Ode to Our Creator

by Mark Greenelsh ©1984, 2024
The beauty around us is but a glimpse of the glory of God who created it and sustains it. Because of Jesus people can know God.

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(Chorus)
Praise be your almighty name!
For everything I see, from you came.
May your glory be my aim.

(Verse 1)
From the lilies in the field
To the mountains towering high.
From the creatures in the sea
To the birds that sing and fly.

(Chorus)
Praise be your loving name!
For all that’s good and right is your domain
May your glory be my aim

(Verse 2)
Great is your work in creating man.
We’re made to share your likeness.
Though all rebelled, you died to save
All who’ll accept your kindness.

(Bridge)
Full of pride, we each are broken
Helpless to heal, until on you we rely
For it’s the humble you restore
With those who trust, you abide.

(Outro)
Lord, I thank your gracious name.
For saving me from death and shame.
Your truth and love I shall proclaim
So others might behold your name.

River of Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God’s love saves and transforms people for the best. To follow Jesus is to love others like he did by his grace and power. (Inspired by 1 John 4:7-21).

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(Verse 1)
When I wandered lost on barren ground
Love came searching like a desert rain.
God sent Jesus, heaven touching down
Like dawn’s first light through window pane.

(Verse 2)
Every seed of kindness that I sow
Every cup of mercy that I pour
Reflect his light shown to me
Burning bright so others might see.

(Chorus)
I love because He loved me first.
Like springs that break through desert earth
His grace washed all my stains away.
Now living water flows each day.

(Bridge)
Step by step, like footprints in the sand
I follow where His mission leads.
His love becomes my outstretched hand
To shine his light and share his mercy.

(Verse 3)
Like morning glories reaching high
That only bloom when opened wide
God’s love grows in me as I share
And he transforms people everywhere.

(Chorus)
I love because He loved me first.
Like springs that break through desert earth
His grace washed all my stains away.
Now living water flows each day.

(Outro)
To love can be climbing steep.
To follow Jesus can be crossing deep.
But as His river flows through me
It waters gardens yet to be.

Set Free

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Praise God for his loving grace and power. All who trust in Jesus can be saved and set free to truly live now and forever.

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(Verse 1)
I was lost, no hope in sight,
Enslaved to my own selfish plight.
Destined for death, no way to be saved,
But then Jesus came and took my burden away.

(Chorus)
Praise God! His love enabled what could not be,
In Jesus I now have true victory.
To God be all glory, I’ve been set free
I am free, I am free, I am free!

(Verse 2)
Death has no sting, sin has no chain,
Fear has no grip, Satan’s claims are in vain.
I’m no longer a dead man walking,
I’m a free man running, my soul now soaring!

(Bridge)
At the cross Jesus triumphed over sin and death,
He died to save me from my wrong and rose again,
I am forgiven, my life is found in Him.

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
Though battles still arise, and foes assail
By God’s grace and power, I prevail.
I stand firm, unshaken, my life is secure,
He trains and sustains me. His love endures.

(Verse 4)
Jesus is returning, to end evil and pain,
To establish righteousness, His kingdom to reign.
For those who trust in Him, joy will ever be,
Peacefully living with him, part of his family.

(Chorus)

Under the Stars

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Camp is a wonderful way to spend the summer.

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(Verse 1)
Hopping off the bus, I find my cabin,
Unpacking my bags, I can’t wait to begin.
Making new friends, laughter fills the air,
Excited for the adventures we’ll share.

(Verse 2)
Hiking through the woods, spotting wildlife,
Paddling canoes, a gentle glide.
Casting lines, reeling in fish.
Throwing hatchets, careful not to miss.

(Chorus)
Summer camp, where beauty astounds.
Having fun with friends, joy abounds.
Each moment full, keeping time at bay.
Under the stars I long to stay.

(Verse 3)
Team games and races, fun for all
The ropes course ends with a climbing wall
Tug-of-war battles, a test of might.
Water balloons turn to playful fight.

(Bridge)
Meeting someone special, a sweet romance.
Getting to know her, a lovely dance.
Horseback riding, wind in our hair.
Walking by the lake, sunsets so fair.

(Chorus)

(Verse 4)
The talent show, a night to shine.
Chocolate s’mores, a treat divine.
Singing songs around the campfire bright.
As I drift to sleep, the moon bids goodnight.

(Chorus)

Rearview Reflections

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Cherish the past. Look forward to the future. Make the most of opportunities today.

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(Verse 1)
The summer sun sets as we wash the car.
Radio blaring, you play air guitar.
I smile and spray you, to get back to work.
We need to finish before it gets dark.

(Verse 2)
You wipe the grill, as I clean inside.
In my rearview mirror I see you as a child,
Happy and outgoing, with quite a curious mind.
Now you’re grown. Strong and tall, gentle and kind.

(Chorus)
I see the future in your eyes so bright,
The open road awaits, your dreams take flight.
I’ll miss the days when you were by my side,
But I know it’s time, to take your own ride.

(Verse 3)
Son, you dream of adventure, highways unbound,
Where tomorrow awaits, your destiny found.
As you look ahead, I view what’s behind,
Grateful for our past, yet wishing for more time.

(Bridge)
Washed and waxed, the car is all done.
I toss you the keys, we smile as one.
Heading down the road, wind in our hair,
I flash back to joyful times so fair.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
As the engine hums, we find our pace,
A moment in time, we both embrace.
No destination or miles to cover,
Just a father and son, enjoying each other.

Daily Bread

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Just like manna in the desert, Jesus is the true bread from heaven who came down and gives life to the world. All who trust him to save them will never hunger.

