking in Your paths
Along life's pilgrim way.
You give Your grace, Your cleansing power
As we depend on You;
Relying on Your strength alone
We find our life anew.
~~~~~
RESUSCITATE THE FIRE
Resuscitate the fire, Lord,
The hope now burning low,
My faltering trust in You, Lord -
Let me Your healing know.
Remove the dust and ashes
And blow upon the flame
By Your all-powerful Spirit
To glorify Your name.
Grant me new perseverance
To press towards the goal,
The prize by Jesus promised,
Freedom of heart and soul,
True wholeness in Your presence,
Courage while here below;
And may I be Your channel
Your glory here to show.
~~~~~
I DO NOT NEED TO UNDERSTAND
I do not need to understand the path that lies ahead.
I simply need to trust the Lord Who all the way has led.
I do not need to understand or ask the reason why
But claim the strength and power to live Christ offers from on high.
I do not need to understand, I do not need to see,
For all is in the hand of Him Who caused the worlds to be.
I know that God is in control and will work out His plan
Purposed in Christ the Mighty One long before time began.
One day I'll fully understand before the Saviour's throne
And one day I shall fully know as I am fully known.
Till then I put my trust in Christ, the Faithful, Strong and True,
And claim the grace He gives to me, knowing He'll see me through.
~~~~~
GREATER
Greater is He who lives in me than he who's in the world;
Greater by far God's mighty power Whose banner is unfurled.
Greater by far His strength and might, though Satan presses in,
For Jesus' death has overcome and conquered death and sin.
Greater is Christ Who lives within and has made me His own.
He puts his life within my heart and makes his glory known.
He will uphold when troubles come, and never, never leave;
Through fire and flood He will sustain - I just have to believe.
Greater is He, the risen One, with power to set free.
He comes to cleanse and purify, then put His life in me.
He makes all His resources mine, His strength to me He gives
That I may go out in His Name and prove that Jesus lives.
~~~~~
THE ROCK
This was based on a picture of myself as a tomato under pressure and about to split. The tomato was then replaced by a stone, and the words "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
Who is bearing the pressure?
I am the Rock - I live in you, My strength is made your own.
I am all-powerful, I sustain and make My glory known.
If you will just depend on Me and of My power share
You'll find I make your burden light which once you could not bear.
Nothing against Me can prevail - no power in earth or hell,
For by My death I overcame and rose, that you might tell
That I have power to uphold, to keep you all life through,
That you might soar on eagles' wings, knowing My strength anew.
So do not fear, though you are frail - the power is Mine alone
And as you will depend on Me My power will be shown.
Cast all your cares and fears on Me and I will set you free.
I am the Rock, I am your strength and life eternally.
~~~~~
AT YOUR PACE
Lord, help me to slow down amid the haste,
The rush of life as time is passing by.
The rhythm of Your heart help me perceive,
And Your perspective from the realms on high.
Not always to the swiftest is the race
But those who run according to Your will,
Those who take time to listen to Your voice
And in Your presence learn how to be still.
Lord, help me move according to Your pace,
Not running on in human strength alone,
But realising the power to live each day
Is only found by kneeling at Your throne.
~~~~~
I KNOW YOU
My child, I know your shame
And I can wash you clean.
I can heal your heart
And make you whole again.
Broken, shattered lives
My power can restore.
I can make you whole
And My strength is sure.
I can take your past
And give life anew
I can be your strength
All life's journey through.
Open up your heart ‑
!I'll teach you to love,
Heal your broken life,
Give peace from above
~~~~~
GIVE ME THE KEYS
Give Me the keys to every room
That you would want to hide,
Where darkness and confusion reign
And fear and pain reside.
The room in which you cry alone
Uncomforted in pain;
The rooms which hide your guilt and shame,
The deepest hidden stain.
Give Me the keys, My light will shine
And chase away all gloom.
My Spirit cleanses, beautifies
And sanctifies each room.
~~~~~
RECEIVE MY LOVE
My child, reach out, receive My love ‑
You are My own design.
I gave you life, caused you to be;
I love you ‑ you are Mine.
Not broken and imperfect, marred,
But made to be My own,
Made to display My special grace
And make your Saviour known.
Though you are weak, My hand is strong.
My life I've put in you.
I will make whole, cleanse and redeem
That My light might shine through.
You are My child, of special worth,
Created in My plan.
You are beloved, pure and fair,
Mine ere your life began.
Though you may fail, I love you still
And I will never leave.
All that I have I give to you
If you will but receive.
~~~~~
ALL THE RESOURCES OF HEAVEN
All the resources of heaven are yours,
Poured out on those that I love.
If you depend on Me, trust in My word,
I will give strength from above.
I will give sight and My purpose reveal,
You shall see into My plan.
I give My words, bringing healing and light,
Give you love for your fellow‑man.
I will give wisdom ‑ man's wisdom is vain.
I will give gladness and peace.
If you are bound in defeat and despair
In Me alone is release.
~~~~~
CHOSEN
I have CHOSEN you, My dear one
And I know you through and through,
Yet I still see you as precious ‑
I will work My plans in you.
You are not a reject, useless,
You are made to My design.
You are not unwanted, hopeless,
I have called you ‑ you are MINE.
All the past My love can conquer;
I can change you deep within,
Take away the pain and sadness,
Put My joy and freedom in.
I have CHOSEN you in weakness
That My strength you should display.
I have put My Spirit in you,
Given you grace to walk My way.
I am working daily in you,
Perfecting My glorious plan
For you are My own beloved,
CHOSEN before time began.
~~~~~
GOD'S LOVE INCLUDES YOU
God's love includes YOU, precious child
Though you feel guilt and shame.
His love for you will never end,
His grace remains the same.
He knows your sin ‑ He bore it all
When on the cross He died.
He rose again and by His power
Declares YOU justified.
God's love includes YOU, broken one,
Though you may hide away
He'll find you, hold you in His arms
And words of comfort say.
There is no place His love can't reach,
No part His power can't heal.
He comes to give His life to you
And make His presence real.
God's love includes YOU ‑ even you;
He sees you pure and fair,
Destined before the world began
His image here to bear.
His love can cleanse, redeem, restore
And make you fully whole.
The riches of His glorious grace
He'll pour into your soul.
~~~~~
THROUGH GOD'S EYES
You see yourself as rich and strong,
I see you poor and weak,
Relying on your strength alone,
My face you do not seek.
You can do nothing without Me,
Man's strength alone is vain
But in Me all My wealth is yours
And all My power you gain.
You see yourself as weak and frail,
I see you strong in Me.
You think that you can only fail
But your success I see.
You think that you are evil, bad,
But I died for your sin.
I see you robed in righteousness,
Made pure and clean within.
You see yourself broken within,
But I see you as whole,
For you are made complete in Me
In spirit and in soul.
You see yourself as on your own
But I see you in Me
Redeemed, fulfilled, filled with My love,
Walking in liberty
~~~~~.
REMOVE THE BARS
Tear down the walls, remove the bars
You've built around your soul.
You've put them there to keep out harm ‑
They stop you being whole.
They barricade you from My love
And from your fellow‑men.
They hold you back from reaching Me,
So take them down again.
I want you free, I want you whole,
No more bound and confined,
To live your life free as a bird,
As I, your Lord, designed.
So do not fear to venture out,
You venture out with Me
And as you put your hand in Mine
You taste true liberty
~~~~~.
MY WORK OF ART
You are My poem, My work of art,
First conceived within My heart
Long before the world began,
Chosen to fulfil My plan.
You are beautiful to Me,
Sanctified, redeemed, set free.
Lift your head, don't be ashamed,
In the Saviour you are named.
Not your spirit, child, alone
Do I love and call My own,
But your body, I declare,
Before Me is pure and fair.
As you are I love you still,
With My grace your life I'll fill.
Let your body glorify
My great name and lift it high.
You are Mine in all your ways,
Destined to show forth My praise,
Body, mind, spirit and soul
By My Spirit pure and whole.
~~~~~
TEACH ME
Teach me to know Your love, O Lord,
So limitless and free.
Teach me to know that this great love
Has planned the path for me.
Teach me to trust in You, dear Lord,
To lean on You each day.
I need not fear what lies ahead;
You are my strength and stay.
May I be confident in You,
Knowing Your power in me.
When I am weak You are my strength;
You save eternally.
~~~~~
COMPLETE WHAT YOU BEGAN
Lord, complete what You began, working deep within.
Bring Your wholeness to my life, cleanse me from all sin.
May Your peace reign in my heart, may I daily know
More of You, Your power and love; Your free grace bestow.
Teach me, Lord, to trust in You, trust Your perfect plan
For my life, laid down in love long before time began.
!You put me in Your body here ‑ work out Your will in me.
Lord, take my hands, Lord, take my all to set the captives free.
~~~~~
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS
I will not fear, my times are in Your hand
And all my ways in love by You are planned.
Though chaos reigns and all around gives way
The river of Your peace still flows today.
You bring Your life, protect when foes assail,
Bringing deliverance, strength that cannot fail.
You bring Your peace and bid our striving cease,
For in Your stillness we can find release.
You are the Lord, and we acknowledge You
The sovereign God Who can make all things new.
We must be still, rest in Your love alone ‑
'I Am', Jehovah, through the ages known.
We rest on You, defender, Saviour, king,
Ceasing from restless work, that You may bring
The answer, where our human deeds are vain.
The Lord of all for ever You remain
~~~~~.
TRANSFORMATION
You reached out in transforming power
And touched the outcast one,
Bringing Your wholeness, life and power,
Your mighty work was done.
You reached in with transforming power
And took away my sin.
You healed the hurts that filled my soul
And put Your life within.
~~~~~
OIL
Holy Spirit, precious oil
Poured upon me from above,
Consecrate me to the Lord,
Set my soul ablaze with love.
Holy Spirit, healing oil,
Touching body, spirit, soul,
Purge away all sin and fear,
Make me clean and make me whole.
Oil of gladness, freely poured,
Make my heart in God rejoice.
Teach me how to praise the Lord
With my spirit, heart and voice.
Oil of God, anoint me now
For Your service where You send,
Knowing You will never fail
And Your power has no end.
~~~~~
YOU MAKE MY HEART REJOICE
Lord, You make my heart rejoice.
I praise You for all You've done,
Bringing freedom, life and power,
Bringing healing through Your Son.
Lord, I long to live for You,
Radiate Your life and love,
Bring Your healing, grace and joy,
Bring Your wholeness from above.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE ANOINTED ME
Lord, You have anointed me with Your Spirit free,
Consecrated me to You, called me Yours to be.
Given me a task to do where Your love has planned
And, whate'er the future holds, I am in Your hand.
Lord, You have anointed me with the oil of joy,
Given me a peace within nothing can destroy;
Given gladness for my woe, healing for my pain
And I know that Your great love constant will remain.
Lord, You have anointed me, chosen me below
And commissioned me to share of the love You show;
Comforting from what You give, bringing joy and peace
And, since You have set me free, bringing Your release.
~~~~~
LIKE AN EAGLE
You made me to soar like an eagle,
Designed me to rise and be free,
Borne up by Your Spirit of power,
Created to know liberty.
Exchanging my strength like an eagle,
You give me the power to live.
You take all my rubbish and weakness
And Your life and power You give.
If I will but hope in You, Saviour
Commit all my burdens to You,
I'll soar up on wings like an eagle,
Through Your Holy Spirit made new.
~~~~~
YOUR PEACE
Your peace is a garrison, guarding my heart,
Though Satan's hosts may surround.
Your peace gives me power to conquer each foe,
For victory in You, Lord, is found.
Your peace is a power beyond all man's own,
Far more than our minds comprehend,
For it flows from the throne of the Father in heaven
And it never will come to an end.
Your peace is made mine as I look upon You.
In Your presence I find full release.
For You give me Your life and Your Spirit within,
And You are the God of all peace
~~~~~.
DESPERATION
Lord, in my desperation I come to You today.
You are the source of wisdom ‑ I need to know Your way.
Grant me the grace to listen, Your holy will to do,
Obedient to Your bidding, that Your power may flow through.
You care for me each moment, each part of life You share.
You come into the shadows and shed Your radiance there.
Into my anxious turmoil none but You can bring peace.
Where snares of earth would trap me, You, Lord, can bring release.
I give to You my burdens, the loads I cannot bear.
I place them in Your hands, Lord, and I would leave them there.
I come into Your presence, look up into Your face
And go forth in Your freedom, strengthened by Your own grace.
~~~~~
SEEK ME FIRST
In all your ways acknowledge Me,
My ways I shall make plain.
Cast all your load of care on Me,
Let go the stress and strain.
If you will own Me Lord of all,
My guidance you shall know.
My wisdom I will give to you
My grace and power bestow.
Seek first My kingdom and My will,
In righteousness to live
And I will guide you all your days
And needed strength will give.
My strength is given to the weak
Who will depend on Me
And as they in obedience walk
Then I will set them free.
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
I KNOW
I know where you're coming from
I know where you're coming from
And I too have been there.
