Even Stones Will Sing

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
In the first century Jesus entered Jerusalem not to overthrow Rome, but to overthrow the rule of deadly sin in people’s lives. He died and rose again to save all who trusted him then, as well as, now.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
On a donkey, humble and low
Rides the King of glory, don’t you know?
Palm branches wave, coats on the ground
Hosanna to the Son of David, hear the sound!

(Chorus)
Blessed is He who comes in the name
Of the Lord Most High, forever to reign.
Our Savior, our King, our Promised One.
Hosanna in the highest to God’s Son!

(Verse 2)
The crowds are shouting, their voices ring
“Silence them!” say those opposing the King
But Jesus declares with authority,
“If they’re quiet, the stones will sing for me!”

(Verse 3)
Not on a steed or in royal attire
But clothed in humility, He inspires.
A kingdom of service, of love so pure
His ways higher than ours, forever sure.

(Bridge)
He comes not to conquer by earthly might
But with grace and mercy, He makes all things right.
His triumph is love, in hearts He’ll reign
Enabling peace and life with God to gain.

(Verse 4)
Let Him enter, our hearts open wide
King Jesus, come in and forever abide.
May your gentleness and peace in us shine
Revealing to the world our King divine.

(Chorus)
Blessed is He who comes in the name
Of the Lord Most High, forever to reign.
Our Savior, our King, our Promised One.
Hosanna in the highest to God’s Son!

(Outro)
Hosanna! Hosanna! To God’s Son!
Hosanna! Hosanna! To Jesus, the One!

Together in Christ

by Mark Greenelsh ©1990, 2024
Love is God giving himself to us, for us to share with others. Marriage is a divine gift and a special way to live out that truth, all to God’s glory. “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NIV).

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
Together in Christ are you and me.
From mountain heights to roaring seas.
We praise God eternally.
For he alone is worthy.

(Verse 2)
Through his faithfulness he draws us,
By his light he surely guides.
With his love he closely binds us.
By his power he provides.

(Chorus)
To each other God has given
A kindred spirit, a best friend.
I want to help you grow in faith
To become like the Son he sent.
(Break)
We praise God eternally
For he alone is worthy, worthy.

(Bridge)
Being with you is a treasure.
Day by day in all we share and do
Of this you can be sure,
As God enables, I love you.

(Verse 4)
Together in Christ are you and me.
Life abundant God gives freely
Our love is kissed with joy and beauty.
United let’s live for his glory!

(Chorus)
To each other God has given
A kindred spirit, a best friend.
I want to help you grow in faith
To become like the Son he sent.
(Break)
We praise God eternally
For he alone is worthy, worthy.

Labor of Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Receive God’s love by faith and let it inspire and empower you to joyfully labor with him to carry out his saving work and divine purposes.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
Before the world was formed, you were there,
Your love, O God, is beyond compare.
From everlasting, your reign has been,
Your kingdom work, our hearts to win.

(Chorus)
Your love endures, it will not fade,
Let your favor on me be displayed.
May people see your beauty in me.
Love through me, so they’re drawn to thee.

(Verse 2)
Go before me, your light to shine,
Walk beside me, your hand in mine.
Stand behind me, your strength impart.
Teach me to serve with all my heart.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Establish the work of my hands,
As you gather many to trust in your Son.
All glory be yours in heaven and earth.
Let your kingdom come, your will be done.

(Chorus)

Sun Tea

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Like sun-brewed tea, connecting with people on a deeper level takes time, but it’s worth it.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
The sun dips low, a golden glow,
As we sit and sip our sun-brewed tea.
The gentle breeze, a whisper’s ease,
Caresses us so peacefully.

(Verse 2)
The fireflies dance, in nature’s trance,
Their lights twinkling all around.
A symphony of summer’s song,
A soothing, calming sound.

(Chorus)
In this moment, I find such joy,
Conversing with you, my friend.
We delve deep below the surface.
Sharing heartfelt thoughts that transcend.

(Bridge)
Just as sun tea takes its time to steep,
Allowing flavors to unfold,
Our dreams and feelings—a treasure.
A story waiting to be told.