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(Verse 1)
In the desert of life, full of grueling sand,
The journey is long, and my frailty certain.
Yet when my burden is heavy and fatigue runs deep,
Jesus, you’re my strength. My soul you keep.

(Verse 2)
When trials and pressures scorch like the sun,
And the battle feels like it can’t be won,
Your encouragement lifts my head
Always there, you’re my faithful friend.

(Chorus)
Jesus, you’re my source each day,
Manna in the desert, nourishing my way,
Bread from heaven, true life you offer.
Filled with you, I’ll never hunger.

(Verse 3)
In the canyon of lies and lawless nights,
Your wisdom shines through, sparking insight.
Leading me to truth, showing me what’s right,
Jesus, you’re my guiding light.

(Bridge)
In the parched land of this earthly race,
Your providence is an oasis of grace,
Meeting every need, in every space,
Jesus, you’re my resting place.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
“Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the bread we need,
And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13, NLT).

Pure Gold

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Relationships are life’s priceless treasure. People are worth investing in. Take the risk and make the effort to get to know them and do what you can to serve them.

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(Verse 1)
From my regular booth, I see your face.
You serve customers with charm and grace.
I hope to speak, but you’re busy now.
I long to know you better, somehow.

(Chorus)
Unsure of the words, I write this note.
Pouring out my heart, a lump in my throat.
Hoping to be more than a patron from afar.
I risk rejection, to reach for a star.

(Verse 2)
Treasured moments, when our eyes meet.
We seem to connect, my thoughts you complete.
Your laughter enhances my goofy jokes.
You hear everyone’s heartaches and hopes.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
I leave the note, with a shaky hand.
Unsure of myself, like shifting sand.
A day goes by, I return once again.
Anxiously waiting, my nerves on end.

(Verse 3)
I order food, but I really came for you.
Wondering today, if any hope rings true.
You’re always kind, so it’s hard to discern.
There’s so much about you, I want to learn.

(Verse 4)
The bill arrives, with my note returned.
My foolish dreams, regretfully spurned.
I pay and leave, my heart in pain.
Just out the door, I feel miles away.

(Outro)
My mind races to escape feeling down.
Then I hear your voice, and turn around.
You’re standing there, the sun in your hair.
The smile on your face, showing you care.

All stands still in this special time.
Then you take my arm, soft and sublime.
We walk and talk, a new story unfolds.
A blessed connection, as fine as pure gold.

A Heart for God

by Mark Greenelsh ©1985, 2024
Like king David of ancient Israel, through humble faith I want to be a man after God’s own heart. Though I fail at times, I praise God that as I trust and obey him, he restores me to become all he designed me to be in Jesus.

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(Chorus)
Heavenly Father, I praise your name.
Forgive my sin, remove my shame.
Create in me a heart for you
A steadfast spirit today renew.

(Verse 1)
As the deer thirsts for water
So my soul desires your presence.
I long to rest in your embrace,
To hear your voice, to feel your grace.

(Verse 2)
Search me, God, and know my heart.
Try me, and perceive my thoughts.
Correct in me any wicked way,
Cleanse me and mold me, like a potter with clay.

(Verse 3)
Tune my heart to sing your song
To seek what’s good, to right what’s wrong.
Turn my eyes from selfish gain
To give of myself in Jesus’ name.

(Bridge)
Though winds of trouble assail
And evil seems to prevail,
You have won by paying sin’s price.
When you return you’ll make all right.

Impart your wisdom, focus my vision,
Grant me strength to fulfill your mission.
Each day show me where I should go.
For to you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

(Chorus)
Heavenly Father, I praise your name.
Forgive my sin, remove my shame.
Create in me a heart for you
A steadfast spirit today renew.

Think First

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
An important life skill is managing your impulsivity. Think before you act. Consider the consequences. Delay gratification. Seek the counsel of others.

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(Verse 1)
When temptation comes knocking at your door
And your heart’s racing, wanting more
Take a step back, think it through.
What’s the price you’ll pay, is it worth the due?

(Chorus)
Think before you act, it’s the wisest thing to do.
Consider the consequences, they’ll come back to you.
Delay gratification, advice of elders discover.
What impact will this have on you and others?

(Verse 2)
A hurtful word, a spiteful post
What seems good now, in time can harm most.
What would grandma think, if she could see?
Would you do it in daylight, or in secrecy must it be?

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
That tempting substance, it calls your name,
But addiction’s a prison, it’s not a game.
One more time, you say, but it’s never enough.
The road to recovery is long and tough.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Instant gratification, it’s a fleeting thrill,
But the consequences, they’ll haunt you still.
Choose the path of kindness, humility, and grace.
Let your actions speak wisdom, in every time and place.

Surrender

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:23-25, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
Weary and worn, by sin’s heavy load,
My soul’s been yearning for life’s narrow road.
Like Jesus in the wilderness, I stand,
Surrendering my burdens to God’s hand.

(Verse 2)
In the garden, Jesus’ will aligned,
My stubborn heart, I too must resign.
As He surrendered, faced the cross,
I yield my life, no matter the cost.

(Chorus)
As I let go of self, you fill with Christ,
Your life overflowing, divine love poured out.
Give up to gain, a paradox so true.
Only with less of me, can there be more of you.

(Verse 3)
Dying to self, new life I gain,
Like Christ who rose, victorious King,
His resurrection breaks sin’s chain.
My soul is reborn. In him I sing.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
I will humble myself, let go of pride,
Empty my heart, allow You to guide.
For the lowly soul, You exalt and crown,
But those who boast, You will bring down.

(Outro)
Thank you Lord, by your wounds I’m cured
In my surrender, my victory’s assured
Denying myself, I’ll daily walk with Thee,
For your glory, throughout eternity.