Set Him Free

Deep in a dungeon lies a sinner in chains, weeping in anguish.

Dark sins enslave him; he is writhing in pain. Hope seems to vanish.

He has lived in his sins, and he knows where they lead.

Now he hates all of them, and he longs to be free.

In his heart, he is chained to sins that hold him a slave.

At times he wants to be free, but he needs to believe.

His heart longs for God, but his nature does not.

But is he not like you and me?

He clings to his sin, though it keeps hurting him;

And only Christ can set him free.

            This battle must wage for each one of our souls.

            And in this the love of our Saviour is told.

            He chose to be wounded that we may be whole.

            So then what will this prisoner choose?

Lord, I know that my prayers have not been in vain.

I’ll trust in Your Word, Your promises claim.

By faith, Lord, I know that You will set him free.

You’ll soften his heart and draw him to Thee.

You alone can enter that dungeon cell,

And save his soul from the depths of hell.

Give him the key, and show him the way.

Give him the will to trust and obey.

Shine Your light in his dungeon so dark;

Show him the healing You have to impart.

And finally lead him triumphantly on;

Let “Victory, victory” be his song.

Give him the desire to follow Your voice,

And make him invincible in the power of choice.

You have come to the door of his dungeon.

Freedom is the door, faith is the key.

I know You will set him free.

            I know You will set him free.

One Year’s Progress

Verse 1:

In my heart I need You, Lord Jesus, Always guiding my thoughts and actions and words.

Let Your holy Spirit always shine through, That people around me may see more of You.

You are good to me, and I love You, Lord Jesus. You are what I need, Lord, Your call I Must heed To give myself to You, Lord Jesus, completely,

And by Your grace, I’ll have faith as You lead.

Verse 2:

Lord, I know You care about each part of my life. You guide me along each step of the Way, In little things as well as bigger things; Lord, You’ll be with me tomorrow as You’re with me today. Life is so good when I’m walking with You, Lord. All thing work Together for good, Lord, I know, As You put in me deep things from Your word,

Supply all my needs and help me to grow.

Verse 3:

There are things I want to know, but You say, “Just wait.” I’ve felt overwhelmed, but I Pray, “Your will be done.” You’re teaching me patience and testing my faith.

You will finish the work You’ve already begun. Good things You promise to me, Lord Jesus, as I always strive Your servant to be! Things I don’t deserve, yet, Lord Jesus, I say, “Yes,” Accepting Your blessings You give freely.

Verse 4:

Lord, I’ve wrestled with this so long, there has got to be an end.

I know victory is sure, when You break through To my heavy heart that needs to be Touched With power from You, all people to love. Jesus, You want me to love my Neighbor, as I love myself, so, Lord, help me now To always treat each of them as souls To be won To your kingdom, yes, Lord, show me how.

Verse 5:

My feelings and emotions have sure gotten in the way Of seeing things as they really, Truly are. But, Lord, You are changing my priorities, And helping me to see where I now Need to start. You’ve taught me how to put everything in Your hands, Trusting that You Always know what is best. I know You’ll work things out, and Your will shall be done.

I’ll do what You say, and You’ll handle the rest.

Verse 6:

I know putting You first, things can only go right, So help me to seek first the kingdom of God, And help me to walk by faith, not by sight. Give me power and grace to walk where You’ve trod. Jesus, You convict me to make the right choices. Temptations arise, but I Want victory, And I know through You, I shall have it, Lord Jesus

Since what You say is true and always will be!

ENDING: Jesus, I know that You care for me, so I give myself to You,

A vessel of honor for Thee, to be used in service for You, for You, my God and King.

Believe -- Lyrics

Verse 1:

Lord, I come to You to praise Your name, and as I draw nigh, You will do the same.

Lord, You have the answers, and You know what is best. I choose to walk with You.

My efforts You will bless.

Lord, help me to do whatever You say, not to pick and choose,

But trust in You and obey.

I have not because I ask not, so, Lord, now I ask that Your will be done.

The least I could do is give You my heart,

And that at least would be a start.

I believe in You. I believe in You.

Verse 2:

When we want something what do we do, just sit there and do nothing?

No, we tend to ask God for our will to be done, and then we wonder why

He didn’t give us our want.

Let us lift our heart with our hands unto God,

And search and try our ways, and turn to seek His face.

We have not because we ask amiss, so we can get those things that we wish.

But that is not what we should do to our God,

Instead we should seek whatever Jesus wants.

Let’s believe in Him. Let’s believe in Him.

Verse 3:

When you have a need what will you do, just sit there and do nothing?

No, that’s not the answer, stop relying on yourself. Just trust in the Lord,

And pray for Him to bless.

            When you have a need, just go to Him,

Believe you will receive, just believe in Him.

You have not because you ask not, so just seek His face, and trust He has the grace

And know if it’s according to His will, your petition He will fulfill.

Just believe in Him. Just believe in Him.

Verse 4:

Lord, without Your grace I would fall apart, thinking I was whole yet having a hard heart.

