Now and Forever

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Praise God for the unimaginable blessings people can have now and into eternity if they trust in Jesus to save them.

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(Verse 1)
From the dawn of time, before all was made
The Son stood eternal, in glory arrayed.
Image of God, yet veiled from our sight
Creator of all, with wisdom and might.

(Verse 2)
He came to our world, a gift from above
To show us the Father’s unending love.
Redemption through blood, forgiveness so free
Grace upon grace, for you and for me.

(Chorus)
Oh praise to the Lord, our Savior divine.
Those who trust him receive blessings sublime.
His love never fails, His mercies abound.
In Jesus our hope and our future are found.

(Verse 3)
Now seated in heaven, yet close to our hearts.
His Spirit within us, new life He imparts.
We’re heirs to a kingdom, that’s yet to unfold
With riches untold, more precious than gold.

(Verse 4)
What eye has not seen, what ear has not heard
The glories prepared, beyond every word.
For those who will trust Him, and walk in His way
A future so bright, an eternal day.

(Bridge)
From broken to whole, from darkness to light
From death into life, from weakness to might.
He’s making all new, in heaven and earth
Uniting all things, fulfilling his word.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
So lift up your voice, let gratitude ring
For all He has done, for all He will bring.
Our God and our King, forever adored
All glory and honor to Christ our Lord.

Go Before Me

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Ask God for help when you face evil people, difficult trials, or an unknown future. He is faithful to sustain and deliver you.

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(Verse 1)
In the face of evil, I stand alone.
Trials surround me, future unknown.
But I remember your faithful word
Your promise, Lord, as I have learned.

(Chorus)
You go before me, you stand behind.
Your presence with me, peace I find.
You won’t forsake me, You won’t fail.
With You beside me, I’ll prevail.

(Verse 2)
Like a cloud by day, a fire by night
You led Your people with Your might.
Now You dwell in me, Holy Spirit true
Guiding my steps in all I do.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Your eyes roam the earth, seeking hearts true.
I give all I am, fully to You.
Though the path be hard, I’ll follow your lead.
Your glory my purpose, your will my creed.

(Verse 3)
In darkness or light, I won’t cower or fear.
For I know, you God, are always near.
You’ll accomplish your plan, in and through me.
I trust in your love for eternity.

(Chorus)

Light Your Candle

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Engage in life, don’t just pass through. Be willing to do what’s hard, to lead, and to go against the flow in order to benefit others.

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(Verse 1)
Blank page before you, pen in hand.
Words flow like rivers across the land.
Create, don’t just consume, let your voice ring.
In a world of echoes, be the one to sing.

(Verse 2)
Lace up your boots, step out the door.
Feel the earth beneath you, explore.
Screen’s glow fades as real life blooms.
Nature refreshes, your spirit renews.

(Chorus)
Light your candle in the dark.
Be the flame that guides and sparks.
Against the current, swim upstream.
Wake up from the passive dream.

(Verse 3)
See a neighbor struggle with their load.
Don’t just watch from your warm abode.
Extend your hand, share their weight.
Small acts of kindness can’t wait.

(Bridge)
It’s easy to follow, to drift along
But the world needs those who are brave and strong.
To stand for what’s right, to lift others high,
To be the change under this vast sky.

(Verse 4)
When systems are broken, don’t just complain.
Roll up your sleeves, endure the strain.
Plant seeds of change in rocky soil.
Tomorrow’s garden is worth the toil.

(Verse 5)
In a world that takes, dare to give more.
Open your heart, and unlock closed doors.
Lead with love, serve before self.
True richness isn’t measured in wealth.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Against the flow, you’re not alone.
Together we can foster reform.
Light your candle, let it shine bright.
In darkness, be a beacon of light.

The View

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Perspective changes with age, but don’ let life’s challenges, disappointments, and pain keep you from staying young at heart, positive, hopeful, thankful, joyful, and adventurous. Be true, gracious, and loving toward others.

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(Verse 1)
In the morning mist of youth’s first blush, with perspective yet untried,
A child spins in wonder’s trust, where the age of innocence can’t hide.
Their values pure as the friendship bonds, woven strong by simple play,
Succumbing to the joy and jest, within the now, their hearts will stay.

