Christmas Awakening

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A prayer at Christmas for those who are far from God to draw close to him by receiving the unsurpassed gift of Jesus who came to save them.

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(Verse 1)
Lord, this Christmas, hear my plea
For souls in darkness, set them free
Blind to Jesus’ sacrifice
Unaware of love’s true price.

(Chorus)
Open hearts, O God, to see
Your gift of grace, so rich and free.
May they receive Your Son and live.
This Christmas, new life You’ll give.

(Verse 2)
Some deny their need for you
Striving themselves for life anew.
Yet good works cannot atone
Salvation comes through Christ alone.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
One bond above all else we need
With our Savior, who intercedes.
Through faith we trust, receive His gift.
United with Christ, our hearts he lifts.

(Verse 3)
Father, lift the veil of night.
Show their need in Your pure light.
As they turn to You and believe
Abundant life they’ll now receive.

(Chorus)

Flowers of the Field

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God’s loving care for you is seen in how he cares for the rest of nature. So don’t worry. Seek him first and you will be taken care of.

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Flowers of the Field

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God’s loving care for you is seen in how he cares for the rest of nature. So don’t worry. Seek him first and you will be taken care of.

(Verse 1)
Look at the sparrow, soaring free
Not a care for what’s to be.
Seeds and shelter, all provided
God’s love for them, never divided.

(Chorus)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.

(Verse 2)
See the lilies, dressed so fine
Colors brighter than sunshine.
Never toiling, never spinning
Yet in beauty, always winning.

(Chorus)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.

(Verse 3)
Sun rises up to warm the land.
Moon glows soft on ocean sand.
Raindrops fall on soil and tree
Bringing life abundantly.

(Bridge)
From mountain peaks to valley low
His love and care continue to flow.
In rainbow hues and birdsong sweet
His blessings make our joy complete.

(Verse 4)
Paintbrush strokes across the sky
Gentle breezes whisper by.
Fragrant blossoms, crystal streams
All surpass our wildest dreams.

(Outro)
Don’t you worry, don’t you fear
The Lord your God is always near.
Seek him first, he’ll light your way.
His care surrounds you every day.
His love abounds in every way.

Room 4

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A nostalgic song about the wonder of childhood and of learning as seen through a retiring teacher.

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(Verse 1)
The classroom door clicks shut, one final time.
Echoes of laughter linger in the air.
A lifetime of memories, frozen in time.
Young faces etched in her heart with care.

(Verse 2)
First day jitters and tearful goodbyes
Soon give way to confident smiles.
Finger paints and ABCs. Time flies
Learning and growing all the while.

(Chorus)
Oh, the marvel of a child’s eyes
As they discover this world anew.
Tiny hands reaching for the skies
Their dreams and hopes forever true.

(Verse 3)
On the playground, squeals of delight
Swings soaring high, touching clouds.
Nature walks, leaves crunching bright
Curious minds reveal wonder aloud.

(Bridge)
From caterpillars to butterflies
They spread their wings and learn to fly.
A teacher’s heart swells with pride
As she watches her little ones thrive.

(Verse 4)
Building blocks and counting games
Stories shared in cozy corners.
Field trips to farms and fire stations
Sparking joy in wide-eyed learners.

(Verse 5)
Though her journey’s end is bittersweet
She knows her legacy will live on
In the lives she’s touched, now complete
A foundation laid, forever strong.

(Chorus)

Running Nowhere

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Running from your problems instead of facing them only causes further harm. Turn to God. Then resolve your issues with his help and the support of others.

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(Verse 1)
You’re chasing dreams, but running from reality,
Leaving a trail of problems in your wake.
You thought a fresh start would set you free,
But the shadows of your past, you can’t forsake.

(Verse 2)
Like running a treadmill, you’re stuck in place.
Active, yet ignoring the issues you face.
Address your faults and trauma, take control.
Seek help to restore your broken soul.

(Chorus)
Stop running, my friend, it’s time to face the truth,
Your pursuit of happiness puts you in a joyless loop.
In some ways you’re a victim, but you also know,
You must take responsibility, to heal and grow.

(Verse 3)
The path you’re on is leading you astray,
Blind to the hurt you cause in those you love.
Your feelings betray you, but there’s a better way,
Turn to God, confess your wrongs, and enjoy his grace.

(Bridge)
Reach out to those who love you, they’ll help you through the haze,
Rebuild the bridges you burned, follow in Jesus’ ways.
He is the truth, the life, the path, his arms are open wide,
Run to him, and find your way, let his love be your guide.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Turn to God and family, their arms are open wide.
Run to Jesus, and find your way, let his love be your guide.

Be Still

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
When you have done all you know to do, prayerfully wait on God to move and to direct your next step of faith. He is always working out your best which is to become like Jesus.

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(Verse 1)
In the quiet, I stand
Having done all that I can.
I’ll follow your gentle lead.
Your whisper is all I need.

(Chorus)
I rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with me.
In stillness, I proclaim your worth.

(Verse 2)
Unseen miracles unfold
Your grace, a story untold.
No need to worry or to fear
Your presence, always near.

(Chorus)
I rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with me.
In stillness, I proclaim your worth.

(Verse 3)
In this world of brokenness
You work to heal and bless.
Not for comfort, but for what’s best—
To shape us to be like Jesus.

(Bridge)
My friend, trust and rely, let go.
For God’s glory, he’ll make you whole.
Through trials and joys, he’ll see you through.
Be still, and let God work in you.

(Chorus)
We rest in you and wait for you,
Exalted One in all the earth.
Lord Almighty, you stand with us.
In stillness, we proclaim your worth.