But, Lord, You can help me to walk in the light; You are the only way,

You’re the source of right.

            By grace I am saved, and that not of myself;

            It’s a gift from You through faith. I can’t rely on myself.

I can do ALL things through YOU. You give me strength, and show me what to do.

My faith You’ll keep increasing through everything,

And when You come again, I’ll be able to say,

“I believed in You. I believed in You.

ENDING:

I want to see You, Lord, and until the day I do,

I’ll claim the promises of Your word as You lead me through.

I believe in You. I believe in You.

--Finished on Monday, January 23^rd, 2012, Late Morning I Think—

Carry On -- Video

http://youtu.be/hymD_jejAhM

Why Is It?

Beginning:

Lord, why is it that my hopes are so unreal?

And, Lord, why is it that I feel the way I feel?

The burdens I bear – does anyone share?

Can anyone understand? When will I understand?

Verse 1:

I’m reaching out to You, Lord; I know You are my Saviour.

I want to understand this – there’s something I have missed.

O Lord my God, behold me, and let Your arms enfold me,

And show me why each day is a growing mystery.

            Lord, why is it that I cannot see my path?

            There’s fog before me, and there’s fog behind my back.

            I try to move on, but sometimes I wander,

            As I try to make it home, must I walk this path alone?

Verse 2:

My feelings and emotions – it’s so hard to control them.

They tell me to go one way, but that’s not what You say.

My heart is on a journey, and I see where it is turning.

My nature, I confess, doesn’t always turn to You.

            Jesus, show me how in You I can find rest.

            I feel so lonely when my burdens have me pressed.

I know You’re my Lord – my only Saviour.

Please show me how to trust. In this world I see I must.

Verse 3:

The things, O Lord, that tempt me, they leave me feeling empty.

They may make me feel good, but deep inside my heart,

I’m still a struggling child, and restless all the while

Without true peace and love, which come from You alone.

            Lord, I’m finding that I cannot trust myself.

            Only You, Lord. No, not anybody else.

            And why is it so? It’s starting to show –

            You’re causing my eyes to see.

And soon, Lord, I will be free.

            By Your grace, Lord, I am free!

Finished 11:30 p.m., Thursday night, January 5^th, 2012

Lord, How Long?

Verse 1:

Lord, how long can this go on, family life as it is?

Our love is waxing so cold; so much is going wrong.

            We reach out our hands outside our homes,

Because we think our family’s to blame.

And we forget our own faults, or just don’t see them,

And then we wonder why we’re still ashamed. Lord, we need a change.

Help us come to right relation, make the wrong things right.

May we have a strong connection, turn our darkness into light.

Verse 2:

Lord, how long can this go on, this professed church we’re in?

We do such great works on the outside, but won’t let You work within.

            We reach out our hands outside our homes,

            As we show our family is not

            Our first priority, and not important,

            And then we wonder why things are not right. Lord, You must change our lives.

If we’re going to help the world, then it’s YOU they must see.

We must live by Your example with our own family.

Verse 3:

Lord, how long can this go on, this world as it is?

We would just destroy ourselves, if You didn’t come back soon.

            We reach out our hands outside our homes,

            Because we think what matters most is fun.

            That’s part of why our families are broken,

            And then we wonder why the world’s so messed up. Now’s the time to look up.

Help us put first things first, and to look in the mirror.

And instead of blaming others, the golden rule adhere.

ENDING:

Lord, how long can I refuse to let go

Of the things that, by Your grace, I know

Are not the things that would be best down the road.

Lord, take it all, and no matter what others do,

I still have light to live up to.

I can’t cast on them all the blame, and just wait for them to change;

Lord, I must do my part for You.

It’s Your will I must do. Lord, I trust You will lead me through.

I Was There

Verse 1:

Remember, My child, not too long ago,

You had no friends, and you felt all alone.

You knew not the love I had for you. But, deep down in your heart you knew

There must be a true Best Friend for you.

And as I came to your heart, you let Me into your life.

And nothing could break our ties.

            For I was there when it felt like nobody cared,

            And when you had no one, I was there.

            You weren’t even lonely after a while,

            But where are you now, O My child?

Verse 2:

I led you on, and you walked with Me.

The important things you began to see. You knew since I allowed it, it was right.

I placed you where I knew it was best for you.

A purpose I had, and I led you through.

And in so many ways, you learned to be content.

You cared more to be free from sin.

            And I was there, and you knew that I really cared.

            And through everything, child, I was there.

            You wanted to seek first the kingdom of God.

            And gave Me the rest of your wants.

Verse 3:

I heard your prayers, and I gave you strength.

Through everything, you were learning faith. And as you trusted Me, I blessed you more.

I added human friendship to your new life

To cheer you and them, and to bless both sides,

And through your connection with Me,

Your links with them were real.

My providence worked things out well.

            And they were there, yes, they’re all an answer to prayer.

            Your struggles are lighter when you know they care.

            Friends are a blessing when I’m there, too.

            There are reasons I gave them to you,

ENDING:

But I was there when it felt like nobody cared

And when you had no one, I was there.

