There was no room in the inn on the day of his birth.
There was no room for my Saviour when he came to earth.
Songs Of Faith Collection
My Songs Of Faith Collection is 24 songs with the theme of faith; songs about seeking God's guidance and direction through the storms of life, surrendering to his will, and trusting in his mercy and grace. They have been compiled in a song book called, "I've Been To The Mountain," and recorded on two CDs.
This CD contains the first 12 of these songs. They date back to 1996, and are presented in the order they were written. You will find all of these songs, and links to the lyrics and the story behind each song on the sidebar. Just click on the title, to read the lyrics, then click on the playbar to listen. These songs are not professionally recorded; they are played and sung by friends from my church, who graciously agreed to help me with this project.
The sheet music is not yet available online, but I hope to do that soon.
To purchase "Where The River Leads" or "Sail On," go here.
I hope you enjoy listening. ~~~Deb
Songs Of Faith Collection part 2
This CD contains the last 12 songs from my Songs Of Faith Collection.
The songs are all uploaded on the sidebar, along with links to the lyrics.
Only God Is Able CD
This cd was recorded as a fundraiser to send a young lady in our church to Thailand. We support a missionary there, and Emerald went to help out in their school and orphanage. These 10 songs speak of God's love and forgiveness, and our need of salvation.
Please click on the song links in the sidebar to listen as you read the lyrics.
Please click on the song links in the sidebar to listen as you read the lyrics.
Tears In A Bottle; Psalm 56:8
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©Deborah Bolack 2000
Pianist B. Isaac
Soloist E. Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a friend who walks with me through every storm and trial.
He’s closer than a brother; he’s with me every mile.
He carries me through valleys, and gently soothes my fears.
He guides my every foot step, as he wipes away my tears.
He puts my tears in a bottle, and gives me songs in the night.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
I have a friend who walks with me and guides me with his word.
He’s closer now than ever; his still small voice I’ve heard.
He answers when I cry out; on him I cast my cares.
He gives me words of comfort, as he wipes away my tears.
He puts my tears in a bottle, and gives me songs in the night.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
In the shadow of his wings.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
I have a friend who walks with me and guides me with his word.
He’s closer now than ever; his still small voice I’ve heard.
He answers when I cry out; on him I cast my cares.
He gives me words of comfort, as he wipes away my tears.
He puts my tears in a bottle, and gives me songs in the night.
In the times of trouble, clouds give way to light.
He gives me beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning.
Forever I’ll make my refuge in the shadow of his wings.
In the shadow of his wings.
~~~~~~~~~
Often when I write a song, there is no real story or incident that inspires the lyrics. Sometimes I just come across a scripture or I’ll hear a phrase that is particularly poetic or meaningful to me, so it stands out in my mind. It may take years before I ever use those words in a song, but they are always there in the back of my mind when I get that urge to write. “Tears In A Bottle” is one of those songs.
Shortly after I was saved, I attended a ladies conference called ‘Beauty For Ashes.’ I don’t remember much about what the speaker had to say, but the title stuck in my mind. Some time later I read in Psalm 56, “put thou my tears into thy bottle.” Again the phrase stayed with me. Eventually they both made their way into this song, along with a few other favorites.
But as is often the case, this song has taken on a deeper meaning as I've gone through some storms and trials in my life. The Lord has a way of using the words of my own songs to remind me that he is always there to guide me through whatever storm is brewing, and he will even carry me through, when I don't have the strength to stand...all the while, collecting my tears and replacing them with a song.
Proverbs 18:24b and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Psalm 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalm 42:8 Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, and oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
Every Good And Perfect Gift, James 1:17
©Deborah Bolack 2000
Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Soloist Chantelle Penner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I seek out the will of God, and knock upon a door,
I know that I can trust my Lord, whose throne I bow before.
I know that I can trust my Lord, whose throne I bow before.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I make known my heart’s desires, and lift them to the Lord,
I put my faith in him alone; he’ll answer by his word.
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I make known my heart’s desires, and lift them to the Lord,
I put my faith in him alone; he’ll answer by his word.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I cry out to God above, and weep for souls still lost,
I trust in his convicting power to lead them to the cross.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
When I cry out to God above, and weep for souls still lost,
I trust in his convicting power to lead them to the cross.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father;
giver of life, mercy and grace.