(Verse 2)
Now a teenager stands and stares, drawn to future’s siren call.
Adventure beckons, dreams have grown, they’re bigger, bolder, tall.
Family’s love is there, a dock from which they’ll sail away,
Searching for success and self, believing come what may.

(Chorus)
Don’t let suffering dim your light of brilliant hues.
Discover the good, the right, the loving, by the perspective you choose.
Stay young at heart with thankful hope and joy as your guide.
Daily grace others’ lives with truth and love far and wide.

(Verse 3)
Through the grind, the adult’s lens takes on a shade of grey.
Joy is rationed, fleeting, sparse, amidst the battle’s fray,
Family’s touch a distant chord, friendship’s anchor worn,
The weary soul in success’s thrall, once vibrant dreams are shorn.

(Verse 4)
The elder sits in quiet repose, perusing life’s mosaic stones,
Purpose and success transpose, reconciling withered bones.
For family’s circle draws them near, through memories’ tender embrace,
Longing to relive the friendships dear, and youth’s effervescent grace.

(Chorus)
Don’t let suffering dim your light of brilliant hues.
Discover the good, the right, the loving, by the perspective you choose.
Stay young at heart with thankful hope and joy as your guide.
Daily grace others’ lives with truth and love far and wide.

(Outro)
Time’s drama plays its poignant scene, across each season,
From life’s early dawn to twilight’s glow, fulfill your reason.
For deep within each age’s heart, plays childhood’s sweetest sound,
A yearning to love and be loved, where purest joy is found.

Whom to Serve

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Seek the good of others before yourself even when you have to sacrifice. Don’t exchange what is right or might be difficult, for what is fun, expedient, and self-serving.

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(Verse 1)
In this bustling world, so full of strife
Where self-interest often takes the lead
Let me sing a melody of a different life
One where we serve others, in word and in deed (yeah, yeah)

(Verse 2)
Sometimes it’s difficult, to choose the harder way,
To let go of what’s expedient, and embrace the price to pay,
But through hard work and dedication, we’ll find,
That serving others brings a joy that’s one of a kind.

(Chorus)
Oh, let’s serve with a smile, and give it all we’ve got,
Putting others before us, whether it’s easy or not,
For goodness and right, we’ll rise above,
In this jazz of life, let’s spread kindness and love.

(Verse 3)
When the rhythm gets tough, and the tempo starts to rise,
Hold on to the melody of sacrifice, reaching for the skies,
Amidst hardship for others, we’ll find our true worth,
And the sweet notes of selflessness, will fill the whole earth.

(Verse 4)
So let’s keep on serving, with every note we play,
Inspiring others to join us, on this path each day,
No matter the obstacles, we’ll overcome the test,
For serving with love, always brings out our best.

(Chorus)

Step Up

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
You are not alone in tackling your problems. Rather than trying to escape them, face them. Learn through them and accept help along the way.

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(Verse 1)
You can’t walk away from your problems, no matter how hard you try.
Hiding from difficulty won’t make the troubles pass you by.
Face them head-on, with courage in your heart.
Embrace the challenge, then your healing starts.

(Verse 2)
You can’t escape responsibility, it’s a gift that helps you grow.
Sidestepping suffering won’t enable you to know
The lessons that you’re meant to learn, the strength to accrue
By facing every trial, with faith and hope to guide you through.

(Chorus)
You must face trials, but you are not alone.
I am with you, but even better—God is on the throne.
Together we can overcome, every obstacle you meet.
With faith and determination, we’ll rise above defeat.

(Verse 3)
You can’t just cancel away conflict, or avoid accountability.
Take ownership of your actions, learn from each opportunity
To grow and to mature, to become the best version of you.
Embrace the journey, let your spirit be renewed.

(Bridge)
You can’t puff away issues or find answers in a drunken haze.
Seeking revenge won’t satisfy, trying to buy comfort betrays.
Turn to the ones who love you, and to the God who knows your name.
With their support and guidance, you’ll rise above the pain.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
People are counting on you, to be a beacon in their night.
You can do this, by pursuing what’s good and right.
Step up to the plate, and rise to the challenge every day.
With God and others by your side, you’ll find the best way.

See Good Days

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
It will go well with you if you humbly repay evil with good. Love one another and revere Jesus as Lord (1 Peter 3:8-15).