I was your Friend and you cherished Me.

My child, I just want you to see.

Finished on January 5^th, 2012, Thursday Afternoon

For the Glory of the Truth (In Our Youth)

Verse 1:  When we look at our lives, are they as good as they could be?

Or are we just good enough to get by?

God sees us as we are, and He wants us to work with Him.

Against self we must fight. (Chorus)

We can’t do anything without God on our side.

We can’t give what we don’t have, so let’s cherish the light.

Chorus:  We must fight for the right, for the glory of the truth,

Till we win; but let’s begin while we’re still in our youth.

Verse 2:  We’ve been placed in this world, and we are here for a purpose.

For whom are we living our daily lives?

Our talents and our time have been lent us. We’re not our own.

We’ve been bought with a price. (Chorus)

Father, put a desire in our hearts, Lord, for You.

May we burn just like a fire, on the candle of truth.

Verse 3:  There are souls all around who are sin-sick and dying,

And we hold the medicine in our hands.

Will we open up our hearts, and accept the healing balm?

We must take and impart. (Chorus)

Will we place all our trust in our Father above?

Will we give Him our hearts that we might spread His love?

Verse 4:  If there’s one thing we need, it is an indwelling Savior,

But who of us really knows what that means?

We must seek Him, then we’ll know, if we seek Him with all our hearts.

Then we’ll work, where we are.

BRIDGE:  We the youth, champions of truth,

Have a work to do for our loving Master. Why wait till we’re older?

Put the cross on your shoulder. (Chorus)

If we give Him our will, leave our comfort zone behind,

We can’t lose anything good, if we’re on Jesus’ side.

A Mark Upon the Soul

Verse 1:

When I was young, things fell apart, and deep within my burdened heart,

I ached because of a painful hole that left a mark upon my soul.

Verse 2:

Born a human, as we all are, I had fallen nature from the start;

But o’er the years I could feel the pull of One who wanted to heal my soul.

Verse 3:

I knew a couple who really cared. They showed it through their love and prayers.

They really acted a Christlike role that left a mark upon my soul.

Verse 4:

There was a family, they had two girls. Their influence was worth more than pearls.

They walked with God, and their actions told. They left a mark upon my soul.

Bridge:

There were so many others who made a mark, and God has for you a special part,

So don’t you give up; you never know, if you’ve left a mark upon a soul.

Verse 5:

Over time I was seeking God. I saw my need, and knew I was lost.

I didn’t know how to be made whole, but Christ began to heal my soul.

Verse 6:

Going deeper with my Lord, I’ve come to trust Him more and more.

I’m learning how to let Him control, and write His image upon my soul.

Verse 7:

Looking back at my past life, I feel for those afraid of the light,

But by God’s grace, it is now my goal to leave a mark upon their soul.

Verse 8:

Now to you, friend, I say these words: Let’s put eternal interests first,

And say with Peter to a hurting soul, “Arise, Christ Jesus makes you whole.

Arise, Christ Jesus makes you whole.”

Finished on December 23^rd, 2011, Friday night, around 8:45

My Heart is on a Journey -- Lyrics

Beginning: My heart is on a journey.

I’ve been to many places, yet still there’s more to see.

Verse 1:

I started my journey walking alone, not having a purpose or knowing where I’d go.

I wasn’t doing too well, was on my way to hell.

The sins that I wanted, a voice told me to sell.

And as I really listened to this voice more and more,

By faith I could see Him, ‘twas Jesus Christ the Lord.

He gave me a purpose, a map and a sword.

Verse 2:

He had me climb to a mountain peak, and that’s where I saw how the world is so empty.

It’s full of pleasure, but also many nets, And offers no true peace, or lasting happiness.

Ever since I climbed that mountainous way,

I’ve loved them with deep love and I earnestly pray

For them to know the Savior, and grow in grace.

Verse 3:

I’ve seen the ruins of Vaunting Pride in a land where many have died.

I used to like it there, and tarried for a time, But Jesus had me die, that I might have life.

The One who leads me is humble and meek,

And that’s what He’ll make me as His face I seek.

He’s the Source of strength for the heart’s journey.

Verse 4:

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain. Feelings and emotions are nothing like faith.

Feelings come and go with the winds that blow,

And they lead the mind away from reality and faith.

I see how it is, and I’m so glad to know, And God will show me more as I onward go.

The right paths are His, so I will follow.

Verse 5:

I thought I’d seen love, but I didn’t stop long enough. Then God showed me I needed to soften up. Jesus bought each soul with His precious blood,

And as I’ve done to them, I’ve done it unto Him.

I’ve gone that much farther, and He is still leading.

The more I see of Him, the more it changes me.

The more Jesus leads, the better all will be.

Verse 6:

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroyeth much good:

I fought against conscience, thinking I could win,

But I thought on my ways, and saw it was sin.

So now instead of fighting against my Lord,

I fight against self with His Spirit’s sword

Until I am with Him forevermore.

ENDING: Your heart is on a journey, so watch where you’re going and let Jesus lead.