He is unchanging, the same forever;
worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
Give God the glory, honor and praise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is another song that is not based on a message or any particular experience, but rather a combination of many thoughts and experiences. James 1:17 also happens to be one of those verses that asks to be made into a song!
I may not always see how the circumstances of my life can be ‘good gifts,’ but I can go to my Lord, knowing that I can trust his will for my life and for those I love. The Lord who saved me has not changed. He is still merciful and gracious, and he sees the beginning and the end. I can trust him to work out all the details of molding my life to conform to his plan. Whether I’m asking him to open a particular door, or to give me something I desire, or even to save a lost loved one, I have to go to him knowing that no matter how much I may think I know how he should answer or when he should answer, he alone knows what is good and perfect. He alone is worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
I’ve seen God do amazing things in my family and in my own life. He has blessed us even though we don’t deserve anything, and he guides us even when we take wrong turns and long detours. He keeps showing me that he has a purpose in everything he brings me through, and if I allow him to be Lord of my life, he can take any circumstance and use it for his glory. Sometimes it takes years before God’s purpose becomes clear, and I’m able to look back and thank him for something that I really didn’t understand at the time that I was going through it. When God closed the door to us having more children through birth, I had no idea that it was to open the door to fostering and adoption. Since then, he has blessed us with many children, and over the years he has given many opportunities to share the gospel with them and with their families, as well as social workers and other foster moms.
I just have to look at my three youngest boys to be thankful that God doesn’t always allow us to do things the way we would have planned. Each of them came to us in God’s way, and in God’s time, and I can’t imagine our lives without them. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord!
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
I may not always see how the circumstances of my life can be ‘good gifts,’ but I can go to my Lord, knowing that I can trust his will for my life and for those I love. The Lord who saved me has not changed. He is still merciful and gracious, and he sees the beginning and the end. I can trust him to work out all the details of molding my life to conform to his plan. Whether I’m asking him to open a particular door, or to give me something I desire, or even to save a lost loved one, I have to go to him knowing that no matter how much I may think I know how he should answer or when he should answer, he alone knows what is good and perfect. He alone is worthy of glory, honour, and praise.
I’ve seen God do amazing things in my family and in my own life. He has blessed us even though we don’t deserve anything, and he guides us even when we take wrong turns and long detours. He keeps showing me that he has a purpose in everything he brings me through, and if I allow him to be Lord of my life, he can take any circumstance and use it for his glory. Sometimes it takes years before God’s purpose becomes clear, and I’m able to look back and thank him for something that I really didn’t understand at the time that I was going through it. When God closed the door to us having more children through birth, I had no idea that it was to open the door to fostering and adoption. Since then, he has blessed us with many children, and over the years he has given many opportunities to share the gospel with them and with their families, as well as social workers and other foster moms.
I just have to look at my three youngest boys to be thankful that God doesn’t always allow us to do things the way we would have planned. Each of them came to us in God’s way, and in God’s time, and I can’t imagine our lives without them. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord!
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Where The River Leads
©Deborah Bolack 2001
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
But those who fight the current get pulled in the undertow,
and they are lost forever in the murky depth below.
Some firmly cling to branches, resisting the river’s sway,
drifting to an inlet, entrapped in the miry clay.
Many others struggle so entangled with the weeds,
they never know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Those who find the rhythm of the mighty river’s flow
must then fully surrender the direction they will go.
Sometimes the flow is gentle, just guiding the weary on,
leading them through the water with a hand that’s sure and strong.
Though many ride the rapids until still waters they will seek,
they’ll one day know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
While some will go their own way and refuse the one who saves,
still others seek a Saviour who will calm the raging waves.
Oh, heed the rushing waters, and give to the Lord control.
Reach out for the lifeline; he will anchor your soul.
There you will find a haven to supply your every need.
Forever know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
But those who fight the current get pulled in the undertow,
and they are lost forever in the murky depth below.
Some firmly cling to branches, resisting the river’s sway,
drifting to an inlet, entrapped in the miry clay.