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(Verse 1)
In this world of trials and strife,
We’re called to live a different life.
With hearts united, by faith we stand,
Guided by God’s loving hand.

(Chorus)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.
In the face of evil, don’t repay,
Bless instead, by walking his way.

(Verse 2)
Compassion and sympathy,
Let these be our legacy.
When insults come, don’t retaliate,
Respond with love, don’t hesitate.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
The Lord watches over those who seek His face,
Their prayers, He hears with endless grace.
In your hearts, honor Christ as King,
Let his peace and power reign supreme.

(Verse 3)
Pursue what’s right, seek unity,
A life of goodness, let it be.
Even when you face adversity,
God will sustain you faithfully.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Do good, be humble, love others too,
Revere Jesus, let his light shine through.

Until Then

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
The pain of parting dwindles with the hope of a swift reunion.

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(Verse 1)
Our final supper, soon I will depart.
I struggle to truly express my heart.
Thoughts race through my head, so much left to share.
I gently take your hand to reassure.

(Verse 2)
As I pack my bags, the frames on the dresser,
Remind me of moments and years we’ve treasured.
Joyful times and even, storms we’ve weathered.
What a blessing, to share them together.

(Chorus)
May the Lord watch over you,
And guide your path anew.
In his love forever rest.
He’s always working for our best.

Though right now we must depart,
God keeps us near at heart.
May we grow closer through him
Until the day we meet again.

(Verse 3)
Driving to the station, some highlights we replay,
The places we’ve ventured, the memories we’ve made.
But the sweetest part is our hearts intertwined,
I’m so blessed to know you, a gift divine.

(Bridge)
As we wait for the train, your eyes fill with tears,
I gently dry your cheek, and calm your fears.
I lift your face. Into your eyes I gaze.
Inviting you to look to brighter days.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
The conductor calls, I embrace you tight,
One in spirit until we reunite.
I look back as I board the train,
You smile through your tears. We’ll meet again.

Rise Together

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Joyfully take courage in God in order to face the stress, trauma, hatred, and evil in the world and to make a difference for good.

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(Verse 1)
In a world of darkness, stress, and strife
Where evil seems to reign in life
We’re called to stand, not run and hide
With God’s strength, we’ll turn the tide.

(Verse 2)
Jesus warned of trials we’d face
But promised victory through His grace.
He’s overcome, so we can too.
Persevere by faith, and purpose true.

(Chorus)
Take courage in these trying times.
God’s power in us brightly shines.
Proclaim the truth, serve with love.
Make a difference, with strength from above.

(Verse 3)
No more escaping, no more fear.
God’s placed us in this moment here.
To be His hands, His voice, His heart
In healing lives torn apart.

(Verse 4)
Ask where He’s working, then go there.
With humble boldness, show you care.
He’ll use your life in mighty ways
To bring hope in these dark days.

(Bridge)
He’s working in us, making us strong.
Working through us, righting the wrong.
Rejoice in trials, victory’s sure.
With Jesus beside us, we’ll endure.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
For such a time as this, we rise
With courage from God, we’ll impact lives.

Deliverance

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God delivers those who trust him. Sometimes he delivers them from difficulty, sometimes he delivers them through difficulty, but he is ever faithful to save.

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(Verse 1)
In the depths of night, when shadows loom,
A light breaks through, dispelling gloom.
God’s love shines bright, a beacon true,
His Son, the Way, makes all things new.

(Verse 2)
Through stormy seas and raging gale,
Our Refuge stands, He will not fail.
He hears our cries, His care assured,
In Him we trust, our hearts secured.

(Chorus)
He delivers us, our faithful Lord,
Through every trial, He’s our reward.
In Christ we’re saved, from sin set free,
His life abundant, eternally.

(Verse 3)
When trials come, and sorrows press,
He draws us close in tenderness.
Our suffering seen, he understands.
Having walked our path, he takes our hand.

(Bridge)
Though troubles rise like mountains tall,
All who rely on him will not fall.
God’s mighty hand upholds each saint,
Nothing can pull us from his embrace.

(Verse 4)
In danger’s path, where foes surround,
God’s presence keeps us safe and sound.
His outstretched arm defeats our foes,
His saving grace forever flows.

(Chorus)