I have known the wilderness,
The valley of despair
I have known Gethsemane,
Forsaken and alone,
Plumbing depths of sorrow deep
No human heart has known.
I have known rejection deep
By all whom I held dear.
I was cut off from God Himself
That you might be brought near.
I have known defilement vile,
For I bore human sin.
I gave My life upon the cross
To give you life within.
I will not condemn one soul
Who turns their eyes to Me,
However hesitant their faith
My power can set them free.
Every one is dear to Me,
Precious in My sight,
And I long to make them whole,
Bringing joy and light.
Do not fear, just trust in Me -
I love you, you are Mine.
In My hands you shall be safe.
On My breast recline.
Cast Your burdens on to Me -
All your load I'll bear.
I know where you're coming from -
I, too, have been there.
~~~~~
CLEANSED
You feel unclean, stained by your sin,
Unworthy of My care.
You feel the things that you have done
Must cause you to despair.
I bore your sin on Calvary
That you could be made clean,
As white as snow before My eyes
Where once dark stains had been.
The sins of others stain your soul -
Abuse, rejection, fear.
They separate you from My joy,
Keep you from drawing near.
I bore these, too, upon the cross -
I washed them all away
That you might be holy and pure
And know My glorious day.
You feel that you have sinned AGAIN
And I will not forgive.
You feel a failure, weak and frail -
How can I in you live?
My blood still cleanses EVERY sin,
No vestige shall remain.
I will remember them no more;
Pure whiteness you regain.
Accept My cleansing, healing love,
Let Me wash you each day.
You shall be free and you may go
Rejoicing on life's way.
~~~~~
THE QUESTION OF PAIN
No answer to the question of human pain is found
Within this fallen, broken world where sin and hurt abound.
Yet Christ knew human sorrow, forsaken on the cross,
He knew humiliation, He knew despair and loss.
He understands our anger, our rage at human pain;
He understands the darkness, but sheds his love again.
He shared our human nature, with us identifies
And He will never leave us but hear our feeble cries.
And in our place of darkness the Saviour still is there
Giving us strength to bear it, knowing that He can share.
Even though we can't feel Him, He will not leave or fail;
His life He puts within us, knowing that we are frail.
Through darkness He leads onwards, enriching, making new.
Even though we may doubt Him, He still will bring us through
Until with Him in glory, all pain for ever gone
Our questions will be needless as we behold the Son.
~~~~~
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Light of all the world, You came
To shed your light abroad;
To cause us to reflect Your life
That hope might be restored;
To show us every trace of sin
That we must bring to You;
To make our pathway safe and sure;
To give us life anew.
You fill us with Your mighty power -
Your Spirit lives within,
And in our weakness we can know
Your grace and power poured in.
Only in You can we be strong -
For human strength is vain.
By prayer we may draw from Your life
Amid earth's stress and strain.
Though buffeted on every side
By troubles that we face,
Although we cannot understand
We trust to Your free grace.
When persecuted for Your sake
You are our faithful Friend
And You will never leave our side
But keep us to the end.
Though we may not be in control,
Our life by You is planned
To make us channels of Your grace
As we rest in Your hand.
~~~~~
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND
Lord, I cannot understand
The ways You say in love are planned,
The darkness that comes over me,
The times when no end I can see.
Lord, all things are in Your care
For you are sovereign, always there.
You have not left Your world alone
But You are watching from Your throne,
You are with us in our pain;
You are there through storm and rain.
When no comfort we can feel
You are with us still to heal.
In our trials we can turn
To You, Lord, and of You learn.
If from You we turn away
Who can be our strength and stay.
Suffering One, we look to You;
Pain and trials for us You knew.
Help us see things through Your eyes
And Your glory recognise.
All our grief to You we give,
Claim from You the strength to live.
From the evil You can bring
Good, and glorify the King
~~~~~.
I AM WITH YOU
When you're walking in the darkness and no light ahead you see,
When you cannot feel or hear Me I am with you - trust in Me.
I know all your human weakness and I share your grief and pain.
I will bring you through the tunnel into light and joy again.
When the path ahead seems endless and your strength and faith would fail,
I have put My Spirit in you and He surely will prevail.
Though at times you feel forsaken I still firmly hold your hand.
You are precious and I love you - all your pain I understand.
One day you shall share My glory and you will be fully whole,
Filled with joy, enjoying freedom, perfect peace within your soul.
Take My hand, I'll lead you onward to your glorious home above.
Till that time I'm with you always - simply rest in My great love.
~~~~~
YOU NEED ME
You thought that you could stand alone, and so I let you try
To teach you that you must depend on power from on high.
Your human strength is not enough - unaided you will fail,
But I have put My life in you, power which will prevail.
You need to feed upon My word, that I your spirit fill;
You need to put your trust in Me in good times and in ill.
You need to worship and take time to feel My tender care;
You need to cast worries and fears on Me in earnest prayer.
You cannot bear the load alone -you need a Helper true -
My Holy Spirit in your life, with you in all you do.
Give up your independence, child, and learn that you need Me;
For I alone can share the yoke and set you truly free.
Just as a child grows and learns, so with Me you may grow,
And as you spend more time with Me you shall My wisdom know.
So do not try to rush ahead, Your times are in My hand
And I will lead you safely on the path that I have planned.
I know the way - I AM THE WAY - on Me you can depend;
When human comfort fails and dies I am your faithful Friend.
Admit your need, receive My love, rely on Me each day
And I will prove My faithfulness - the Life, the Truth, the Way.
~~~~~
CHANGING TIMES - UNCHANGING GOD
Life with ever-quickening pace
Rushes on - a hectic race:
Faxes, e-mail, Internet -
Life is getting faster yet.
But our God unchanging stands
And our lives are in His hands
Rumours of war all around;
Pain and wickedness abound.
Men forget the One Who made
Earth and sky, and are afraid.
The unchanging God is He;
To the end He'll faithful be.
So much change - how can we cope?
Only in Christ is true hope.
In our trouble He is near;
He alone can calm our fear.
Changing times - unchanging God.
He'll protect us with His rod.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
I come in weakness to You, Lord,
Asking for strength from You.
I seek Your cleansing, healing power
To make my life anew.
All my confusion, Lord, I bring -
Your way I cannot see.
Reveal to me Your perfect will
And shed Your light in me.
Open my eyes to see Your face,
My ears to hear Your voice.
Speak out the word that sets me free
And bids my heart rejoice.
Grant me Your strength to carry on,
And fill me with Your peace,
For it is by Your grace alone
That I can find release.
Make me a channel of your love,
Your comfort here to share,
Giving out what you give to me
As I receive in prayer.
~~~
ENTRUSTMENT
What I have entrusted I'll give strength to bear.
You may leave your loved ones safe within My care.
I will give you wisdom, I will give My peace,
Give you strength and power, give My full release.
Cast on Me your burdens - let My hands uphold.
I will not forsake you - let My arms enfold.
It is in My presence that you will receive
Life and love and freedom if you will believe.
I'm your loving Father - you're My precious child.
Rest your head upon Me when life's storms are wild.
Into your confusion I will bring My calm.
On your pain and anguish I will shed My balm.
As you will be faithful I am faithful too.
I will keep My promise - I'll give strength anew.
As you wait before Me all My strength I'll give
And you'll go out boldly in My name to live.
~~~~~
PROBLEMS
Sometimes life's problems hem me in
And take away the peace You give.
Sometimes earth's stresses compass me
And it is hard just to believe.
Yet You uphold me when I fall
And hear my weak, despairing call.
Sometimes the pressures that I face
Seem to crowd in from every side.
It's hard to put my trust in You
And in Your presence to abide.
Yet You are reaching out to me
And long to set me truly free.
Sometimes I cannot feel You near;
My mind is filled with doubt and care;
Time is so short, demands so great,
Just squeezing out worship and prayer.
Yet in Your presence strength is found
And life and love and peace abound.
I will press on, though feelings fail -
In following You I'll persevere.
I'll place my problems in Your hands
And seek Your grace and wisdom here.
You promise You will see me through
And raise me up to life anew.
~~~~~
BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT
I left the splendour of heaven because you’re worth it.
I took on all the limitations of human life because you’re worth it.
I gave My life on the cross because you’re worth it.
I rose for your salvation because you’re worth it.
I intercede for you daily because you’re worth it.
Whatever your past - you’re worth it.
However great your sin - you’re worth it.
However unworthy you feel - you’re worth it.
However much you hate yourself - you’re worth it.
Whatever your age - you’re worth it.
Whatever your state of health - you’re worth it.
Whatever others may have done to you - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have done - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have thought - you’re worth it.
I love you. I have chosen you.
You’re Mine. You’re precious. You’re beautiful.
I clothe you in white. I clothe you in My righteousness.
I hold you in My arms. I sing My love song to you.
I caress you tenderly. You’re worth it.
~~~~~
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} These are a few poems, written over a period of years, which , I hope, may bring encouragement to us in the dark times of our lives and remind us how precious and special we are to God, however worthless and useless we may feel. Perhaps our particular suffering may be emotional or mental pain, physical pain, loneliness or bereavement, relationship breakdown or the stress of circumstances. Perhaps an end may be in sight, perhaps there may seem no end this side of glory. However, the Bible tells us we have a God Who suffers WITH us and supports us through all our suffering, whether we feel him near or not. We may say with the psalmist “Why art thou cast down, O my soul, hope thou in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Just as the sun has not ceased to exist when night falls on this land, we are enveloped in darkness and familiar landmarks disappear, so the Son has not ceased to exist because we are experiencing times of darkness, and light WILL come again.
In no way are these poems intended to provide any ‘pat answers’, for there are none, or to minimise the experience of suffering, which is all too real, but I hope they may just shed a ray of encouragement.
PRECIOUS AND HONOURED
(This poem was inspired by a talk based on words from Isaiah. However we feel we are PRECIOUS – valued by God, and HONOURED – displayed by Him as a person of value)
Precious, protected, held in My hand;
Lovingly guided in paths I have planned.
This is My purpose for you, My dear child;
I see you spotless, in Christ undefiled.
My love is constant, unbounded My grace;
Deep in My heart you have always a place.
Your name engraved on My palms will remain.
I will be with you, through joy and through pain.
Honoured, exalted - you're special to Me;
Lifted and chosen My vessel to be;
Filled with My glory, ablaze with My light,
And for the battle empowered with My might.
You are predestined My likeness to bear.
One day in heaven My splendour you'll share.
Precious and honoured, the child of My heart,
I love you always I'll never depart.
~~~~~
MY OFFERING
(This poem was based on thoughts from a book I read, which pointed out that we can offer God the dark problems of our life and receive His strength)
I offer You my hurt, Lord,
The things that trouble me;
My sin and my temptation,
For You alone can free.
I offer You my pain, Lord,
For You can understand.
The weakness of my body
I place into Your hand.
I offer You my darkness,
My deepest, inmost night,
That You might share it with me
And shed Your holy light.
I offer You my tiredness,
So busy is the day.
You offer strength and comfort
Along life's toilsome way.
I offer You my day, Lord -
May everything I do
Be consecrated wholly
My blessed Lord, to You.
I offer You my all, Lord,
The mundane tasks I share.
I offer You the night hours
And know You will be there.
You took the bread of suffering,
You bore it all for me.
You take my heavy burdens,
And in You I am free.
~~~~~
MARY MAGDALENE
(This was based upon a sermon and reminds me how God forgives every sin and accepts every sinner who comes to Him)
He loved me, took me as I was, forgave me all my sin.
And the He died upon the cross and darkness came within.
An empty tomb awaited me; a quiet voice I heard.
I did not know it was my Lord, and yet my heart was stirred.
It was my Master, Teacher, Friend, this one Who healed my soul.
His love reached out, enfolding me, and I was fully whole.
He spoke my name - I turned to Him, and I just had to share -
"I've seen the Lord, He's risen indeed, the One beyond compare."
He can touch you as He touched me; He is the mighty King.
He knows our pain and shares with us, He comes His strength to bring.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
(It is so easy to sin – to ‘do it again’ when we think we will never fall that way, but still God welcomes, still God forgives)
You love me, even when I stray;
You lead me back into Your way.
You hand is gentle, yet so strong,
You lift me up, give me a song.
Your touch is tender, healing me.
Your love sets my whole being free.
You meet me at my point of need,
And in You I find life indeed.
Restoring body, spirit, soul,
Purging the dross and making whole.
You make me soar on eagles' wings
And with Your praise my heart now sings.
My precious, lovely, holy Lord,
My joy, my light, my great reward,
How can I praise You as I ought,
Since with Your blood You pardon bought.
I love You, though my love is poor,
I long to know and love You more.
Accept the humble praise I bring
To You, my Saviour and my King.
~~~~~
I RECEIVE YOUR LOVE
(Sometimes I feel nobody could love me and I need to receive the love of God)
I receive Your love, Lord,
The love that can make whole.
Love that removes the heartache
And reaches to my soul.
A love without condition,
Love that does not compare.
Love that will not reject me,
A love that's always there.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love that can cleanse and heal.