Many others struggle so entangled with the weeds,
they never know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Those who find the rhythm of the mighty river’s flow
must then fully surrender the direction they will go.
Sometimes the flow is gentle, just guiding the weary on,
leading them through the water with a hand that’s sure and strong.
Though many ride the rapids until still waters they will seek,
they’ll one day know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Each of us is beckoned by God’s awesome drawing power
That pulls us like the current of swiftly flowing water.
We may safely follow where the river leads,
if we will wade out deep, and rest in the surging stream.
~
While some will go their own way and refuse the one who saves,
still others seek a Saviour who will calm the raging waves.
Oh, heed the rushing waters, and give to the Lord control.
Reach out for the lifeline; he will anchor your soul.
There you will find a haven to supply your every need.
Forever know the peace of following where the river leads.
~
Each of us is beckoned by God's awesome drawing power.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of this song was written over a three day period, but over the years I’ve made a few changes to both the words and the music. It’s not the best song I’ve ever written, but it probably has the most interesting story behind it.
I had been writing songs for about six years, and had come to a point where I was wondering why I kept writing. I was feeling that maybe it was a waste of time. After all, no one seemed to be interested in singing my songs. Then one afternoon I was lying on the couch in our family room, not quite asleep, but not fully awake either. I saw a picture in my mind of my family at different points along a river. Some were struggling against the current, grabbing branches along the river bank, and some were caught up in the weeds. Suddenly I was wide awake, looking for a pen and paper. The scene was so clear that I had to put it into words.
I knew that day that I would keep on writing even if no one besides God ever heard my songs. The truth is, I can’t NOT write! When I come across a scripture that jumps out at me, or I hear a message preached that touches my heart, I know that it’s only a matter of time before it comes out in a song.
About a year after I had written, “Where The River Leads,” I realized that this song wasn’t just about my family, it was for me. I was the one who had been struggling against the current. It wasn’t until I followed where the river leads that I understood why God had put that song on my heart.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Psalm 37:7a Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him
I had been writing songs for about six years, and had come to a point where I was wondering why I kept writing. I was feeling that maybe it was a waste of time. After all, no one seemed to be interested in singing my songs. Then one afternoon I was lying on the couch in our family room, not quite asleep, but not fully awake either. I saw a picture in my mind of my family at different points along a river. Some were struggling against the current, grabbing branches along the river bank, and some were caught up in the weeds. Suddenly I was wide awake, looking for a pen and paper. The scene was so clear that I had to put it into words.
I knew that day that I would keep on writing even if no one besides God ever heard my songs. The truth is, I can’t NOT write! When I come across a scripture that jumps out at me, or I hear a message preached that touches my heart, I know that it’s only a matter of time before it comes out in a song.
About a year after I had written, “Where The River Leads,” I realized that this song wasn’t just about my family, it was for me. I was the one who had been struggling against the current. It wasn’t until I followed where the river leads that I understood why God had put that song on my heart.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Psalm 37:7a Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him
No More Wandering In The Wilderness Psalm 107:4-7
When I wrote this song, my pastor had just preached the last message of a series on the wilderness wanderings. It struck a chord with me because I felt like I had spent a long time wandering in the wilderness myself and had finally crossed the barren desert and entered the promised land.
Not that I wasn’t saved all those years, but I seemed to have lost my way. I had stopped trusting my own ability to hear the voice of God and had spent far too much time listening to other voices and following other sheep, rather than heeding the Shepherd’s still small voice. Too often I’d buried my doubts and stuffed my questions, and just went along with the herd. When I finally got my eyes off of men and back on the Lord, he was there to lead me out of the wilderness onto higher ground where I was finally discovering the abundant life that he had for me all along.
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©Deborah Bolack 2002
Pianist S. Carlson
Performed by The Muckles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was wandering in the wilderness, just outside the promised land.
I was following a winding path, carved out by the steps of a man.
In despair I cried to Jesus, and he stretched out his hand.
He guided me across the barren plain, onto higher ground to stand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness; that never was God’s plan.
No more trips down to Egypt; won’t put my trust in man.
I’m discovering abundant life, holding tight to Jesus hand.
