Ashes Into Gold

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun. All this comes from God. He is the One Who brought us to Himself when we hated Him. He did this through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, NLV).

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(Verse 1)
Shattered dreams like broken glass
A life of shadows from the past
But in His light, the pieces shine
Restored by love that’s so divine.

(Chorus)
God, the Great Redeemer
Turns your ashes into gold.
Your future story ever bright
Trust him and be restored.
No matter where you’ve been
He’ll make you whole again.
God, the Great Redeemer
Transforms you to be like him.

(Verse 2)
Streets of shame, a prodigal’s road
Weighted down by a heavy load.
But grace lifts up the weary soul
In His arms, you’re finally whole.
In His arms, you’re finally whole.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
In Christ you’re a new creation.
The old has passed away.
He works all things for good
In those who choose His way.

(Verse 3)
Scars of trauma, a victim’s fate
Feeling unworthy at heaven’s gate
But Jesus bore your grief and pain
His sacrifice makes you whole again.

(Chorus)

Planted by Streams

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Blessed are those who delight in the law of God. They are like trees planted by streams, but the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away. (Inspired by Psalm 1).

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(Verse 1)
Blessed are those who choose the righteous way
Who shun the path where sinners and mockers lay.
Their joy is found in God’s law, pure and bright
Meditating on His words both day and night.

(Verse 2)
Like trees by streams, they stand tall and strong.
Their leaves stay green, their fruit comes along.
In every season, they prosper and thrive.
God’s living water nourishes their lives.

(Chorus)
In obeying God’s word, they find delight.
His presence guides them, with divine insight.
They grow in his image, their hearts made new
Empowered for his work, mighty and true.

(Verse 3)
The wicked are chaff, blown by the wind.
Their deeds will crumble, their joy will end.
But those who love God will forever stand
Rooted in faith, blessed by his hand.

(Bridge)
When judgment comes, the wicked fall away
Having rejected God’s grace which saves.
But the faithful, will reign with him on high
In his kingdom, beneath a glorious sky.

(Chorus)

(Verse 4)
The Lord watches over His children dear
Transforming their lives, drawing them near.
While those who rebel face a different fate
Destruction awaits, beyond salvation’s gate.

(Outro)
By faith humbly trust Jesus today.
Let God’s law be your guide and stay.
For in him you’ll find blessing and peace
Abundant life that will never cease.

Heading Home

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
For those who trust in Jesus, this world is a temporary place to grow and to help others know God while we for his return and to join him in a new heaven and earth.

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(Verse 1)
In this world of pain and strife
We’re just passing through this life.
Our true home is yet to come
Where we’ll reign with God’s own Son.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.

(Verse 2)
Though the world may rage around us
We stand firm in Jesus’ name.
For we know that He is coming
And forever we will reign.

(Verse 3)
Like our Savior, we engage
Bringing hope to every age
Standing firm for what is right
Shining bright with heaven’s light.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.

(Bridge)
We proclaim the truth with love
Extend mercy from above
Serve with hearts of grace divine
So it’s Christ that others find.

(Verse 4)
Soon our King will split the sky
Every knee to Him will bow.
New creation will unfold
Where His glory we’ll behold.

(Chorus)
We are citizens of heaven
Waiting for our King to come.
Nothing here can separate us
From the love of God’s own Son.

(Outro)
Yes, we know that He is coming
And with him we will reign.

Breaking Through

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Centuries ago Jesus healed a paralyzed man. He continues to save and heal broken people today. Jesus gives new life to all who trust him. (Inspired by Mark 2:1-12)

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(Verse 1)
A paralyzed man, on his mat he lay
Friends carried him, faith led the way.
Through the roof, they lowered him down
To Jesus’ feet, hope to be found.

(Verse 2)
Jesus saw their faith, spoke words of grace
“Son, your sins are forgiven,” in this place.
The crowd was amazed, some questioned within
But you break the deadly chains of sin.

(Verse 3)
With a word, you healed the man
Proving your power, you made him stand.
Your grace and love on full display
A transformed man walked that day.

(Chorus)
Jesus, you meet us where we are
Your love breaks through, near and far.
Healing body, mind, and soul
It’s your touch that makes us whole.

(Bridge)
You command us to rise, take up our mat
Walk in your strength, no looking back.
Working out what you’ve worked in
Your power transforms us from within.

(Verse 4)
We come to you, broken and weak
To be with you is what we seek.
Restore and fill us day by day
Teach us how to trust and obey.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
We’ll spread your love, tell your story
Give You praise, and bring you glory.

Anticipation

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Getting ready for a first date with someone special is exciting and nerve wracking, but simply be yourself and enjoy getting to know them.

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(Verse 1)
He tries on shirts, can’t choose which to wear
Practices his smile in the mirror with care.
Worried she’ll find him boring, not cool.
They’ve never spent time outside of school.

(Chorus)
Just be yourself, let your heart shine.
Take a deep breath, you’re goin’ to be fine.
Forget the pressure, have fun, discover.
Enjoy getting to know each other.

(Verse 2)
She curls her hair, picks a dress that’s just right.
Texts her best friend about first-date frights.
Imagines conversation, hopes it won’t go wrong
Then softly hums a favorite song.

(Chorus)
Just be yourself, let your heart shine.
Take a deep breath, you’re goin’ to be fine.
Forget the pressure, have fun, discover.
Enjoy getting to know each other.

(Verse 3)
He grabs his keys, takes one last look around.
She applies lip gloss, her heart starts to pound.
Both check their phones, the time’s drawing near.
Excitement and nerves as the moment is here.