(Verse 3)
The process may be slow, but it’s worth gold,
The reward of friendship true.
Nourishing our souls with each exchange,
A bond that sees us through.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
So I’ll savor every second of this lazy summer night,
Watching the sun dip low, the fireflies take flight.
Grateful for this simple pleasure, this time to connect and share,
A moment of pure bliss, free from life’s daily care.

Blessed Are the Meek

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Jesus taught, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, NIV).

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
The world may honor wealth and fame,
Individual success, and self-centered gain.
But meekness, though mild and humble it seems,
Is strength under control, a quality that redeems.

(Verse 2)
Jesus is gentle and lowly, full of grace.
He laid down his life for the human race.
Hanging on the cross, robbed of breath he called,
“Father, forgive them.” Truly he loves all.

(Chorus)
Meekness, not weakness, a power to behold,
Ask for God’s wisdom, let his love unfold.
Surrender your way, trust God to intervene.
Blessed are the meek, the earth they will receive.

(Verse 3)
Moses, raised in royalty, chose to identify.
His people oppressed, he sought to lift them high.
Meekness is raising others on God’s shoulders strong.
Serving the weak, as God makes right what’s wrong.

(Verse 4)
The apostle Paul, in weakness, found strength,
God’s grace sufficient, amidst his suffering.
Recognizing his flaws, on God he relied.
However deep his need, God always supplied.

(Bridge)
A humble soul, God honors and reveres.
He cleanses your sin, calms your deepest fears.
He aligns your way with his, and transforms your heart.
In meekness, enjoy peace that God imparts.

(Chorus)
Meekness, not weakness, a power to behold,
Ask for God’s wisdom, let his love unfold.
Surrender your way, trust God to intervene.
Blessed are the meek, the earth they will receive.

Learn from Jesus, gentle and lowly is he.
Through your meekness God will redeem.

Peaks or Pebbles

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Always do your best with what you have. Don’t settle for less. Aspiring for excellence serves others and helps everyone thrive.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
Mountain peaks pierce through the clouds so high
While pebbles rest content upon the ground.
Will you soar like eagles in the sky?
Or let your wings stay folded, never found?

(Chorus)
Rise up, shine bright, don’t settle for less.
Your potential’s a flame, let it burn.
Excellence calls, answer with your best.
Keep stepping forward to grow and to learn.

(Verse 2)
Seeds of greatness planted in your soul
Will you water them or let them wither?
Mediocrity’s a half-empty bowl.
True fulfillment lies in aiming higher.

(Verse 3)
Opportunity like a river, flows unceasing.
Your talents gleam like gold in the sand.
Will you pan for treasure, never easing?
Or let riches slip right through your hand?

(Bridge)
Obstacles loom like storms on the horizon
But perseverance is your guiding star.
Each challenge faced makes your spirit widen.
Serving others, you’ll go twice as far.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Your life’s a masterpiece yet unpainted
Will you use every color you possess?
Or leave the canvas dull and untainted?
Rise up, shine bright, don’t settle for less.

Snow Day

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
It’s a wonder and a joy to play outdoors all day with friends after the first big snowfall of the season.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
The children wake to a world of white.
Their phones light up with news so bright.
“No school today!” the message reads.
Excitement builds, adventure leads.

(Verse 2)
They bundle up in coats and boots
Scarves and mittens, warm snowsuits.
Out the door they rush with glee
To greet the snowy scenery.

(Chorus)
Oh, snow day wonder, winter’s gift.
Friends gather ’round as snowflakes drift.
The day flies by in snowy play.
Fond memories made along the way.

(Verse 3)
A snowman rises, round and tall.
Friends laugh and cheer, then comes the call.
“Snowball fight!” and missiles fly.
Shrieks of joy rise to the sky.

(Verse 4)
A snow cave mined with careful hands.
Hot cocoa shared in frosty lands.
Icicle swords clash and ring
As winter knights do battling.