No more wandering in the wilderness; I’ve left that sinking sand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness, I have seen the promised land.
I am following an upward path, carved out by the steps of the Lamb.
With such joy I sing to Jesus, and praise the great I Am,
for guiding me across the barren plain.
He’s the rock on which I stand.
~
No more wandering in the wilderness; that never was God’s plan.
No more trips down to Egypt; won’t put my trust in man.
I’m discovering abundant life, holding tight to Jesus hand.
No more wandering in the wilderness; I’ve left that sinking sand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Psalm 107:4-7 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
Psalm 40:2,3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Take All
©Deborah Bolack 2002
Pianist Susan Carlson
Performed by The Muckles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take all of the trials and turmoil that you have brought me through,
and use them in some way that brings glory to you.
Lord, may I glorify you.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all of the pain and heartache that I’ve surrendered to you,
and then lead me to hearts that I might reach out to.
Lord, may I reach out for you.
~
Take all of the gifts and talents that I’ve received from you,
and direct all my paths that I serve only you.
Lord, may I serve only you.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all my desires and burdens, I have on my heart to give,
and transform them all into your perfect will.
Lord, may I be in your will.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Lord, take all.
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all of the pain and heartache that I’ve surrendered to you,
and then lead me to hearts that I might reach out to.
Lord, may I reach out for you.
~
Take all of the gifts and talents that I’ve received from you,
and direct all my paths that I serve only you.
Lord, may I serve only you.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Take all my desires and burdens, I have on my heart to give,
and transform them all into your perfect will.
Lord, may I be in your will.
~
All that I am, and all that I’ve been; all that you’ve given,
and all that I’ve gleaned.
All of my life I lay at your feet.
Take all of it, Lord, and somehow use me.
~
Lord, take all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the time that I wrote this song I was simply seeking the Lord’s guidance. I wanted to serve him in some way, but I just didn’t know exactly how or where. I knew that I had learned and grown as a Christian through the trials and difficult situations that God had brought me through, but I also knew that if I was so focused on my own trials and triumphs, that I never looked beyond myself, I was of no use to him. The Bible says, “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” I am to learn from my experiences in order to help others who may be facing similar circumstances in their life. God can even use the experiences of my life before salvation to give me an understanding heart and a burden for the lost. But all of my life’s experiences, good or bad, and the wisdom gleaned from them, as well as all my gifts and talents, have to be surrendered to him before he can use me. I had spent some time writing down what I thought my gifts were, what areas I had experience in, and what or who I had a burden for, then I gave all of it to the Lord. As so often happens, the desires and burdens of my heart soon came out in the form of a song.
Romans 12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Along This Journey
©Deborah Bolack 2003
Pianist Susan Carlson
Soloist Brian Jane
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord, teach me to die daily, to myself and my desires,
that I may rest in you when I am tempted and I’m tried.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to live daily by your word, my staff and guide,
that I may be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to live daily by your word, my staff and guide,
that I may be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to see daily, all the blessings you provide,
that I may give you thanks, and glorify you in my life.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to see daily, all the blessings you provide,
that I may give you thanks, and glorify you in my life.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to speak daily, of my Saviour, Jesus Christ,
That I may show the world a small reflection of your light.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, teach me to speak daily, of my Saviour, Jesus Christ,
That I may show the world a small reflection of your light.
You’re my strength along this journey.
You’re my strong and mighty tower.
You’re my shelter from the storm.
Lord, I need thee every hour.
Lord, you're my strength along this journey,
and I need thee every hour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had begun meeting with a group of ladies from my church. The purpose was to hopefully lose a little weight, but the emphasis of our meetings was on seeing what the Bible had to say about different subjects related to food, water, and our health. Lib Parks led our little group, and she began by saying we were on a journey together. Each week she would give us words to look up, and during our daily Bible reading we were to pick out a verse that blessed us, and one to praise the Lord. I’m not sure that I lost much weight, but I did enjoy the group, and it helped to have a particular topic to get me studying my Bible. The very first morning my Bible study turned into, “Along This Journey,” which became the theme song for the few months that our group met. Because the original song was quite short, I eventually added two more verses.