Love that dispels the darkness
My Saviour to reveal.
A love that always welcomes,
However far I stray.
A love that gently guides me
Along life's pilgrim way.
I receive Your love, Lord,
Love which brings joy and peace.
Love that can break all bondage,
Love that can bring release.
A love that never changes,
Though all may change around;
A love that leads to glory,
Where life and strength abound.
~~~~~
YOU SPEAK MY NAME
(I find it so wonderful that God knows me by name, knows all my sinfulness, yet still welcomes me)
You meet me face to face and speak my name.
There is no place that I can hide from You.
You say that, if I'll let You, You'll come in
And be with me in everything I do.
Each part of daily life You long to share
And undergird me with Your loving care.
My family and friends, my joy, my pain,
My hopes, my fun, my tears and laughter too.
In each relationship You still are there
And long to work through me Your will to do.
My care for your creation must be shown
And through my life Your presence must be known.
"Do I love You?” - the question comes to me.
"Am I prepared to give my all to You?"
I stand, my faith in You here to declare,
Here to proclaim that in You I'm made new
Yes, I love You, You are my Lord and King.
Come, fill my life, rule over everything.
~~~~~
YOUR NAME - MY NAME
(Another reminder of how much God loves each one of us, however we may feel)
I have called you by your name
Set apart and chosen you.
You are Mine, I love you so.
I have given You life anew.
I have called you by your name
That you might respond to Me,
And I never will forsake,
I am there eternally.
I have called you by My name,
Marked you out to do My will.
I have given you work to do,
My own purpose to fulfil.
I have called you by My name,
Channel of My love and care.
I commission you to go,
My good news of grace to share.
~~~~~
COME
(Sometimes it is easy to get so wrapped up in the busyness of the day that we forget that Christ calls us to Him in order to gain strength for the day ahead)
Just come, and I will give You rest -
But you must come to Me.
Lay down your burdens and your care
And let Me set you free.
I know you are so busy, child,
But you must draw aside
And find refreshment, joy and peace -
My arms are open wide.
I long to touch you, and to heal
If you will just draw near.
I long to soothe away your pain
And calm your lurking fear.
I'll hold you safe within My arms,
Sheltered in My embrace,
And in My presence you will find
New strength for life's hard race.
You are my precious, darling one,
Come close, for I love you,
And resting in My arms of love
You shall find strength anew.
~~~~~
COME UNTO ME
(Can be sung to the tune Caswall)
Come, lay down your burdens,
Cast your care on me.
Take My yoke upon you,
And your strength I'll be.
If you will obey me
You shall find my rest,
Knowing my protection,
In me you'll be blessed.
Listen to my teaching,
Follow all my ways.
I will guide and strengthen,
Keep you all your days.
Sheltered and protected
By My hand you'll be.
Work with me together
And you will be free.
Yoked with me together
You will find release.
I will gently lead you
In the paths of peace.
~~~~~
I WILL COMPLETE WHAT I BEGAN
(Do we ever feel we’re getting nowhere?)
The work I began I will surely complete,
For you are so precious to Me.
I'll guide and protect you, I'll work in your life
Until My own image I see.
Through all of life's trials I'm working with you -
The Potter is moulding the clay
To make a clean vessel for My life within
Where I, Christ the Lord hold full sway.
In joy and in pain still My hand is on you
To fashion you after My will.
I love you, you're special and precious to Me
And in you My plans I'll fulfil.
So fear not, My child, the delight of My heart,
One day all My glory you'll share
And daily new steps on life's pathway we'll tread,
For I am with You everywhere.
~~~~~
OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who created us,
Who knows our inmost parts -
Nothing is hidden from Your eyes,
The thoughts of all our hearts.
And You love us just the same
And for our sakes to earth Christ came.
Our Father God, You sent Your Son
To work Your works on earth.
He laid aside His majesty
And came, of human birth
For us to live, for us to die,
That we might live with You on high.
He was forsaken on the tree
As He bore all our sin
That we could be brought back to You
And know your life within.
And now, our Father, we have peace
With You, and we know Your release.
Our Father, You are always there
And never will forsake,
You put Your arms of love round us
And us Your children make.
You are so tender and so kind
And in Your life our life we find.
Father and Mother, head of all,
Protecting all the day.
Father, we long to be with You,
And in Your name we pray.
Father, you long that we may share
Your healing love, Your tender care.
~~~~~~
MY DECLARATION
(I can declare to God, to myself and to the evil one that I AM made new in Christ)
I am now a new creation
I declare to God above;
Ransomed by the blood of Jesus,
Reconciled, made free to love.
I am now a new creation
I declare to powers below.
I'm in Christ, and He is victor;
His own power within I know.
I am now a new creation
I declare to my own soul.
Christ lives in me by His Spirit,
Cleansing me and making whole.
I am now a new creation,
In my Saviour born again.
Through Him I can face tomorrow
For He constant will remain.
~~~~~
MARTHA AND THE DISCIPLES
(It must have been a mystery to Mary and Martha why Jesus waited. It must have been a mystery to the disciples why Jesus went to Jerusalem. But God had a plan, and He has a plan for our mysteries, too)
We thought we knew Him
And so we called for Him
To heal our brother from His mortal ill,
And yet He did not come.
Why? We thought He loved us
Yet He left us alone.
Why?
We could not see the greater miracle in store.
We did not understand we had to wait.
Would we still trust? Would we still love?
It's hard to feel alone, let down.
We needed Him, and yet He did not come.
We knew death awaited You,
And so we told You not to go.
We saw things from a natural point of view.
We did not know that Lazarus was dead -
And yet not dead, for Christ would raise him up.
We knew the scriptures said that he would rise
At the great resurrection of the dead.
And yet You were the resurrection there.
And yet You are the resurrection here.
Can death prevail o'er resurrection power?
The future breaks upon our human sight.
Yes - I believe - Your resurrection power
Has raised me too, although I cannot see
My brother raised as yet.
The great 'I AM', the Resurrection calls
Us out to life,
And in Him we are free.
~~~~~
ENGRAVED ON YOUR PALMS
(Isaiah 49 v 16)
(Can be sung to the tune Kingsfold)
You raise Your hands to God above,
Present to Him my name.
My name is carved upon Your palms,
My value You proclaim.
"See here My precious, chosen one
On whom I set My heart.
I tenderly protect My child,
My love will not depart."
Before the Father's face, His Son
Presents my name above -
His child, redeemed, cleansed and made whole,
The object of His love.
I am His treasure, His delight,
Precious and honoured, too;
Protected by His loving hands,
Hands which make me anew.
Engraved upon Your palms always
My name will still remain.
In blood my name is written there -
You bore the dreadful pain.
Beauty You brought, new life You gave,
Clothed me in righteousness,
Not of myself, but You alone,
Jesus, my glorious dress.
~~~~~
YOU REALLY DIED
You died totally, Lord -
Not just Your body on the cross.
It was not just that You ceased to breathe.
You really died,
Cut of from God, Your Father,
Knowing darkness absolute, impenetrable.
It was our death You died.
It should have been us in Your place.
You knew all of death
That we might know all of life.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CALLS
"The Lord is here - He calls for You.
The Lord is here today.
His love is personal and real,
His mercy on life's way.
The human Jesus feels our pain -
He comes and shares our grief,
And yet He comes and lifts our heads,
And longs to bring relief.
He suffers with the weeping crowd,
He knows, He loves, He cares.
He weeps with us, He mourns with us
And in our trouble shares.
He was the God of "there and then",
The God of ages past.
He is the God of "here and now",
He is the first and last.
~~~~~
Psalm 139
You see within the darkness as clearly as in light,
For You are perfect radiance and in You there's no night.
No pit too deep for You, Lord, nowhere too high or low.
There is no place to hide, Lord, nowhere that You don't know.
You search me out and know me - my deepest, inmost part.
You see my inward feelings, the secrets of my heart.
And yet, although You know me, You love me just the same.
You paid for me the ransom and to my rescue came.
~~~~~
SCARS IN HEAVEN
The only scars in heaven are in my Saviour's side
And hands and feet - the nail-prints, for He on Calvary died.
And yet - not imperfection, for they are glorious now.
They tell of full salvation He only can bestow.
With resurrection bodies, redeemed from pain and sin,
We shall bow down before Him Who gave us life within,
And we shall gaze in wonder on Him Whom we adore,
Whose scars proclaim our ransom - We'll praise Him more and more.
~~~~~
FOR ME
You were alone, Lord ,
That I might never be alone.
You were rejected, Lord
That I might know full acceptance.
You bore my strife, Lord,
That I might know Your peace.
You took my despair, Lord,
That I might know Your hope.
You took my sorrow, Lord,
That I might know Your joy.
You were made sin, Lord,
That my sin could be forgiven.
You bore my death, Lord,
That I might know Your life.
You went to hell, Lord,
That I might live with You in heaven.
You took my darkness, Lord,
That I could know Your glorious life.
Thank you, Lord.
May I spread Your light,
Rejoice in Your love
And be a channel of Your peace
Thank You, Lord.
~~~~~
ENVELOPED IN YOU
Enveloped in Your love, Lord,
The love that casts out fear.
We come before Your throne now,
With boldness we draw near.
Enveloped in Your grace, Lord,
Forgiveness we receive.
And know Your tender mercy
As we will just believe.
Enveloped in Your peace, Lord,
You meet our inmost need,
Bring joy and hope and healing,
For You are peace indeed.
Enveloped in Yourself, Lord,
Your saving power we know
And go out as Your servants
Your love and life to show.
~~~~~
SHABAT- COMMUNION
(Based on a thought in "Child of the Covenant" relating the Eucharist to the Jewish Sabbath ceremony)
Bread for labour - strength to live you shall find in Me.
By My body, broken then, you can be set free.
So be strengthened as you feed at My table here
And go out, My will to do without doubt or fear.
Wine for rest - "Come unto Me"- Come into My peace.
Let Me wash your cares away. Let Me bring release.
So be quieted as you come, from all fear set free.
Drink, and I will satisfy. Come and drink of Me.
~~~~~
COMMUNION
(It is so easy to live life with a mask – the good worker, the good Christian – but God sees behind our mask and loves us just the same.)
I want to meet with you -
Not your mask.
I know you anyway -
There's no need to hide.
I know your good.
I know your sin.
I love you.
You are beautiful.
Lay aside your mask
Come to Me.
Meet with Me.
Eat of Me.
Drink of Me
My beloved child.
~~~~~
HEALING CHRIST
Healing Christ, born as a baby
All our pain and grief to share.
You knew trials, You knew hardship
And our sicknesses You bear.
You were pierced for our transgressions,
All our sin You bore away.
Through Your death we may know wholeness.
Through Your life find strength each day.
Healing Christ, now risen for us,
Interceding at the throne,
Fill my body, mind and spirit.
Make Your peace and glory known.
Healing Christ, make me a channel
For Your living water clear.
May I spread Your life, Your beauty,
Lord, as I go out from here.
~~~~~
FEELINGS
Faith does not depend on feelings, for You are Emmanuel -
God with us, with ME each moment, born to rescue me from hell.
Sometimes I feel You so near me, heaven's wonder I can feel.
Your joy fills my heart with laughter and Your touch seems very real.
Yet there come times of great darkness, numbness, pain and deep despair.
When I feel lost and forsaken and cannot believe You're there.
And yet You are just the same, Lord, unchanging Emmanuel, King
You are still with me in darkness, comfort, healing, life to bring.
Emmanuel, Lord of the good times, but Lord of the pit and grave.
Still You reach out and caress me. Still You are mighty to save.
Emmanuel, God ever with me, beside me along life's way.
Whatever my feelings, still You change not and I'm safe in You each day.
~~~~~
HOPE
You’ve set Your hope in me,
I need not be ashamed.
You washed away my sin.
I am by you renamed.
At times my hope grows dim
And faith begins to fail,
But You are still within
And Your hope will prevail.
In darkness You are there,
However I may feel,
And in the midst of pain
Your presence you reveal.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And You will bring me through.
Sin’s power You will destroy
And bring me life anew.
You’ve set Your hope in me,
And one day I shall share
The joy of heaven above,
For perfect peace is there.
Till then, Lord, lead me on
And keep Your hope aglow,
For by your strength alone
I shall true freedom know.
~~~~~
NOT JUST MY HAND
I’m not just taken by the hand
But held in Your embrace.
Not just walking with you, my Lord,
But gazing on your face.
I see Your love, I feel your touch
And wonder how you love so much.
Your soft caress soothes care away,
Your gentle voice brings cheer.
Your eyes speak love into my soul.
I know that You are here.
And your own life I now receive
And all your gracious words believe.
~~~~~
THE CANDLE
(Inspired by lighting the candles from each other at the start of the Carol Service)
Just a flickering candle,
Not a mighty beam
Is the light within me -
Just a tiny gleam.
Yet the light God gives me
He has given to share -
Light of love and blessing,
Token of His care.
Just a flickering candle,
Lighted from above,
Fuelled by the Spirit,
Sheltered by God's love.
Light upon the pathway
That I might not stray.