(Bridge)
A special chance to grow as friends.
Talking and laughing, no need to pretend.
Fears will fade away, as the night goes on.
Savor each moment, before it’s gone.

(Chorus)

My Rock

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God is a refuge, a shield, and a rock who protects and delivers all who seek him. Inspired by Psalm 18:1-3.

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(Verse 1)
In stormy seas, You’re my lighthouse.
In darkest night, You’re my flame.
When I’m lost and weary
You call out my name.

(Chorus)
God, You are my rock
Solid ground beneath my feet.
God, You are my rock
My refuge, strong and sweet.
I’ll praise Your name forever
For You’ve set me free.
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.

(Verse 2)
In battle’s rage, You’re my fortress.
In danger’s path, You’re my shield.
When enemies surround me
Your strength is revealed.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
My deliverer, my salvation
My stronghold when I’m afraid
I cry out to You, Lord
And You come to my aid.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.

Pierce the Fog

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Believe things can be better. Despite your circumstances, you can learn and grow. The work you invest will pay off.

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(Verse 1)
I know you feel stuck, trapped in a cloud you can’t subdue,
But I want you to see, there’s so much more you can do.
Adopt a fresh perspective, a positive state of mind,
Embracing every challenge, leaving doubt behind.

(Chorus)
You’re gonna be better, stronger than before,
Reach for the stars, go for even more.
With effort and hard work, climb that mountain high,
I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

(Verse 2)
Mistakes are great lessons, learn from them and grow,
Feedback is a gift, receive what others know.
Every obstacle’s a stepping stone, an opportunity,
To level up and rise above, to break loose and run free.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Your journey’s important, not just the end
Persevere through struggle, over trials ascend.
With a playful spirit, and a heart that’s true,
There’s no limit to what I know you can do.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Better, smarter, stronger than before,
Reaching higher, achieving a little more.
It starts with your mindset, your willingness to try,
Embrace the challenges, let’s watch you rise.

I believe in you. Pierce the fog and fly.

Bow of Light

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A rainbow is a reminder that in the rainy trials of life those who trust in God will not be destroyed by present circumstances, but will make it through with God’s help provided in Jesus.

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(Verse 1)
Gray clouds gather, darkness looms
Raindrops fall like tears of gloom.
Life’s trials pour, a tempest wild
Doubt and fear leave faith exiled.

(Chorus)
But there’s a bow of light above
God’s banner, painted with love
A promise not to judge by flood.
In mercy, he saves through his Son.

(Verse 2)
Storm-tossed waves of circumstance
Threaten to steal joy’s last dance.
Yet through the mist, colors appear
God’s faithful hand, ever near.

(Bridge)
From judgment’s flood to mercy’s reign
Christ came to break sin’s heavy chain.
Only he can save, and bring rebirth.
Hues of grace poured out on earth.

(Verse 3)
Rainbow’s spectrum, hope unfurled
Recalls God’s rescue for this world.
He calms the waves in life’s storms.
For all who trust him, he transforms.

(Chorus)
There’s a bow of light above
God’s banner, painted with love
A promise not to judge by flood.
In mercy, he saves through his Son.

(Verse 4)
So let the rain of trials fall.
We’ll rise stronger through it all.
For in each drop is a ray of light
That points to our savior, forever bright.

(Outro)
Thank you, Lord, for skies above
Painted with your steadfast love.

Surrender’s Sunrise

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
When friends betray and trust is gone
And loneliness feels like your only song
Look up to heaven, reach for his hand.
He’ll guide you through this barren land.

(Verse 2)
Bills are piling, money’s tight
Worries keep you up at night.
Cast your cares upon the Lord
He’ll provide what you can’t afford.

(Chorus)
Trust in God with all your heart
In every step, in every part.
Don’t lean on what you think you know
Let His wisdom guide where you go.

(Verse 3)
Trapped in a job that dulls your soul
Dreams fading like an unmet goal.
God works through you, despite your place.
Look each day to share his grace.

(Verse 4)
When sickness comes and strength departs
When fear threatens to rule your heart
Know that God’s plan is amazing.
He’ll do what’s best in all you’re facing.

(Bridge)
Your own way seems right to your eyes
But that path leads to your demise.
Self-reliance is a dangerous game.
True life is found in Jesus’ name.

(Verse 5)
Weighed down by sin that’s unconfessed
Feeling unworthy, duly depressed.
His grace is greater than all your shame.
You can be saved, just call on his name.

(Chorus)

Four Soils

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A parable from Jesus describes four ways people respond to truth about God. Only a reception by faith brings about growth and blessing (Matthew 13:1-23).

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(Verse 1)
The sower walks throughout the land
Scattering seeds with open hands.
Some fall on hard and beaten ground
Where birds of evil, leave nothing around.

(Verse 2)
Some seeds land on rocky soil
Sprout quick, but wither from trials.
Shallow roots can’t stand heat.
Sun-scorched, they admit defeat.

(Verse 3)
Among the thorns, some seeds are tossed.
In worldly worries, they’re soon lost.
Choked by cares and wealth’s allure
These plants fail to ever mature.

(Verse 4)
But some find soil rich and deep
Where truth grows a harvest to reap.
A hundredfold, these seeds will yield
A bountiful and golden field.

(Bridge)
Now you’ve heard the sower’s tale
Of truth spread far o’er hill and dale.
The seed is God’s word, pure and true.
The soil is how it’s received by you.
Only those who trust by faith
Will flourish and bear fruit through grace.

(Outro)
Oh, what will grow? What will take root?
From tiny seed to fruitful shoot.
Truth about God, a precious gift.
What will you do with what you’re given?