Chasm of Regret

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Sometimes your words cause harm you didn’t intend. Try to mend any offense especially with family or friends.

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(Verse 1)
My words like shattered glass were strewn,
Thoughtless phrases in the afternoon.
If only I could catch them in the air,
And prevent your moments of despair.

(Verse 2)
Remorse rains down like autumn leaves,
My heart, a tree that silently grieves,
I never meant to cause you pain,
For in your hurt, I feel the same.

(Verse 3)
You’re a distant shore, just out of reach,
I’m stranded on this lonely beach,
How can I build a bridge of light,
To cross this chasm of the night?

(Chorus)
I want to really see you, not just look your way,
To pierce the veil of your dismay.
I long to really reach you, not just stand at bay,
I’m sorry for what I said today.

(Bridge)
Though I stumble on life’s winding road,
Your joy is my greatest goal,
I want to lift you to the sky,
So you can spread your wings and fly.

(Verse 4)
Will you forgive my foolish words?
I failed to treat you, as you deserve.
Our friendship is a precious treasure
A bond I hope we can restore.

Jewel

by Mark Greenelsh ©1989, 2024
Like the sparkle of a priceless gem in the light, may we each receive God’s wonderful love and radiate it to others so we all come to know him more deeply.

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(Verse 1)
With a grateful heart, I pen these words
To you, my heaven-sent dove.
Your presence in my life affirms
God’s grace and boundless love.

(Verse 2)
Your smile, a warm and gentle glow
Dispels the darkest night.
In you, I see God’s love bestowed
A beacon pure and right.

(Chorus)
Like morning dew on petals fair
You glisten in the light.
A precious jewel beyond compare
You make my world so bright.

(Verse 3)
Our hearts entwined by his design
Two souls in kindred rhyme.
Your love, a gift cherished and fine
Transcending space and time.

(Bridge)
Through storms and sunshine, hand in hand
We walk life’s path together.
As we give out, God fills in.
May our goal be his pleasure.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
I’m thankful for God’s love divine
That brought you to my side.
In you, his blessings intertwine.
Forever in him, let’s abide.

Seize the Dawn

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
By faith know and love God who is the light of the world. Apart from him all is dim and dark lacking true life, love, meaning, and direction. (Inspired by Ecclesiastes chapter 12).

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(Verse 1)
In the dawn of youth, when stars shine bright
Before the clouds return after the rain
Remember your Creator, seek his light
For without him, all pursuits are in vain.

(Verse 2)
The sun may dim, the moon may fade away
Strong men stoop, and leaders start to quake
But God’s love calls, even on darker days,
“Trust in my Son and you’ll be saved.”

(Chorus)
Walk with God in humility’s light.
Act justly with mercy entwined.
In his presence, let your soul delight.
Love and honor him with heart and mind.

(Verse 3)
Libraries stretch far, yet leave souls unfed.
Man’s knowledge swells, but hearts remain unled.
God’s truth alone can satisfy our need.
His wisdom lights the path our souls must heed.

(Bridge)
From youth to age, in each unfolding year
Through joy and sorrow, laughter and tear
In hidden things and all that meets the eye
Follow God and you will thrive and fly.

(Verse 4)
As seeds take root and seasons swiftly turn
In each sunrise and every passing breeze
Make the most of time, invest for return.
Always put God first, aim for him to please.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Honor God and love him truly.
In him alone, you find life fully.

Next Breath

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Those who trust and obey Jesus experience his blessings now and enjoy an even more glorious eternity with God after their physical body dies.

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(Verse 1)
Life on earth, a fleeting breath.
Trials and joys, until our death.
But those who trust in Jesus’ name,
Have hope beyond this mortal frame.

(Verse 2)
Through faith alone, we can know God now.
His grace and love, our souls endowed.
A foretaste of the joys to come.
Adopted and forever home.

(Chorus)
Our last breath here, our first breath there.
A glorified new body beyond compare.
Our weary souls at last will rest,
Growing in God, forever blessed.

(Verse 3)
We trust his word, we heed his call.
Our Savior reigns, our Lord in all.
His grace sustains us day by day,
Until we’re called to heaven’s bay.

(Bridge)
Knowing him now, life’s sweetest song.
A prelude to his blessings beyond.
Each moment here, a chance to praise,
Until we see him face to face.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Each breath from God is our gifted treasure.
Serving him and others extends our pleasure.
Setting the stage for what’s in store.
When we step through heaven’s door.

Each breath with God, life at its best.
Each breath for God, forever blessed.

Boundless Yet Near

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God is infinite and grand beyond measure as seen throughout nature, yet he personally cares for each of us and has given his Son, Jesus to save us. Inspired by Psalm 147.

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(Verse 1)
Countless stars light the night sky,
Each named by him who reigns on high.
His wisdom deep as space, yet through his Son,
He shares truth to guide us, every one.

(Verse 2)
Rivers carve through mountain’s pride,
His strength and gentleness side by side.
Valley soil rich with his grace,
Yields abundance in every place.

(Chorus)
Praise to our God, both far and near,
His goodness vast, his love so dear.
In Christ, we’re held, renewed, made whole.
Through simple faith in him we grow.

(Verse 3)
He knows each sparrow’s fall, each hair we shed,
Through Christ, our every need is met.
He seeks to save the lost and displaced
His intimate love, a warm embrace.

(Bridge)
Broken hearts he mends, wounds he binds,
In Jesus is healing for body and mind.
Not by our strength, but by his might,
He lifts the humble, sets all right.

(Chorus)

(Verse 4)
From the highest peak to the deepest sea,
His forgiveness flows abundantly.
Through the cross, he saves and empowers all,
Who on his unfailing mercy call.

(Chorus)