Light to share with others,
Showing them the way.
Just a flickering candle
Points me to the Lord -
Light in all its fullness,
Jesus, Living Word.
He gave His own body
Darkness to dispel,
Put His light within me,
Rescued me from hell.
~~~~~
NOT FOR WHAT YOU DO
(It’s so easy to judge ourselves by what we DO, but God values us for ourselves)
You are not loved for what you do -
The time you spend in prayer,
The hours you take to read My word -
But you're My child and heir.
I love you, I delight in you,
I know you, and in Me you're new.
You are not loved for what you do -
I love you, for you're Mine.
Nothing can shake My love for you -
This is My great design -
Not just a servant, but My own,
My child, My precious one, My son.
~~~~~
NOT A FAILURE
I'm not a failure in Your sight when I fall into sin,
For I can be a learner here and know Your peace within.
I'm not a clone, for You made me according to Your plan,
And You made each of us unique, each woman and each man.
I do not have to earn Your love by all the things I do.
It is Your death that paid the price, Your life that makes me new.
It's not by rules that I must live, but by Your law within,
Seeking to please the One I love, Who cleanses me from sin.
I would not bear a man-made yoke or in my own strength serve.
Your yoke is easy, for You share - my strength You will preserve.
I do not stand by 'Jesus plus my works’, but You alone.
In You I am made perfect, whole, redeemed by God's own Son.
~~~~~
FRAGRANCE
(Tune: Blow the wind southerly)
Fragrance of godliness, fragrance of restfulness,
Fragrant communion with one that we love.
Not in our striving and not in activity,
Fragrance in friendship with our God above.
Though we may fail You, Your love is unchanging,
You do not condemn us or cast us aside.
You will transform into beauty our ugliness.
You will for ever in our hearts abide.
You take all our shame and remove our self-righteousness,
We are made perfect by Your grace alone.
You give us a purpose to live as Your children here,
Precious and honoured and wholly Your own.
You made us special, unique in Your wisdom.
You gave Your life to redeem us from sin.
We are not worthless, but clothed with Your glory now.
We are Your temple and You live within.
~~~~~
A PRAYER BEFORE A HEALING SERVICE
Healer of hurts , and grief and pain,
The One Who brings to life again,
Come, fill me, body, spirit, soul.
Revive, restore and make me whole,
Just as You healed in Galilee,
Just as You set the captives free,
Come, speak Your healing, quickening word
And break all chains with Your great sword.
Make me what You would have me be.
Fulfil the plans You have for me.
Help me to realise Your grace
And rest secure in Your embrace.
Help me Your perfect will to know.
Help me in love and faith to grow
More like my Saviour and my King,
To Whom I owe my everything.
~~~~~
I LOOK INTO THE MIRROR
I look into the mirror,
I see God's precious child.
I see me as He sees me,
Made pure and undefiled.
I look into the mirror,
And see the clothes He gives -
His righteousness and glory,
Since Jesus in me lives.
I look into the mirror,
I see His beauty there,
Transforming, healing, cleansing,
As in Christ's life I share.
I look into the mirror,
Receive His love divine
And hear Him singing to me
“My precious child, you’re Mine.”
~~~~~
LEGALISM
I am set free, no more a slave, God's liberty to know;
His grace and mercy here to share, His joy and peace to show.
For man-made rules will weigh me down, unlike the yoke Christ gives.
He bears the yoke, He's by my side, His Spirit in me lives.
Behaviour must spring out of love for Christ, Who ransomed me,
Not legalistic, rigid, bound, for in Him I am free.
~~~~~
MY LOVE
Made for My pleasure, unique in My sight,
Precious and honoured, My joy, My delight,
How much I love you you cannot conceive.
Feel My caress and My comfort receive.
I went to Calvary to ransom your soul.
I bore the scourging that you might be whole.
I was made sin that you could be set free
I spread My arms out for you on the tree.
Nothing you do can diminish My love,
Nothing can separate, nothing remove
My care for you - you are held in My heart,
Precious, protected, nothing can us part.
Come, My beloved, relax in My care.
Come and enjoy Me and My own life share.
Walk arm in arm with Me, look in My face.
You are secure, held within My embrace.
~~~~~
GUARD MY MIND
Lord, guard my mind, and may my thoughts
Be under Your control.
May no delusion enter there,
But make me pure and whole.
Help me to seek Your perfect will
And not to race ahead.
Your plans are perfect - in Your time
May I by You be led.
Lord, be my helmet, guarding me,
For You are Truth indeed.
Lord, be my breastplate, guard my heart
And meet my inmost need.
Lord, You are always in control,
Although I may not see
The reason for the pain on earth,
The way You're leading me.
Help me to rest within Your love
And know Your peace within.
Help me to take Your armour here
And triumph over sin.
~~~~~
GOD'S C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy!)
(Transforming our thoughts through Christ)
Throw out the tapes of failure, for you are here to learn.
Throw out the tapes of sadness - My love for you discern.
Remember, you're not worthless, you need not live in shame.
You are My precious treasure - I know you by your name.
Put on the tape "I love you", remember it each day.
Put on the tape "You're special" and affirmations say:
In Christ I am made perfect. In Christ I am made free.
In Christ I'm precious, honoured, God's chosen one to be.
Let My thoughts dwell within you - I seek to build and heal,
To put My truth within you and make My presence real.
Renew your mind in Me, child, and let Me take control.
Cast out the thoughts which hinder and let Me make you whole.
~~~~~
SET US FREE
Lord, set us free from "oughtness" and fix our eyes on You.
Remind us of our value is not in what we do.
So many needs surround us - help us to know Your way -
What we should take upon us in following You each day.
Within Your church, Your body, help us to build and heal,
Encourage one another, no matter how we feel.
Help us to love each other and for each other care.
Help us to be Your body and Your compassion share.
Help us to focus on You, Your love to realise,
Your grace poured out upon us, Your power to make us wise.
Made new, redeemed and precious, blameless in Christ alone,
And free from condemnation we come before Your throne.
Lord, You accept our struggling, our doubting and our pain
And in all these You're with us and faithful will remain.
Within Your hands protected we're safe eternally.
With You, Lord, as our centre we can know liberty.
~~~~~
I WILL PRAISE YOU
I will praise You through my grief -
Only You can bring relief.
You are faithful, strong and true,
You alone can make things new.
I will praise You in my pain,
For You died and rose again
And You put Your life in me.
You can heal and set me free.
God of justice, power and might,
You uphold all that is right.
You are sovereign, holy Lord;
You are worshipped and adored,
Yet You meet me in my need.
You can give true peace indeed.
I can trust You, You are sure
And Your promises endure.
Lord, I give my hurt to You
And I long Your will to do.
I am safe within Your care.
You are faithful - always there.
~~~~~
PSALM 145 FOR TODAY
When I do not feel like praising,
Yet my soul will praise Your name.
I will never cease to praise You;
Your great deeds I will proclaim.
I will join with all creation
To extol You, Lord most high.
You are great and You are mighty.
You are robed in majesty.
Through the nations, through the ages
Your great deeds Your grace have shown.
We will meditate upon You
And Your love in Christ made known.
For Your works, my Lord, are awesome;
You are faithful, You are true.
You are gracious, slow to anger,
And You long to make us new.
We are children of Your kingdom
And a living hope You give.
You will lift us when we stumble;
When we sin You will forgive.
In Your time You give Your blessings
And You come to meet our need.
You are near us every moment
And You are a friend indeed.
So my heart in You rejoices;
So my mouth will speak Your praise
As I join with all creation
To proclaim Your saving grace.
~~~~~
QUESTIONS
Lord, You listen to my questions,
Things that I can't understand -
All the suffering and heartache
Not restrained by Your great hand.
I don't understand Your timing -
Why You sometimes say "just wait."
Why You don't display Your power
When I know You are so great.
I wonder about the nations
Where the people don't know You
And about the pain and hardship
Caused by what mankind can do.
And yet all these pressing questions
Fade to nothing as I come
To you, Jesus, precious Saviour,
And I make Your word my home.
And one day with You in glory
I'll no longer question why.
And I won't need any answers
In the glorious realms on high.
~~~~~
YOU COULD HAVE WASHED YOUR HANDS OF ME
You could have washed Your hands of me -
And yet You wash my feet.
You could have sent my soul to death
From Your great judgement seat.
And yet You came to ransom me,
Your glory laid aside.
You came to live as mortal man
And on the cross You died.
You could have turned away from me
And left me in my sin,
And yet Your Holy Spirit comes
And puts Your life within.
You welcome me, call me Your friend,
Your precious, honoured heir.
You walk beside me day by day
And always will be there
~~~~~.
DANIELLE'S DRAWING
(Isaiah 53)
(Danielle did a charcoal drawing of a large figure of Christ being viciously beaten. He was bending over, sheltering the tiny figure of me.)
You took the blows that should have been for me.
You came between and bore my penalty.
For my transgressions all my wounds You bore.
What can I do but worship and adore.
Lord, as a sheep before her shearers dumb,
You gave Your life, You left Your heavenly home.
Oppressed, afflicted, for my sin You died -
A refuge opened where my soul can hide.
Because You bore my pain I now am free.
Because You died I live eternally.
Because You suffered I can be made whole,
Cleansed and redeemed in body, spirit, soul.
~~~~~
A CRY FROM THE HEART
You said You'd give me joy, yet all I feel is pain
As in the depths of night depression strikes again.
I thought that I was whole, but now I cannot cope.
I cannot feel You near and I am losing hope.
And yet Your word is true - You bore my pain for me.
You died in pain, alone, forsaken on the tree.
You know just how I feel, and in my grief You share
And You will never fail - You're with me everywhere.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
Give me hope, when hope is gone.
Give me strength life's race to run.
Give me peace amid earth's pain.
Raise me up to life again.
In the darkness be my light
And protect me in the night.
Your own presence let me feel.
Your compassion, Lord, reveal.
Give me faith in times of doubt -
You will work Your purpose out.
Give me courage in my fear.
Let me know that You are near.
Grant to me Your joy and peace.
From my turmoil bring release.
Keep me waiting for that day
When You come, dear Lord, I pray.
~~~~~
AS I GROW OLDER
My body is an old clay pot -
Your treasure is within.
My strength is poor, my love is weak
And I am bound by sin.
And yet Your power is in me
To work Your will, to set me free.
You say that life begins today -
Help me to seize each hour -
To live for You, to share with You
And know Your mighty power.
Relying on Your strength alone
Your wisdom and Your life are shown.
My spirit daily is renewed
If I will wait on You,
And though my body may grow old
In You I am made new.
Help me to live, leaning on You
And let Your love and life flow through.
~~~~~
THE POTTER
The marred clay You will not discard
But work as You have planned
To make a vessel fit for You,
Moulded by Your own hand.
Our disappointments, broken dreams,
Our failures You transform
And from all the shattered pieces
A new pot You will form.
Our confidence You will renew -
Your word, O Lord, is sure.
And right until the end of time
Your promises endure.
~~~~~
OUR PRAYER
Faithful in suffering, constant in pain -
This is Your will for us that we remain.
Trust, though we cannot see, Thanks in all things.
Faithful in all our ways, borne on Your wings.
Lord, keep us following Your word each day.
Your righteous, good commands help us obey.
You are our strength and power, in You we live.
Help us to stand for You - like You forgive.
~~~~~
GOODBYE
Sometimes I have to say goodbye - let go the things I love;
People and things and hopes and dreams, that onward I may move.
Within this precious time of grace I learn to let things go,
And then Your blessed gifts You give and Your own presence show.
Sometimes I cling on to the past, experiences, things
From history, both good and bad, the things that ageing brings.
For things must change and I must grow - go on - with life made new
To welcome in Your will for me and let Your life flow through.
May I remember to forget the hurts, the pain, the sin.
May I remember what is good and know Your peace within.
May I forget what lies behind - troubles and bitterness;
My disappointments, doubts and fears and grow in holiness.
Forgetting, for You turn to good the evil I have known,
And in my failures and mistakes You can make Yourself known.
May I forgive myself, and leave regrets and grief behind.
May I go on to life anew for which I was designed.
~~~~~
ON EAGLE'S WINGS
On You we wait - give us new strength;
Uphold us when we fall.
For weariness give us Your life -
On You, dear Lord, we call.
On eagle's wings upheld, may we
Soar to the realms above
To touch Your heart, to feel Your grace
And realise Your love.
Only in You true strength is found.
Only in You is peace,
And it is as we wait on You
That we find full release.
~~~~~
YOU ARE CHANGING ME
Lord, You are changing me - no matter how I feel.
Your hand is on my life; Your work in me is real,
And though at times I may not see,
Your Spirit is at work in me.
Lord, You are changing me to make me more like You;
To purge away the dross that Your gold might shine through.
You work to make Your life in me
A living, bright reality.
A Potter, gentle, skilled, You are - I trust in You.
A vessel poor and marred by your hand is made new
And consecrated, Yours to be,
Filled with Your life and purity.