(Verse 5)
Down the hill on sleds they race.
Dogs run alongside, keeping pace.
They carve snow angels in the ground
Wings spread wide, halos all around.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Snowflakes fall so soft and light
A delicate and wondrous sight.
As sun begins to dip down low
They hear the call to come on home.

(Outro)
Through knee-deep snow they crunch and wade
To houses glowing in the shade.
Warm inside, they hope and pray
For another day of snow to play.

Shine as One

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God made us for community relationship—to love and be loved. Jesus makes that possible by healing all that separates you from God and others. Trust in him and experience abundant, everlasting life.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
Like stars aligned in constellations bright,
Together we’re made to shine in the night,
God’s masterpiece, a tapestry of souls,
Woven with love, our unity extolled.

(Verse 2)
In marriage vows, two hearts merge as one,
Like rivers joining, flowing to the sun,
Families bloom like trees in the spring,
With roots entwined and branches abiding.

(Chorus)
God made you to love, and be loved,
To know and be known by him above.
Take Jesus’ hand, join his family
United with him for eternity.

(Verse 3)
The church, a mosaic of tiles aligned,
Each piece unique, yet a single design,
Not meant to walk life’s path alone,
Together we’re better than on our own.

(Verse 4)
Communities rise like mountains grand,
Nations united, hand in hand,
A symphony of voices, rich and true,
Harmonizing life, both me and you.

(Bridge)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life,
He heals all wounds and ends all strife,
Trust in him, new joy you’ll discover
As he draws you close to God and others.

(Verse 5)
Like atoms in a diamond pure,
Our bonds should be steadfast and sure,
In God’s embrace, we find our place,
Living as one in him by grace.

(Chorus)
God made you to love, and be loved,
To know and be known by him above.
Take Jesus’ hand, join his family
United with him for eternity.
God made you to love, and be loved,
To know and be known by him above.
Take Jesus’ hand, join his family
United with him for eternity.

Love Gives

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
I want to love and serve like Jesus so others might come to know him and be saved (John 3:16).

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
From heaven’s throne, you stepped down low
To walk among the broken and the lost.
Your hands that formed the stars now bled
For me, you paid the ultimate cost.

(Verse 2)
You wore a crown of thorns, not gold.
Your cross became my freedom’s tree.
Your innocent blood, a cleansing flood
To wash away my hostility.

(Chorus)
Love gives, it pours out grace.
Love sees the hidden face.
Help me to love like you
So others come to know you, too.

(Verse 3)
Now as I walk this pilgrim road
Open my eyes to see as you do.
The hurting heart behind the smile
The lonely soul in the bustling queue.

(Verse 4)
Let me offer a listening ear
A helping hand, a shoulder to cry on.
To share your hope with those in despair.
To shine your light when their world’s gone.

(Bridge)
It may cost me comfort, time, or pride
But your love compels me to abide
In the spaces where your grace can flow
To plant the seeds that you will grow.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Lord, help me be your ambassador
Of reconciliation and peace.
To offer your love without condition
And trust you for hearts’ release.

Cleanse Me

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
All have sinned and have fallen deadly short of the glory of God. Yet by his loving grace God pardons and saves all who turn to him.

___________________________________

(Verse 1)
In the darkness of my heart, I’ve strayed so far
Foolishly claiming, “There is no God.”
My deeds are tainted, my thoughts are marred.
Lord, look down on this barren sod.

(Verse 2)
We’ve all turned away, not one is good.
Corruption flows through our very veins.
I search for meaning, misunderstood
Yet only emptiness remains.

(Chorus)
Have mercy on me, O Lord, I pray.
I can’t save myself, You’re my only hope.
Cleanse me, renew me, show me the way.
Restore my soul with your peace and joy.

(Verse 3)
I recognize now my broken state
And loathe the wrongs that I have done.
My sins before You, I now relay.
Forgive me, Lord, through Your Holy Son.

(Bridge)
In humble contrition, I bow my head
Confessing all my guilt and shame.
By Your grace alone, let me be led.
Wash me clean, remove all blame.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Give me strength and wisdom for the day.
Help me follow all that is right.
May Your love and truth lead my way.
Guide my path with Your holy light.