Under God

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Individuals, nations, and the world are only united, strong, free, and just if they humbly come under God—joyfully trusting and obeying him.

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(Verse 1)
Beneath divided skies we stand,
Our banners torn by prideful hands.
United only when we kneel,
Before God’s throne where hearts can heal.

(Verse 2)
A nation’s strength lies not in might,
But in the souls that seek the light.
When “under God” is more than words,
Then justice flows to all concerned.

(Chorus)
Not “bless me, Lord” our selfish cry,
But “use me, Lord” our soul’s reply.
Kneeling first, then rising tall,
God’s glory shining through us all.
United, strong, and truly free,
When under God we choose to be.

(Verse 3)
What mortal hands could never mend,
His tender grace heals within.
The broken vessels, cracked with sin,
Restored by the Potter’s loving hands.

(Verse 4)
The humble heart that bows in awe,
Finds freedom in divine law.
For chains of self cannot fulfill
Like the joy in yielding to God’s will.

(Bridge)
Come Spirit, cleanse with holy fire,
Fill us with your living water.
Turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh,
Your kingdom come, our souls refresh.

(Verse 5)
The oak that stands against the storm,
Has roots that reach where faith was born.
So nations flourish, bloom, and thrive,
When we cling to God to grant us life.

(Chorus)
Not “bless me, Lord” our selfish cry,
But “use me, Lord” our soul’s reply.
Kneeling first, then rising tall,
God’s glory shining through us all.
United, strong, and truly free,
When under God we choose to be.

Rooted in Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Praise God for his love and faithfulness. Those who trust him are like trees planted by living water, while those who reject him are like weeds that fade and die. (Inspired by Psalm 92.)

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(Verse 1)
Morning breaks with gratitude
As I lift my voice to you.
Lord, your love surrounds my days
How sweet to sing your praise.

(Verse 2)
Evening falls, your faithfulness
Shines like stars through darkness.
With harp and flute I proclaim
The wonders of your name.

(Chorus)
Like a tree by streams divine
You renew this life of mine.
I sing for joy at all you do
How great are your works, so true.
How deep your thoughts beyond my reach
How sweet your love that you bestow.
I’ll praise your name with every breath
Till all the world your glory knows.

(Verse 3)
You’ve planted me in fertile ground
Where living waters flow around.
Like palm trees reaching toward the sky
My soul to you draws nigh.

(Bridge)
Though the wicked rise like weeds
Flourishing in evil deeds
They will fade at your command
While righteousness will stand.
For you, O Lord, reign on high
As the wicked fall and die.
Judging evil always comes
When your saving work is done.

(Verse 4)
Though years may weather this frame
In your courts I still remain
Green and vital, taking root
My life in you bears fruit.

(Chorus)
Like a tree by streams divine
You renew this life of mine.
I sing for joy at all you do
How great are your works, so true.
How deep your thoughts beyond my reach
How sweet your love that you bestow.
I’ll praise your name with every breath
Till all the world your glory knows.

Wrapped in Wonder

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Enjoy God’s loving presence each day like a trusting, carefree child thrilled to be with him and to learn from him.

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(Verse 1)
Morning sunshine paints the sky.
You, my father, make me smile.
Out of love, you saved my life.
By faith, I dance in your light.

(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.

(Verse 2)
You meet my every heartfelt need
Your provision, so complete.
No need to worry, in you I rest.
You’re always working for my best.

(Verse 3)
Storm clouds gather, winds endure.
Under your wing, I’m safe and secure.
You’re my fortress, strong and true.
May I always rely on you.

(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.

(Bridge)
You lift me higher than the peaks.
Your love flows deeper than the sea.
My heart is blessed by your decrees.
Obeying your truth sets me free.
Sets me free.

(Verse 4)
Stars like diamonds fill the night.
You’re my compass, you’re my light.
My hand in yours, I thrive and grow.
Use me to bring others home.

(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.

Abide in Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Like a gardener and a vine supporting branches, God lovingly nurtures those who trust him. The branches thrive and bear fruit by humbly abiding in the vine.

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(Verse 1)
A vineyard green beneath the sun,
Where life and love entwine as one.
A picture painted from above,
Of God’s transforming, patient love.

(Verse 2)
The Father’s hands, both firm and kind,
Cut what is dead, so growth arrives.
His pruning shears with wisdom move,
Each careful cut a sign of love.

(Verse 3)
The Son, the Vine, stands strong and true,
His life flowing fresh as dew,
Through every branch that seeks to thrive.
In Him alone we come alive.

(Bridge)
“As Father loves Me, I love you,”
The Savior’s promise, ever true.
Draw life from him by his Spirit
So his love flows, to those who need it.

(Chorus)
“Abide in me,” the Savior calls.
Let pride and self-reliance fall,
For humble branches that simply cling
Bear fruit that lasts eternally.