~~~~~
"AS AN EAGLE STIRS UP HER NEST"
You long to stir me up - disturb my comfort zone,
That I might learn to fly, trusting in You alone,
And as the eagle soars on high,
Borne up by You, I, too, may fly.
Not always in the nest - for flight I have been made.
And so You stir me up, although I am afraid.
My loving God will still sustain,
Cause me to soar and soar again.
On thermals of Your grace I am borne up on high
Above the things of earth that make me question why.
I view with Your perspective clear
The things of earth, for You are near.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME NOW
You accept me, Lord.
You do not wait for me to change.
You do not only love what I could be.
You love me now.
You welcome me, Lord –
Not just 'put up with me'.
You call me 'Friend',
You say I am Your child.
You love me now.
You call me now.
You want me to be with You day by day.
You hold me close in Your embrace.
You love me now.
~~~~~
TAKE MY HAND
Let go, reach out and take My hand
And I will raise you up.
I will support and comfort you –
Let go life's bitter cup.
I'll strengthen you, if you will trust,
Although you cannot see
How I will help, how I will heal,
Your living Saviour be.
Just take My hand - I'll lead you on,
Protected, held secure,
Beloved, precious - and My care
For ever will endure.
~~~~~
TRUSTING YOU FOR EVER
Trusting You for ever
In life's storms and cares
Trusting You in all things;
Bringing You my prayers.
I can always trust You –
When I am afraid.
You are the Creator,
Who has all things made.
You know all my frailty;
You will never fail.
In my weakest moments
Your strength will prevail.
Trusting You with all things –
The all-powerful One.
I lay all before You.
May Your will be done.
~~~~~
A PLACE OF REFUGE
A place of refuge when I sin
Is found at Jesus' feet.
A place of full forgiveness, free;
The one true Mercy Seat.
A holy place of sanctuary;
A place where I'm secure,
Protected, safe from all that harms –
For Christ is strong and sure.
No condemnation in that place –
Mercy, forgiveness, love;
Acceptance by my Saviour here
And peace with God above.
A place where all the past is gone;
A place where all is new;
A place where I can be myself;
A place where love flows through.
A place of transformation, too;
A place where I may grow;
A place of safety and of joy,
Where I full pardon know.
~~~~~
I AM AFRAID
Lord, I am afraid,
But You are in control.
Speak Your word of peace
And I shall be whole,
Calm my anxious thoughts,
Still my restless mind,
For in You alone
I can freedom find.
May I cast my load
Wholly upon You.
May I leave the past –
Move to life anew.
Wash me with Your calm.
With Your presence fill.
Slow me down, my Lord.
Teach me to be still.
With Your healing power
Flood me, through and through.
And in Your own strength
Your work may I do.
~~~~~
I AM COMPLETE IN YOU
I am complete in You, Lord –
Not someone who should be in a couple;
Not someone who has not found their "other half";
Not someone who can never be fulfilled alone;
Not a misfit, not a mistake.
I an complete in You.
I am not a reject –
Last to be wanted for the team –
Uncoordinated, useless.
I am complete in You.
I need not search for completeness.
I need not fear being alone.
I am complete in You.
~~~~~
YOU WILL RESTORE
(Written during a service at St. Matthew’s Church.
The first three lines relate to three worship songs
which we sang in the service)
You make the desert live again; You bring new hope at dawn;
You carry us in all our trials and mend that which was torn.
You know our doubts, darkness and fear; You feel with us our pain;
You will not cast our souls aside but will restore again.
So much we cannot understand, and yet we know You’re true,
And in our puzzlement and doubts Your love can still shine through.
Though faith may fail us, You remain faithful through all our days.
You’re merciful, and will forgive our sinful, foolish ways.
No pit too deep for You to reach; No sin You won’t forgive;
No problem you can’t overcome and give us grace to live.
Lord, help our hearts to understand Your free, unbounded care
And make our desert bloom again as in Your life we share.
~~~~~
NO PIT TOO DEEP
No pit too deep for God’s great love to reach;
No sin too great for Christ’s blood to atone;
No place so far God’s Spirit is not there;
No testing that the Saviour has not known.
The Saviour knows each burden that we bear
And longs to take them that we might go free.
He walks with us to strengthen us each day,
To give us life and make our blind eyes see.
His grace is all I need, His love so sure.
I am surrounded by His constant care.
He is my all, and in Him I am strong.
He is my God, Who hears my faintest prayer
~~~~~
YOU ARE FAITHFUL
You are faithful, You are true,
All You promised You will do.
Every word You speak is sure
And for ever will endure.
You give hope for our despair.
In our weakness You are there.
In our darkness You bring light,
Chasing shadows of the night.
In our conflicts You bring peace;
From our bondage bring release.
In our times of doubt and fear
You are faithful, always near.
~~~~~
COCOONED
Cocooned, enwombed within Your love,
Your healing power I know.
Your life renews my barrenness
And causes me to grow.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your care
I know security.
I'm held, caressed so tenderly
And I find strength to be.
Cocooned, enwombed within Your grace
I feel Your perfect peace,
Then, as a child enters this world,
In You I find release.
~~~~~
PSALM 42
Although deserted and alone
Yet still Your love is sure.
You are my Rock, Your promises
For ever will endure.
In loneliness I thirst for You
When earthly things let down,
Familiar things are done away,
The future is unknown.
When others ask "Where is your God?"
They cannot see Your hand,
Yet still I know You're in control,
By You my way is planned.
I thirst for You, I need You, Lord,
I hope in You alone.
I trust in You to keep my soul
And make Your presence known.
~~~~~
ELIJAH IN THE CAVE
Sometimes we see You moving,
Our faith is fixed on You,
The mighty God of power
And all that You can do.
But then we look at problems
And we feel all alone
And doubts and fears assail us -
Our faith is overthrown.
But You have not abandoned
Our souls to face our fate.
You still support, though hidden,
When problems seem so great.
For when our faith is shaken,
When we feel poor and weak,
Your power is unchanging
If we will only seek.
You, Lord, are still all-powerful,
Nothing's too big for You.
You still work out Your purpose
And You will see us through.
And when we call, You hear us,
Kindle our faith again.
You strengthen and encourage
And faithful will remain.
You are the great Creator
And You are in control.
You never leave Your children
But lift and make them whole.
In gentleness and mercy
Your tender voice is heard,
And so we wait upon You
And listen for Your word.
~~~~~
THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN
The carving may be painful
But I will make of you
An instrument of beauty
That My joy may flow through -
My melody of wonder
Through you may be made known,
And as you let Me shape you
My glory will be shown.
My moulding may seem cruel,
And yet I have a plan
To use you as My channel -
I will use broken man.
Through suffering I bring power;
Through pain I bring My joy.
It is the path I followed
The way that I employ.
Take up your cross and follow,
The rule of self deny.
You must show full commitment
To know life from on high.
For I must be your centre,
The driving force within,
Controlling, moulding, working,
Purging away your sin.
I am the Master Craftsman,
My perfect work I'll do.
Through suffering and trials
I'll make your life anew.
For suffering is not failure
Since I through suffering came,
And I am working in you
To glorify My name.
~~~~~
I BELIEVE IN YOU
I believe in you, My child
For My strength is in you.
My strength your weakness will replace
That My tasks you may do.
The challenges that lie ahead,
The problems that you face
You will surmount and overcome
Through My sustaining grace.
The tasks I call you to perform
I'll give you strength to do.
So go in faith, so prove My power
And know My life anew.
~~~~~
WOUNDED GOD
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
Wounded God, You suffered on the tree -
Apparent failure, to win liberty.
You bore the pain and tasted death for me
And, through Your woundedness I may go free.
Wounded God, You suffer still today
As men of violence have their wicked way.
Disowned, rejected, You are suffering still
And, by Your woundedness bring good from ill.
Wounded God, You suffer in my pain.
You feel the hurt, the burdens that remain.
You know my weakness, all my trials share
And, by Your woundedness, freedom declare.
Wounded God, I cast my care on You.
I take Your life to give me life anew.
I lean on You life's toilsome way along
And, by Your woundedness, I am made strong.
~~~~~
STORMS
(Inspired by a sermon on the storm on the lake)
Down from the mountain top into a storm,
Tempests of doubt, pain and fear -
Sent by the Lord fierce temptations to face,
We cannot feel Jesus near.
From great success sent to feel all alone,
Drowning in grief and despair
We may lose sight of our Saviour and Friend
Yet, in the storm He is there.
Jesus is praying our faith to sustain,
In all our suffering He shares.
He will not leave us to suffer alone.
All of our burdens He bears.
He's in control and will not let us down.
His gentle touch meets our need.
He will commission us His will to do.
He is the victor indeed.
Our eyes on Jesus, His power upholds.
Lord of the tempests is He.
He has a purpose in all storms of life.
With Him we know victory.
~~~~~
CALVARY
(Inspired by Russ Parker's book 'Free To Fail')
You embraced suffering
That I might know Your peace.
You embraced nakedness
That I might be clothed with You.
You embraced powerlessness
That I might know Your power in me.
Your embraced darkness
That I might know Your light.
You embraced aloneness
That I might know the joy of Your family.
You embraced thirst
That I might know Your living water.
You embraced death
That I might know eternal life.
~~~~~
YOU LOVE ME
When I turn away You love me just the same.
When I speak words of hate You love me just the same.
When I hate myself You love me just the same
For You are my Father - my loving Father,
My caring Father, my accepting Father,
My welcoming Father, my unchanging Father,
My Father, Who gave His Son for me.
My reaching out Father. my Father in Whom I am complete;
I am whole; I am saved;
I am healed; I am loved.
~~~~~
HOPE
We have a gift of hope from God,
Hope for a home ahead;
Assurance that Christ has prepared
And we go where He led.
The lights of home are beckoning,
We know our Lord awaits,
And realms of joy and peace we'll share
Beyond the pearly gates.
We have a gift of hope from God,
Within this world of pain.
We know that storms and tears will pass,
The sun will shine again.
We know that Christ is with us still
And in our pain will share.
We know He will sustain and keep
With grace beyond compare.
We have a gift of hope from God,
On this hope we rely.
Christ is our hope, our certainty,
Our Saviour from on high.
We wait in patience, trusting Him
Although we cannot see,
And so this vale of grief and tears
We tread rejoicingly.
~~~~~
FEELINGS OR FACT?
It is a fact – I am forgiven,
All my sin on Jesus laid.
Christ is risen and ascended,
Peace with God for ever made.
By faith I may know I’m worthy,
Made complete in Christ the Son.
By faith I may claim His promise.
I shall hear His great ‘Well done’.
Feelings often would deceive me,
Pull me down, fill me with doubt.
I may feel God cannot love me
And I am by Him cast out.
Yet the facts remain unchanging –
Christ, on Whom our faith depends.
He is true, my feelings liars.
His is love which never ends.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM ELIJAH
After the mountain top, down in the valley
Satan would tempt us, our courage destroy,
Bringing in doubt and the fear of the future –
In comes the darkness and gone is our joy.
Out in the desert the tempter is waiting,
Causing our feelings and fears to control,
Bringing depression, anxiety, torment,
Bringing disquiet in body and soul.
Yet God provides rest, refreshment and water.
He provides food for the journey ahead.
If we will let Him, our Lord will refresh us.
He gives us rest and by Him we are fed.
His food sustains us as we travel onwards.
His word comes to us our faith to renew.
He has His church, and it ever is growing –
His faithful people, called His work to do.
Not in the wind, in the earthquake or fire,
But in a whisper God speaks His own word.
He has a task, a commission to serve Him.
He has a plan, and His power He’ll afford.
~~~~~
FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ILL
Called aside from life’s mad race;
Called to move just at God’s pace;
Called to rest within His hands, T
rusting in His faithful plans.
Called to “be” and not to “do,”
Yet to know God still loves you;
To relax - He’ll take the strain;
Through this time He will sustain.
When assailed by doubt and fear
God has said He’s always near.
He supplies strength day by day
Like the manna on the way.
As your strength begins to grow,
May you God’s own wisdom know;
Feel the comfort of His care -
Love supporting, love to share.
May Christ make you fully whole,
Touching body, spirit, soul.
May you know His power within -
Christ, Who conquered death and sin
May you know we love you, too,
By our prayers and what we do;
One great fellowship of love,
Fired, inspired by God above.
Ann S Clifton
There, at the end of our tether, we meet Him.
When our resources just dwindle and fail
We meet our Saviour, our Lord and Sustainer
And in His power we know we’ll prevail.
~~~~~
THOUGHTS FROM HABAKKUK
Sure-footed as a deer
Upon the mountain steep
The Lord will make His own,
And He will safely keep.
This is His promise, firm and sure,
Of love that ever will endure.
Familiar things may fail,
The going may be rough –
Oppression, trials, sin –
Life is so very tough.
Sometimes the wait seems hard and long.
I trust in You and I am strong.
The Father has a plan
We cannot understand,
But all the powers of earth
Are in His mighty hand.
Things may get worse, but God is King
And through deep trials life will bring.
In patience I must wait
And I must watch and pray.
I cannot “do”, just “be”
Until the coming day
When His great power will be shown,
His loving plan will be made known.
Give me the grace to wait,
In faith depend on You,
Relying on Your power,
Your grace to see me through.
All that You’ve done I’ll call to mind
And trust the plan You have designed.
In You I will rejoice
Through hard times as through good,
And trust Your mighty plan,
Although not understood.
Some questions may unanswered stay,
But You are faithful all the way.
~~~~~
TESTING
Sometimes You test me, Lord -
But gold is tested, too
In the refiners fire
That his face may show through.
Help me to hold fast to Your word
And trust in You, my faithful Lord.
Sometimes You shake things, Lord,
And I begin to fear,
But Your great work remains,
Your promises are clear.
Help me to trust, though I can't see
And know You always true will be.
Sometimes strong winds may blow
Against my slender tree.
They help me put down roots
That stronger I may be.
Make me deeply rooted in You,
Strengthened to prove Your grace anew.
~~~~~
ROMANS 8
With great anticipation creation waits for You
To come in power and splendour and make all things anew.
Although we are unworthy we are of priceless worth –
It was for our salvation the Saviour came to earth.
There is no condemnation – in You we are made free,
And in our human weakness You come, our strength to be.
Our sin and death and darkness You bore upon the tree,
And You are working in us that we may be like Thee.
In Your own time You’re working, transforming to Your plan,
And You will bring perfection – complete what You began.
Our groaning will be over, there will be no more sin
And we shall be like Jesus, bearing His life within.
Before our birth You chose us – before the world was made,
And in Your love and mercy we need not be afraid.
Nothing can be against us when You are on our side
And we can stand with boldness since You in us abide.
You took our sin on Calvary our freedom to declare.
Your boundless love led Jesus our punishment to bear.
That we might know forgiveness You rose, and live above.
Nothing can separate us from Your unending love.
In You we’re more than conquerors – nothing can overcome
The life You put within us – no power can consume.
Sin has no claim upon us. In You we’re free and whole.
For now and all the future we’re safe – You’re in control
~~~~~
OUR VALUE
Christmas proclaims our value – The Saviour came to earth.
To save the unimportant He came, of humble birth.
Because God counts us precious the Saviour came to die
That we might know forgiveness and reign with Him on high.
God makes His holy temple our human bodies here.
He bids us come with boldness and worship without fear.
He calls us His own children – His love is full and free.
He makes us pure and holy, His dwelling place to be.
Christmas proclaims our value – It was for us He came.
However weak and sinful He loves us just the same.
In Him is full salvation, cleansing from all our sin.
In Him is strength for living – the Spirit’s power within.
~~~~~
THE FUTURE
The future is unknown – Lord, take my hand
And lead me safely as Your love has planned.
With You as Guide, Protector on life’s way
I can be safe, so ever with me stay.
The future may be dark – Lord, be my Light.
Illuminate and chase away the night.
And when the shadows come You will be there,
And in all sorrow and all pain You share.
The future is a challenge – by Your power
Alone can I fulfil Your will each hour.
So, Holy Spirit, come, my whole life fill
And keep me faithful to Your holy will.
The future is unknown – You have a plan
To share Your word, your love for every man;
To tell of Your salvation, seek the lost –
So help me serve and not to count the cost.
The future is unknown to me – not You.
Your plans of love will see me safely through.
Whatever it may hold, with You I go.
Lord, may my life Your own compassion show.
~~~~~
WHEN I CAN’T FEEL YOU
When I can’t feel You, yet You are still there.
When I can’t understand, my pain You share.
When doubts oppress and I feel faith is gone
Yet You still love me, Christ, the Faithful One.
When I am fearful, yet You’re still the same.
When I feel powerless, there’s power in Your name.
When all is shaken, You stable remain.
When I fail You, You forgive me again.
Help me to trust, even though I can’t see –
When all my feelings and faith desert me.
You are unchanging – You’re always my Friend
And You will keep me till my journey’s end.
~~~~~
THE HARD TIMES
It’s not an easy road – things may be hard
As we will follow on the Christian way,
But Christ is with us, sharing in our pain,
Our joys and sorrows – with us every day.
He is our strength when we are feeling weak,
And in the darkness He will be our light.
He is our comforter when we are sad.
He is our guide as we pass through earth’s night.
On Him we cast our care – He cares for us
And He will give us strength to carry on.
And He will lead us safely to our home
Until at last we hear His great “Well done!”
~~~~~
I EMBRACE CHRIST
I embrace life -
Life in all its uncertainty.
Life in all its unpredictability.
Life in all its perplexity.
I embrace life -
I embrace life -
Life with all its suffering.
Life with all its pain.
Life with all its problems.
I embrace life.
I embrace life -
Life in all its potential.
Life in all its wonder.
Life in all its gifts.
I embrace life.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, the source of being.
Christ, the source of comfort.
Christ, the source of healing.
I embrace Christ.
I embrace Christ -
Christ, my guide, my pathway.
Christ, my Rock unchanging,
Christ, Who never leaves me.
I embrace Christ.
And in embracing Him I embrace life -
Life in all its fullness.
~~~~~
YOU CALLED YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME
You called Your child to overcome
And so the trials came
To prove Your faithfulness to me
And my faith in Your name.
You called Your child to overcome
And harder the winds blew
Making my roots go deep in You,
The faithful, strong and true.
You called Your child to overcome
And sent a raging flood
Washing away the rocks and dirt
And making room for God.
You called Your child to overcome,
You put Your life in me -
Your Spirit deep within my heart
To set my spirit free.
You called Your child to overcome -
Your promises You gave
Of power to overcome on earth -
Glory beyond the grave.
~~~~~
THE WIND
The wind is blowing, shaking up
The things that we hold dear,
Tearing and breaking, till our hearts
Are filled with doubt and fear.
And yet these winds are sent from God
To cleanse and purify,
To send our roots down deep in Him,
To cause the flesh to die.
To blow away the dross and froth,
To make us clean and bare,
Prepared for His infilling power
His glory here to share.
Welcome the wind, welcome the trials
For in them God is known
That we might be made fit for Him -
His life in us be shown.
~~~~~
LORD, FIX MY EYES ON YOU
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
In You alone I'm strong,
Not in what man may think of me
For I to You belong.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Upon Your holy word
For there I learn more of my God,
My Saviour and my Lord.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Not on problems and fear
For You are Lord of everything
And You are always near.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
For You are in control
And as I trust my all to You
I can be free and whole.
Lord, fix my eyes on You alone -
Each moment of each day.
No more shall stress rule over me -
You are my strength and stay.
~~~~~
LOOK INTO MY EYES
Look into My eyes, then you'll realise
My great love for you - love that's ever true.
More than human love of mother for her child.
Take My perfect love, pure and undefiled.
Look into My face, realise My grace.
Feel My tender heart. Be of Me a part.
Do not turn away, but even if you stray
I am always there and your pain I share.
Spend your time with Me. I will set you free.
Feed upon My word. Worship Me, your Lord.
Make for Me a space in life's hectic race
And My strength I'll give - make you fully live.
~~~~~
DARKNESS
When the darkness you are facing
Seems unending, stifling hope,
Lean on Me each passing moment,
I will give the strength to cope.
Know the blackness that surrounds you
Is a tunnel, not a cave,
And when all around seems hopeless
I am with you still to save.
When My face seems very distant,
When your dreams and hopes have died,
Know that I have not forsaken -
I am always by your side.
When the future is uncertain
And you feel just doubt and fear,
When you have no peaceful feelings
I still love you, do not fear.
Through the trials I work patience,
Shaking winds make you grow strong,
Sending roots down deep in Jesus
Though the road seems hard and long.
One day you shall share My glory
As you share My comfort here.
Till that time, trust My sustaining,
Ever present, ever near.
~~~~~
SPIRIT OF GOD
Spirit of God, casting out fear,
In deepest darkness still You are near,
Giving assurance, setting me free,
Bringing Your peace and Your comfort to me.
Spirit of God, cleansing all sin,
All guilt and shame, then You put Your life in,
Taking away all the things of the past,
Bringing forgiveness and joy that will last.
Spirit of God, source of all life,
You move within me to quell all my strife,
Then You embrace me in Your arms of love,
Bringing Your comfort and life from above.
~~~~~
I AM IN CONTROL
Cast your burdens on to Me,
I alone can set you free.
I know every circumstance;
Nothing can occur by chance.
Fear not, I am in control
And I long to make you whole.
Leave your problems in My hands;
Rest secure within My plans.
All your future I'll not leave.
Do not fear, only believe.
Through the darkness and the night
I will bring you to the light.
Trust in Me and do not fear.
I, your God, am always near.
You are ever in My heart
And I never will depart.
In My strength then daily go.
In My knowledge daily grow,
Casting every care on Me.
I am God eternally.
~~~~~
RELAX
Relax within the presence of the King.
Rest in His love, He will His healing bring.
The words which He has said, He will fulfil
As you will wait before Him, calm and still.
Relax and let the Saviour have His way.
Let go the cares, the tensions of the day.
His peace, his love envelop all your soul
And in His presence you will be made whole.
Relax and let the Spirit flow on through,
Cleansing, empowering, giving life anew.
His purifying fire burns within
Giving new passion for those lost in sin.
Relax in God, the mighty Three in One,
For when He speaks the deed is surely done.
In His own time His healing will be shown,
The glory of the risen Christ be known.
~~~~~
I WAS WITH YOU
I was with you long ago when you felt alone.
I was right beside you there, though I was not known.
Though you could not understand, I then shared your pain
And I long to lift you up, bringing life again.
I was with you there at school in the gym and games.
I was with you when the boys laughed and called you naems.
I was with you when you failed - felt you let Me down
And I purpose in your life that My power be shown.
I am with you day by day and I love you so.
I am with you on life's path as you forward go.
And whate'eer the future holds I will never fail.
Trust in Me, receive My power and you will prevail.
~~~~~
YOUR GLORY
Your glory is here surrounding us now.
Your Spirit is present to heal.
Your grace like a river floods over our hearts
As You long all Your power to reveal.
The weight of Your glory descends upon us -
You cause us to rest and be still.
The wounds of deep pain are healed by Your word
As our hearts and our spirits You fill.
~~~~~
MY WORD
My word brings freedom from the cage
Surrounding you today.
My word brings hope and full release
And guidance on the way.
The bars of disillusionment,
Of doubt, oppression, fear
Must break before My powerful word
When I, the Lord, draw near.
So do not fear to speak My word,
Which I give you to share
For I will pour out from My heart
Wisdom beyond compare.
My Spirit comes to you to guide,
Embolden and make real;
To bring My joy in worship here,
My glory to reveal.
My Spirit comes to you to share
This wine which makes you glad,
To reach the hungry, hurting ones,
The lost, despairing, sad.
My Spirit comes to lead you on
As you let Him control,
To use you as His channel here
To make a lost world whole.
~~~~~
.
I AM WITH YOU
I'll let you know you walk with Me, My peace to you I give.
All condemnation will be gone as I your sins forgive.
I put My peace within your heart to guard you day by day,
Surrounding you as you proceed along the pilgrim way.
My purity you too may know as I break Satan's power,
For you have died to sin in Me - I live in you each hour.
My spirit leads you into prayer to Me, your Father dear.
You speak to Me your needs and cares - I speak and you will hear.
My sufferings My children share, but I am with you still.
I give you strength to overcome and prove My perfect will.
I'll show to you My view of life from way above all things
That you may have assurance clear which My perspective brings.
I'll give you grace to persevere although the road is long.
The devil cannot hold you down since you to Christ belong.
I give to you My purpose clear to work out My own plan,
To do My will, to walk My ways prepared e'er time began.
My power I have given you that you may overcome,
Borne up by My great love alone bestowed in Christ, My Son.
On eagles’ wings you’ll rise again,
My dear, beloved one.
~~~~~
LOVE
Love is the hammer that breaks down the walls -
All the fear and the hurt that divide.
Love is the power to tear kingdoms down
And bring men to Jesus' side.
Love is the key that can open the hearts
By hurt and deep wounding fast barred.
Love is the power to bring full release
To hearts that are stony and hard.
Love is the channel to bring you back home,
Though you have wandered away.
Love is the power which turns you around,
Bringing you back to My way.
Love is Myself, in My glory revealed -
Love shown in Jesus, My Son.
Love is the power to bring glory down.
And My love the victory has won.
~~~~~
WITH ALL OF MY BEING
(St. Denio)
With all of my being I praise You O Lord
For I am redeemed and made whole by Your word
I lift up my voice as I praise your great Name
For You are all-glorious, for ever the same.
My spirit You raise as I kneel by Your throne.
Your peace floods my being, You call me Your own.
The whole of my body cries out to Your praise
Be Lord of each moment, be Lord of my days.
Your bounty You pour on my body and soul.
I thank You for saving and making me whole.
I join with the glorious throng up above
In praising Your boundless and fathomless love.
In worship You meet me and work out Your will.
With Your Holy Spirit my heart now You fill.
I come to Your presence and there I would live
And in Your great mercy Your glory You give.