(Verse 4)
Apart from him, our strength is naught,
Our efforts wither, come to drought.
But joined to him, our lives will shine,
With fruit that speaks of love divine.

(Verse 5)
The Gardener attends from above,
Each cluster grown through patient love,
Sweet evidence of grace received,
When hearts have trusted and believed.

(Chorus)
“Abide in me,” the Savior calls.
Let pride and self-reliance fall,
For humble branches that simply cling
Bear fruit that lasts eternally.

(Outro)
So rest, dear branch, within the Vine,
Draw deep from mercy’s rich design,
For in this garden, day by day,
God nurtures those who trust and obey.

Coffee Stains and Sunshine

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Every day is a blessing when you have someone to go through it with.

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(Verse 1)
Spilled my coffee, stained my shoes.
Train delayed, not sure what I’ll do.
But your morning text with hearts
Keeps me from feeling too blue.

(Chorus)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

(Verse 2)
Computer crashed, lost my work.
Mounting pressure all day long.
But thoughts of you sustain me
Even when things go wrong.

(Verse 3)
Grocery bag split on the driveway
When I tripped outside the gate.
We both laugh at the situation
I’m so blessed you’re my soulmate.

(Bridge)
It’s the tea you brew when I’m feeling low
The note in my lunchbox found
The way you remember little things I love
The anchor when I’m unbound.
Not perfect moments strung together
But perfect love through stressful days.
Your hand in mine through whatever comes
Turning ordinary into praise.

(Chorus)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

(Outro)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

The Pink Collar

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A friendship forms between a young boy and girl who are different, but are brought together in trying to help an injured, stray dog.

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(Verse 1)
She reads under trees that sway,
Her room is neat and well composed.
He runs and plays throughout the day,
Seeking adventure each place he goes.

(Verse 2)
Their houses near yet worlds apart,
Her father scowls, his father sneers.
Old grudges keep them both apart,
A fence of anger built from years.

(Verse 3)
She excels at every test,
While he chases clouds and streams.
School to her is a welcome quest,
For him, just recess and daydreams.

(Chorus)
Look beyond what separates,
Find a bridge that connects us all.
With others, when you offer grace
Even walls are bound to fall.

(Verse 4)
One summer day in Willow Park,
She spots a dog with matted fur.
Its eyes hold pain, its whimper stark,
It limps away when she comes near.

(Verse 5)
Across the pond, stones skipping wide,
The boy she’s told to never greet.
She waves him over to her side,
Necessity makes strangers meet.

(Verse 6)
From his pocket, a biscuit worn,
He kneels and offers with a smile.
Together they find cause for harm—
A thorn embedded deep inside.

(Chorus)
Look beyond what separates,
Find a bridge that connects us all.
With others, when you offer grace
Even walls are bound to fall.

(Bridge)
Four hands lift up the trembling frame,
To his front porch they slowly tread.
His brother removes what caused the pain,
The dog curls up on blankets spread.
At dusk she walks the pathway home,
Her heart now lighter than before.
The morning brings her back to roam,
A pink collar clutched, nothing more.

(Verse 7)
He grimaces at the girlish hue,
But helps to place it ’round the dog.
Some battles aren’t worth fighting through,
If in the fray, friendship’s lost.

(Chorus)
Look beyond what separates,
Find a bridge that connects us all.
With others, when you offer grace
Even walls are bound to fall.

(Outro)
Down dirt roads wide, beneath blue skies,
Two children walk in joyful peace.
Behind them trots a new ally,
Friendship blooms with each kind deed.

Silken Snare

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Temptation is like a deadly spider’s web, but God provides escape and victory for those who trust and obey him.

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(Verse 1)
Silken threads catch morning light.
Beauty masks the deadly snare.
One step toward the shimmering sight
And suddenly you’re captured there.

(Verse 2)
Gossamer strands, so delicate
Beckon with a whispered thrill.
Each move binds tighter yet
As desire leads against your will.

(Chorus)
There’s an escape from every web
A path that leads to higher ground.
Flee the trap that’s been carefully spread.
In God’s strength, victory is found.
Trust and obey, for he’s made the way.
His hand will break what has you bound.

(Verse 3)
The spider’s art, so cunningly spun
Enticing eyes with false delight.
What seemed like pleasure, once begun
Now chokes like a vice in darkest night.

(Verse 4)
Your own desires weave the thread
That pull you down the slippery slope.
Each strand a lie that you’ve been fed
Till death replaces living hope.

(Bridge)
Renew your mind with what is true.
Fill your heart with what is pure.
Dwell on things both lovely and just.
Bring tempting thoughts to God to cure.
He delivers through any test
Guarding your heart from web’s allure.

(Chorus)
There’s an escape from every web
A path that leads to higher ground.
Flee the trap that’s been carefully spread.
In God’s strength, victory is found.
Trust and obey, for he’s made the way.
His hand will break what has you bound.