~~~~~
THE ROCK-DOVE
The Spirit as a rock-dove,
The wilderness His home
Came down into the darkness
And made His presence known.
He found the deepest darkness,
The barren wilderness
And there He chose to settle,
The shadow lands to bless.
From there new life and freedom
By Spirit came to birth -
New fruitfulness and beauty
To populate the earth.
He turned the dust to roses,
Brought new life out of death.
He gave me a new purpose
By His creative breath.
Returning from the desert
I was empowered to bring
His life and hope to others
To glorify the King
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
REALISATION OF LOVE
You loved the world, the Bible said,
And that included me
And if I gave my life to You,
My Saviour You would be.
You loved my spirit, and You chose
To claim me as Your own,
To come into my human life
And make my heart Your throne.
You loved my soul - me as I was,
Not just as I could be.
You longed to heal my wounded heart
And set me fully free.
You loved my body, which You made,
Though marred in human eyes.
You do not look for perfect form
In features or in size.
And as Your love flowed into me
Then I learned how to love.
I realised my worth to You
That brought You from above.
Self-hatred turned to care for that
Which You in love had made.
For I am perfect in Your eyes
And face You unafraid.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE A CALLING
You have a calling on your life
To follow Christ the King,
To own His lordship, do His will
His life to others bring.
You have a story of God's love,
What Christ has done for you,
How He has come to dwell within
And given life anew.
So do not be ashamed to share,
For others need Him too,
By words and actions witnessing
That His love may shine through.
Just grasp the opportunity
To speak of what He's done
And He will give the strength and grace -
He is the Mighty One.
~~~~~
METAMORPHOSIS
You're My child of perfect beauty,
Chosen before time began;
Cleansed, made pure, robed in white garments
To fulfil My special plan.
I have set My love upon you -
Love for spirit, body, soul.
I have put My life within you,
I will surely make you whole.
My own radiance beautifies you,
Even when you cannot see.
My great power I put inside you
That you may be free to be.
I bring light into the darkness,
Into chaos I speak peace.
I will turn your tears to gladness,
From all bondage bring release.
Like a chrysalis, unfolding
To reveal the butterfly
Your life will know transformation,
Strengthened by your Lord on high.
Like a seed, sown in the darkness,
Sprouting up towards the light
You shall blossom, you shall flourish,
Raised up by My powerful might.
Beauty, wisdom, grace I give you -
Precious child, I love you so.
As you lean upon Me wholly
All My glory you shall know.
Strength I give you for your weakness,
Hope I give you for despair.
I have chosen and redeemed you
And I see you whole and fair.
~~~~~
I NEED TO WORSHIP YOU
I need to worship You - I am so busy, Lord,
Yet in the rush of life, You Lord alone afford
A source of strength, comfort and peace,
And from all tension bring release.
I need to worship You - amid the haste and noise,
The stress and strain which comes, and peace and joy destroys.
I must take time to be with You,
For from Your throne flows life anew.
I need to worship You - for there You meet with me.
As I bow at Your feet You set my spirit free
That I may mount on eagles' wings,
Knowing the strength Your Spirit brings.
I long to worship You - You are my heart's desire.
You make me like Yourself by Your refining fire.
I need to worship You each day
To know your grace along life's way.
~~~~~
WASH ME
Wash me, dear Lord.
The cares of life have weighed me down.
The fears that come possess my heart and mind.
I cannot see,
But You are in control and you are Lord
And in the darkness You are there.
You will not leave
And I am always in Your hands
And You caress me with Your love.
Grant me Your peace
And calm the anxious seething of my mind.
Dispel the darkness, fill me with Your light.
Cleanse me, dear Lord.
~~~~~
YOU WILL BE THERE
You do not say darkness won't come
But promise to be there.
You walk the barren path with us -
Our pains and grief You share.
Though we may not feel You near
We know you'll never leave
For You are faithful to Your word
And help us to believe.
You strengthen us to follow You
We claim Your power each day
To go on walking in Your paths
Along life's pilgrim way.
You give Your grace, Your cleansing power
As we depend on You;
Relying on Your strength alone
We find our life anew.
~~~~~
RESUSCITATE THE FIRE
Resuscitate the fire, Lord,
The hope now burning low,
My faltering trust in You, Lord -
Let me Your healing know.
Remove the dust and ashes
And blow upon the flame
By Your all-powerful Spirit
To glorify Your name.
Grant me new perseverance
To press towards the goal,
The prize by Jesus promised,
Freedom of heart and soul,
True wholeness in Your presence,
Courage while here below;
And may I be Your channel
Your glory here to show.
~~~~~
I DO NOT NEED TO UNDERSTAND
I do not need to understand the path that lies ahead.
I simply need to trust the Lord Who all the way has led.
I do not need to understand or ask the reason why
But claim the strength and power to live Christ offers from on high.
I do not need to understand, I do not need to see,
For all is in the hand of Him Who caused the worlds to be.
I know that God is in control and will work out His plan
Purposed in Christ the Mighty One long before time began.
One day I'll fully understand before the Saviour's throne
And one day I shall fully know as I am fully known.
Till then I put my trust in Christ, the Faithful, Strong and True,
And claim the grace He gives to me, knowing He'll see me through.
~~~~~
GREATER
Greater is He who lives in me than he who's in the world;
Greater by far God's mighty power Whose banner is unfurled.
Greater by far His strength and might, though Satan presses in,
For Jesus' death has overcome and conquered death and sin.
Greater is Christ Who lives within and has made me His own.
He puts his life within my heart and makes his glory known.
He will uphold when troubles come, and never, never leave;
Through fire and flood He will sustain - I just have to believe.
Greater is He, the risen One, with power to set free.
He comes to cleanse and purify, then put His life in me.
He makes all His resources mine, His strength to me He gives
That I may go out in His Name and prove that Jesus lives.
~~~~~
THE ROCK
This was based on a picture of myself as a tomato under pressure and about to split. The tomato was then replaced by a stone, and the words "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
Who is bearing the pressure?
I am the Rock - I live in you, My strength is made your own.
I am all-powerful, I sustain and make My glory known.
If you will just depend on Me and of My power share
You'll find I make your burden light which once you could not bear.
Nothing against Me can prevail - no power in earth or hell,
For by My death I overcame and rose, that you might tell
That I have power to uphold, to keep you all life through,
That you might soar on eagles' wings, knowing My strength anew.
So do not fear, though you are frail - the power is Mine alone
And as you will depend on Me My power will be shown.
Cast all your cares and fears on Me and I will set you free.
I am the Rock, I am your strength and life eternally.
~~~~~
AT YOUR PACE
Lord, help me to slow down amid the haste,
The rush of life as time is passing by.
The rhythm of Your heart help me perceive,
And Your perspective from the realms on high.
Not always to the swiftest is the race
But those who run according to Your will,
Those who take time to listen to Your voice
And in Your presence learn how to be still.
Lord, help me move according to Your pace,
Not running on in human strength alone,
But realising the power to live each day
Is only found by kneeling at Your throne.
~~~~~
I KNOW YOU
My child, I know your shame
And I can wash you clean.
I can heal your heart
And make you whole again.
Broken, shattered lives
My power can restore.
I can make you whole
And My strength is sure.
I can take your past
And give life anew
I can be your strength
All life's journey through.
Open up your heart ‑
!I'll teach you to love,
Heal your broken life,
Give peace from above
~~~~~
GIVE ME THE KEYS
Give Me the keys to every room
That you would want to hide,
Where darkness and confusion reign
And fear and pain reside.
The room in which you cry alone
Uncomforted in pain;
The rooms which hide your guilt and shame,
The deepest hidden stain.
Give Me the keys, My light will shine
And chase away all gloom.
My Spirit cleanses, beautifies
And sanctifies each room.
~~~~~
RECEIVE MY LOVE
My child, reach out, receive My love ‑
You are My own design.
I gave you life, caused you to be;
I love you ‑ you are Mine.
Not broken and imperfect, marred,
But made to be My own,
Made to display My special grace
And make your Saviour known.
Though you are weak, My hand is strong.
My life I've put in you.
I will make whole, cleanse and redeem
That My light might shine through.
You are My child, of special worth,
Created in My plan.
You are beloved, pure and fair,
Mine ere your life began.
Though you may fail, I love you still
And I will never leave.
All that I have I give to you
If you will but receive.
~~~~~
ALL THE RESOURCES OF HEAVEN
All the resources of heaven are yours,
Poured out on those that I love.
If you depend on Me, trust in My word,
I will give strength from above.
I will give sight and My purpose reveal,
You shall see into My plan.
I give My words, bringing healing and light,
Give you love for your fellow‑man.
I will give wisdom ‑ man's wisdom is vain.
I will give gladness and peace.
If you are bound in defeat and despair
In Me alone is release.
~~~~~
CHOSEN
I have CHOSEN you, My dear one
And I know you through and through,
Yet I still see you as precious ‑
I will work My plans in you.
You are not a reject, useless,
You are made to My design.
You are not unwanted, hopeless,
I have called you ‑ you are MINE.
All the past My love can conquer;
I can change you deep within,
Take away the pain and sadness,
Put My joy and freedom in.
I have CHOSEN you in weakness
That My strength you should display.
I have put My Spirit in you,
Given you grace to walk My way.
I am working daily in you,
Perfecting My glorious plan
For you are My own beloved,
CHOSEN before time began.
~~~~~
GOD'S LOVE INCLUDES YOU
God's love includes YOU, precious child
Though you feel guilt and shame.
His love for you will never end,
His grace remains the same.
He knows your sin ‑ He bore it all
When on the cross He died.
He rose again and by His power
Declares YOU justified.
God's love includes YOU, broken one,
Though you may hide away
He'll find you, hold you in His arms
And words of comfort say.
There is no place His love can't reach,
No part His power can't heal.
He comes to give His life to you
And make His presence real.
God's love includes YOU ‑ even you;
He sees you pure and fair,
Destined before the world began
His image here to bear.
His love can cleanse, redeem, restore
And make you fully whole.
The riches of His glorious grace
He'll pour into your soul.
~~~~~
THROUGH GOD'S EYES
You see yourself as rich and strong,
I see you poor and weak,
Relying on your strength alone,
My face you do not seek.
You can do nothing without Me,
Man's strength alone is vain
But in Me all My wealth is yours
And all My power you gain.
You see yourself as weak and frail,
I see you strong in Me.
You think that you can only fail
But your success I see.
You think that you are evil, bad,
But I died for your sin.
I see you robed in righteousness,
Made pure and clean within.
You see yourself broken within,
But I see you as whole,
For you are made complete in Me
In spirit and in soul.
You see yourself as on your own
But I see you in Me
Redeemed, fulfilled, filled with My love,
Walking in liberty
~~~~~.
REMOVE THE BARS
Tear down the walls, remove the bars
You've built around your soul.
You've put them there to keep out harm ‑
They stop you being whole.
They barricade you from My love
And from your fellow‑men.
They hold you back from reaching Me,
So take them down again.
I want you free, I want you whole,
No more bound and confined,
To live your life free as a bird,
As I, your Lord, designed.
So do not fear to venture out,
You venture out with Me
And as you put your hand in Mine
You taste true liberty
~~~~~.
MY WORK OF ART
You are My poem, My work of art,
First conceived within My heart
Long before the world began,
Chosen to fulfil My plan.
You are beautiful to Me,
Sanctified, redeemed, set free.
Lift your head, don't be ashamed,
In the Saviour you are named.
Not your spirit, child, alone
Do I love and call My own,
But your body, I declare,
Before Me is pure and fair.
As you are I love you still,
With My grace your life I'll fill.
Let your body glorify
My great name and lift it high.
You are Mine in all your ways,
Destined to show forth My praise,
Body, mind, spirit and soul
By My Spirit pure and whole.
~~~~~
TEACH ME
Teach me to know Your love, O Lord,
So limitless and free.
Teach me to know that this great love
Has planned the path for me.
Teach me to trust in You, dear Lord,
To lean on You each day.
I need not fear what lies ahead;
You are my strength and stay.
May I be confident in You,
Knowing Your power in me.
When I am weak You are my strength;
You save eternally.
~~~~~
COMPLETE WHAT YOU BEGAN
Lord, complete what You began, working deep within.
Bring Your wholeness to my life, cleanse me from all sin.
May Your peace reign in my heart, may I daily know
More of You, Your power and love; Your free grace bestow.
Teach me, Lord, to trust in You, trust Your perfect plan
For my life, laid down in love long before time began.
!You put me in Your body here ‑ work out Your will in me.
Lord, take my hands, Lord, take my all to set the captives free.
~~~~~
MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS
I will not fear, my times are in Your hand
And all my ways in love by You are planned.
Though chaos reigns and all around gives way
The river of Your peace still flows today.
You bring Your life, protect when foes assail,
Bringing deliverance, strength that cannot fail.
You bring Your peace and bid our striving cease,
For in Your stillness we can find release.
You are the Lord, and we acknowledge You
The sovereign God Who can make all things new.
We must be still, rest in Your love alone ‑
'I Am', Jehovah, through the ages known.
We rest on You, defender, Saviour, king,
Ceasing from restless work, that You may bring
The answer, where our human deeds are vain.
The Lord of all for ever You remain
~~~~~.
TRANSFORMATION
You reached out in transforming power
And touched the outcast one,
Bringing Your wholeness, life and power,
Your mighty work was done.
You reached in with transforming power
And took away my sin.
You healed the hurts that filled my soul
And put Your life within.
~~~~~
OIL
Holy Spirit, precious oil
Poured upon me from above,
Consecrate me to the Lord,
Set my soul ablaze with love.
Holy Spirit, healing oil,
Touching body, spirit, soul,
Purge away all sin and fear,
Make me clean and make me whole.
Oil of gladness, freely poured,
Make my heart in God rejoice.
Teach me how to praise the Lord
With my spirit, heart and voice.
Oil of God, anoint me now
For Your service where You send,
Knowing You will never fail
And Your power has no end.
~~~~~
YOU MAKE MY HEART REJOICE
Lord, You make my heart rejoice.
I praise You for all You've done,
Bringing freedom, life and power,
Bringing healing through Your Son.
Lord, I long to live for You,
Radiate Your life and love,
Bring Your healing, grace and joy,
Bring Your wholeness from above.
~~~~~
YOU HAVE ANOINTED ME
Lord, You have anointed me with Your Spirit free,
Consecrated me to You, called me Yours to be.
Given me a task to do where Your love has planned
And, whate'er the future holds, I am in Your hand.
Lord, You have anointed me with the oil of joy,
Given me a peace within nothing can destroy;
Given gladness for my woe, healing for my pain
And I know that Your great love constant will remain.
Lord, You have anointed me, chosen me below
And commissioned me to share of the love You show;
Comforting from what You give, bringing joy and peace
And, since You have set me free, bringing Your release.
~~~~~
LIKE AN EAGLE
You made me to soar like an eagle,
Designed me to rise and be free,
Borne up by Your Spirit of power,
Created to know liberty.
Exchanging my strength like an eagle,
You give me the power to live.
You take all my rubbish and weakness
And Your life and power You give.
If I will but hope in You, Saviour
Commit all my burdens to You,
I'll soar up on wings like an eagle,
Through Your Holy Spirit made new.
~~~~~
YOUR PEACE
Your peace is a garrison, guarding my heart,
Though Satan's hosts may surround.
Your peace gives me power to conquer each foe,
For victory in You, Lord, is found.
Your peace is a power beyond all man's own,
Far more than our minds comprehend,
For it flows from the throne of the Father in heaven
And it never will come to an end.
Your peace is made mine as I look upon You.
In Your presence I find full release.
For You give me Your life and Your Spirit within,
And You are the God of all peace
~~~~~.
DESPERATION
Lord, in my desperation I come to You today.
You are the source of wisdom ‑ I need to know Your way.
Grant me the grace to listen, Your holy will to do,
Obedient to Your bidding, that Your power may flow through.
You care for me each moment, each part of life You share.
You come into the shadows and shed Your radiance there.
Into my anxious turmoil none but You can bring peace.
Where snares of earth would trap me, You, Lord, can bring release.
I give to You my burdens, the loads I cannot bear.
I place them in Your hands, Lord, and I would leave them there.
I come into Your presence, look up into Your face
And go forth in Your freedom, strengthened by Your own grace.
~~~~~
SEEK ME FIRST
In all your ways acknowledge Me,
My ways I shall make plain.
Cast all your load of care on Me,
Let go the stress and strain.
If you will own Me Lord of all,
My guidance you shall know.
My wisdom I will give to you
My grace and power bestow.
Seek first My kingdom and My will,
In righteousness to live
And I will guide you all your days
And needed strength will give.
My strength is given to the weak
Who will depend on Me
And as they in obedience walk
Then I will set them free.
~~~~~
AT THE CROSS
I kneel at the cross
And You come running.
I kneel at the cross -
You overflow me.
I give You my sin -
You give forgiveness.
I give You my pain -
You give your comfort.
I kneel at the cross -
Give you my weakness.
I kneel at the cross -
You give your strength.
~~~~~
I KNOW
I know where you're coming from
I know where you're coming from
And I too have been there.
I have known the wilderness,
The valley of despair
I have known Gethsemane,
Forsaken and alone,
Plumbing depths of sorrow deep
No human heart has known.
I have known rejection deep
By all whom I held dear.
I was cut off from God Himself
That you might be brought near.
I have known defilement vile,
For I bore human sin.
I gave My life upon the cross
To give you life within.
I will not condemn one soul
Who turns their eyes to Me,
However hesitant their faith
My power can set them free.
Every one is dear to Me,
Precious in My sight,
And I long to make them whole,
Bringing joy and light.
Do not fear, just trust in Me -
I love you, you are Mine.
In My hands you shall be safe.
On My breast recline.
Cast Your burdens on to Me -
All your load I'll bear.
I know where you're coming from -
I, too, have been there.
~~~~~
CLEANSED
You feel unclean, stained by your sin,
Unworthy of My care.
You feel the things that you have done
Must cause you to despair.
I bore your sin on Calvary
That you could be made clean,
As white as snow before My eyes
Where once dark stains had been.
The sins of others stain your soul -
Abuse, rejection, fear.
They separate you from My joy,
Keep you from drawing near.
I bore these, too, upon the cross -
I washed them all away
That you might be holy and pure
And know My glorious day.
You feel that you have sinned AGAIN
And I will not forgive.
You feel a failure, weak and frail -
How can I in you live?
My blood still cleanses EVERY sin,
No vestige shall remain.
I will remember them no more;
Pure whiteness you regain.
Accept My cleansing, healing love,
Let Me wash you each day.
You shall be free and you may go
Rejoicing on life's way.
~~~~~
THE QUESTION OF PAIN
No answer to the question of human pain is found
Within this fallen, broken world where sin and hurt abound.
Yet Christ knew human sorrow, forsaken on the cross,
He knew humiliation, He knew despair and loss.
He understands our anger, our rage at human pain;
He understands the darkness, but sheds his love again.
He shared our human nature, with us identifies
And He will never leave us but hear our feeble cries.
And in our place of darkness the Saviour still is there
Giving us strength to bear it, knowing that He can share.
Even though we can't feel Him, He will not leave or fail;
His life He puts within us, knowing that we are frail.
Through darkness He leads onwards, enriching, making new.
Even though we may doubt Him, He still will bring us through
Until with Him in glory, all pain for ever gone
Our questions will be needless as we behold the Son.
~~~~~
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Light of all the world, You came
To shed your light abroad;
To cause us to reflect Your life
That hope might be restored;
To show us every trace of sin
That we must bring to You;
To make our pathway safe and sure;
To give us life anew.
You fill us with Your mighty power -
Your Spirit lives within,
And in our weakness we can know
Your grace and power poured in.
Only in You can we be strong -
For human strength is vain.
By prayer we may draw from Your life
Amid earth's stress and strain.
Though buffeted on every side
By troubles that we face,
Although we cannot understand
We trust to Your free grace.
When persecuted for Your sake
You are our faithful Friend
And You will never leave our side
But keep us to the end.
Though we may not be in control,
Our life by You is planned
To make us channels of Your grace
As we rest in Your hand.
~~~~~
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND
Lord, I cannot understand
The ways You say in love are planned,
The darkness that comes over me,
The times when no end I can see.
Lord, all things are in Your care
For you are sovereign, always there.
You have not left Your world alone
But You are watching from Your throne,
You are with us in our pain;
You are there through storm and rain.
When no comfort we can feel
You are with us still to heal.
In our trials we can turn
To You, Lord, and of You learn.
If from You we turn away
Who can be our strength and stay.
Suffering One, we look to You;
Pain and trials for us You knew.
Help us see things through Your eyes
And Your glory recognise.
All our grief to You we give,
Claim from You the strength to live.
From the evil You can bring
Good, and glorify the King
~~~~~.
I AM WITH YOU
When you're walking in the darkness and no light ahead you see,
When you cannot feel or hear Me I am with you - trust in Me.
I know all your human weakness and I share your grief and pain.
I will bring you through the tunnel into light and joy again.
When the path ahead seems endless and your strength and faith would fail,
I have put My Spirit in you and He surely will prevail.
Though at times you feel forsaken I still firmly hold your hand.
You are precious and I love you - all your pain I understand.
One day you shall share My glory and you will be fully whole,
Filled with joy, enjoying freedom, perfect peace within your soul.
Take My hand, I'll lead you onward to your glorious home above.
Till that time I'm with you always - simply rest in My great love.
~~~~~
YOU NEED ME
You thought that you could stand alone, and so I let you try
To teach you that you must depend on power from on high.
Your human strength is not enough - unaided you will fail,
But I have put My life in you, power which will prevail.
You need to feed upon My word, that I your spirit fill;
You need to put your trust in Me in good times and in ill.
You need to worship and take time to feel My tender care;
You need to cast worries and fears on Me in earnest prayer.
You cannot bear the load alone -you need a Helper true -
My Holy Spirit in your life, with you in all you do.
Give up your independence, child, and learn that you need Me;
For I alone can share the yoke and set you truly free.
Just as a child grows and learns, so with Me you may grow,
And as you spend more time with Me you shall My wisdom know.
So do not try to rush ahead, Your times are in My hand
And I will lead you safely on the path that I have planned.
I know the way - I AM THE WAY - on Me you can depend;
When human comfort fails and dies I am your faithful Friend.
Admit your need, receive My love, rely on Me each day
And I will prove My faithfulness - the Life, the Truth, the Way.
~~~~~
CHANGING TIMES - UNCHANGING GOD
Life with ever-quickening pace
Rushes on - a hectic race:
Faxes, e-mail, Internet -
Life is getting faster yet.
But our God unchanging stands
And our lives are in His hands
Rumours of war all around;
Pain and wickedness abound.
Men forget the One Who made
Earth and sky, and are afraid.
The unchanging God is He;
To the end He'll faithful be.
So much change - how can we cope?
Only in Christ is true hope.
In our trouble He is near;
He alone can calm our fear.
Changing times - unchanging God.
He'll protect us with His rod.
~~~~~
MY PRAYER
I come in weakness to You, Lord,
Asking for strength from You.
I seek Your cleansing, healing power
To make my life anew.
All my confusion, Lord, I bring -
Your way I cannot see.
Reveal to me Your perfect will
And shed Your light in me.
Open my eyes to see Your face,
My ears to hear Your voice.
Speak out the word that sets me free
And bids my heart rejoice.
Grant me Your strength to carry on,
And fill me with Your peace,
For it is by Your grace alone
That I can find release.
Make me a channel of your love,
Your comfort here to share,
Giving out what you give to me
As I receive in prayer.
~~~
ENTRUSTMENT
What I have entrusted I'll give strength to bear.
You may leave your loved ones safe within My care.
I will give you wisdom, I will give My peace,
Give you strength and power, give My full release.
Cast on Me your burdens - let My hands uphold.
I will not forsake you - let My arms enfold.
It is in My presence that you will receive
Life and love and freedom if you will believe.
I'm your loving Father - you're My precious child.
Rest your head upon Me when life's storms are wild.
Into your confusion I will bring My calm.
On your pain and anguish I will shed My balm.
As you will be faithful I am faithful too.
I will keep My promise - I'll give strength anew.
As you wait before Me all My strength I'll give
And you'll go out boldly in My name to live.
~~~~~
PROBLEMS
Sometimes life's problems hem me in
And take away the peace You give.
Sometimes earth's stresses compass me
And it is hard just to believe.
Yet You uphold me when I fall
And hear my weak, despairing call.
Sometimes the pressures that I face
Seem to crowd in from every side.
It's hard to put my trust in You
And in Your presence to abide.
Yet You are reaching out to me
And long to set me truly free.
Sometimes I cannot feel You near;
My mind is filled with doubt and care;
Time is so short, demands so great,
Just squeezing out worship and prayer.
Yet in Your presence strength is found
And life and love and peace abound.
I will press on, though feelings fail -
In following You I'll persevere.
I'll place my problems in Your hands
And seek Your grace and wisdom here.
You promise You will see me through
And raise me up to life anew.
~~~~~
BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT
I left the splendour of heaven because you’re worth it.
I took on all the limitations of human life because you’re worth it.
I gave My life on the cross because you’re worth it.
I rose for your salvation because you’re worth it.
I intercede for you daily because you’re worth it.
Whatever your past - you’re worth it.
However great your sin - you’re worth it.
However unworthy you feel - you’re worth it.
However much you hate yourself - you’re worth it.
Whatever your age - you’re worth it.
Whatever your state of health - you’re worth it.
Whatever others may have done to you - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have done - you’re worth it.
Whatever you may have thought - you’re worth it.
I love you. I have chosen you.
You’re Mine. You’re precious. You’re beautiful.
I clothe you in white. I clothe you in My righteousness.
I hold you in My arms. I sing My love song to you.
I caress you tenderly. You’re worth it.
~~~~~