Unbreakable Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
God’s amazing, sacrificial love saves and sustains all who trust him through any difficulty. (Inspired by Romans 8:31-39).

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(Verse 1)
When shadows lengthen across your way,
And trials like mountains loom,
When guilt’s dark weight makes you stumble and sway,
Don’t let your hope entomb.

(Verse 2)
If God stands with you, who can oppose?
He gave his Son for your soul.
With Christ, all blessings he freely bestows,
Trust him to make you whole.

(Chorus)
What can separate you from his love?
Can hardship, pain, or sword?
Can hunger, danger, or threats thereof?
No power in this world!
Nothing in all creation can part
His love from your beating heart.
In every struggle, every fight,
You’re victorious by his might.

(Verse 3)
When Jesus hung on that rugged tree,
Abandoned, bearing your shame,
He chose that darkness to set you free—
He’s with you now, that’s why he came.

(Bridge)
God draws you near to reflect his face,
To share his work and his heart.
Trust in his strength and unfailing grace
To carry you through the dark.

(Verse 4)
Christ died and rose, now at God’s right hand,
He pleads your case every hour.
His victory over death where you stand,
Is your triumphant power.

(Chorus)
What can separate you from his love?
Can hardship, pain, or sword?
Can hunger, danger, or threats thereof?
No power in this world!
Nothing in all creation can part
His love from your beating heart.
In every struggle, every fight,
You’re victorious by his might.

Seed of Surrender

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A seed must die for its plant to grow. Likewise, only by forsaking your way and trusting and obeying God can you thrive and experience abundant, everlasting life.

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(Verse 1)
The Gardener carves a hollow
In the cultivated ground.
There he sets the seed he fashioned
To flourish from his hand unbound.
In darkness first it trembles
At the crossroads of its fate.
Will it yield to greater purpose?
Or its own path cultivate?

(Verse 2)
It can thrive in loving guidance
Of the Master’s gentle care
Drinking deep from living waters
Growing tall beyond compare
Its branches stretching skyward
Its roots anchored sure and deep
A testament to surrender
And the promises he keeps.

(Verse 3)
Or it can choose to root itself
In soil of self-reliant gain
Thirsting just to satisfy
Its hunger for comfort, wealth and fame.
But shallow roots can’t anchor
When the tempest rages strong.
And the seed that stands alone
Won’t stand for very long.

(Chorus)
A seed must shed its outer shell
To find the life within.
It must reach up beyond itself
For new life to begin.
In dying to its former self
True purpose is revealed.
The Master’s glory flourishes
In hearts that choose to yield.

(Bridge)
When fierce winds of trial come howling
The proud seed stands alone.
Its stem unbending, brittle, breaks.
Its stubborn will its own undoing.
But the humble seed bends low in storm
The Gardener’s hand its shield.
Each tempest makes it stronger still
As to his wisdom it yields.

(Verse 4)
I’ve been designed for glory.
As I grow, what fruit will I bear?
Will I love others and my Gardener
Or for myself alone take care?
The choice unfolds before me
As I break through earthen tomb
To bear the fruit of heaven
Or wither in my bloom.

(Outro)
A seed only bursts forth with life
When it sheds the husk that binds
And reaches upward for its Creator
In surrender, purpose finds.
In the Master’s garden tended
With mercy, grace and love
I’ll bloom where I am planted
For his glory up above.

Glory or Vapor

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Seeking to fulfill myself and rely on myself separates me from God. I need to look beyond myself and run to God. As I rely on him instead of myself, he sustains me and delivers me.

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(Verse 1)
In a world of self-reliance,
Where pride stands tall and strong,
I build my towers of confidence,
Until it all goes wrong.

(Verse 2)
Like vapor in the morning,
My strength soon fades away,
These hands that grasp for glory
Can’t hold what matters today.

(Chorus)
So I’m running to you, not away,
On my knees, not standing alone.
In your presence I’ll stay,
For your love is my home.
You’re the strength, I can’t find on my own.

(Verse 3)
The Captain of my voyage,
The Lover of my soul,
You wait with arms wide open
To make the broken whole.

(Verse 4)
Why do I stray from your presence?
Why hide in shadowed night?
With all my pain, surrendered,
Lord, transform me by your light.

(Bridge)
When storms rise dark around me,
And waves crash o’er my life,
The deeper waters call me
To trust beyond my strife.
My burdens grow too heavy,
My wisdom proves too small,
But through my insufficiency,
Your grace provides my all.

(Chorus)
So I’m running to you, not away,
On my knees, not standing alone.
In your presence I’ll stay,
For your love is my home.
You’re the strength I can’t find on my own.

(Outro)
With all my heart I’ll seek you,
As promised, you’ll be found,
The Father who sustains me.
One with you, I’m glory bound.