I’m sure ‘life is a journey’, is a metaphor that has been used many times by many writers, but there is a reason for that; quite simply, it’s true! Life really is a journey, and for the believer, it’s a daily walk with the Lord, learning to trust him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. I’ve traveled many miles along this journey, and I’d like to say that I’ve finally arrived; that I rise bright and early every morning, committing my day to the Lord, seeking guidance through his word before I do anything else. I’d like to say that, but I can’t. What I can tell you is that even though I’m saved by grace, and spiritually I’m seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, my flesh is still alive and well. Too often I allow that lazy flesh to take control, even though I know it grieves my Father’s heart. Following the Lord is a decision to die daily to self, and I have no excuse to offer for not doing so. All I can do is confess my sin, admit my lack of resolve, and go on, knowing that my Lord is faithful even when I am not. He’s always right there, waiting to teach me, to transform me, to shelter me, and to bless me. He is my strength along this journey, and I realize more every day just how much I need him to make it through.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Romans 12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Galatians 2:5,6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
I Wait Upon You Lord; Isaiah 40:31
©Deborah Bolack 2003
Pianist Mrs. Susan Carlson
Performed by Honour and Glory
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I see the storm approaching, I take a heavenward flight.
You bear me up on eagles wings, high above the cloudy night.
And from your lofty view, I can see bright rays of light.
As you lift me soaring higher, you give strength to win this fight.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
When the way ahead has darkened, I run to seek your face.
You reach out and take my hand; holding tight, I run my race.
And with you leading on, I can follow in your ways,
for you give my life direction, and strength to sing your praise.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
When my path is long and winding, I walk the way you have shown.
You pull me closer to your side, and you say, “You’re not alone.”
And held up by your arms, I can make it down this road.
As you lighten every foot step, you give strength to bear my load.
~
In the trials of my life, you call me to a quiet place.
I draw near to hear your voice, and find strength in your embrace.
I wait upon you Lord, in silence I come to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my heart draws near to you.
I wait upon you Lord, I whisper a prayer to you.
I wait upon you Lord, my strength is renewed in you.
~
My strength is renewed in you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Randy Penner preached a message from Isaiah 40:31 & 41:1 I had heard many messages based on the first portion of scripture, but Mr. Penner included Isaiah 41:1. He talked about being silent before the Lord and how we need to come near to him in order to have a close, intimate relationship with him. He even brought his wife up on the platform to demonstrate how close we need to be in order to embrace. He had one of the young men draw a beautiful eagle on the whiteboard, where he also wrote an outline for his message. It was so clear and so simple that I was able to use each point as a verse. I went home after that Wednesday evening service and had written most of the words to this song by midnight. The next morning, I made a few changes and added a few more lines. The music came almost immediately, which seldom happens for me! It was so amazing that I even recorded the time: the song was complete by 10:20 A.M.
The picture that Mr. Penner portrayed in that message is the surrendered life that I long to live, not just in the storms of life, but each and every day of my life. In any circumstance, I can go to that quiet place of prayer, and draw near to my Lord, and wait upon him for the strength and guidance to meet any challenge. Sometimes I just need to stop and be silent before my Lord…...and wait.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near to judgment.
Gonna Pray
©Deborah Bolack 2004
Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Performed by Grafted In
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pray, pray, pray when the road ahead is steep.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when the valley plunges deep.
Pray, pray, pray when I feel I can’t go on.
Gonna pray, pray, pray ‘till God gives my heart a song.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, Pray, pray when the water’s rising high.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’d really rather cry.
Pray, pray, pray when a friend just can’t be found.
Gonna pray, pray, pray, Jesus never lets me down.
~
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, Pray, pray when the water’s rising high.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’d really rather cry.
Pray, pray, pray when a friend just can’t be found.
Gonna pray, pray, pray, Jesus never lets me down.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when I’m tossing in the night.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’m longing for the light.
Pray, pray, pray when my hope is fading fast.
Gonna pray, pray, pray ‘till the morning dawns at last.
~
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God’s strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when I’m tossing in the night.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when I’m longing for the light.
Pray, pray, pray when my hope is fading fast.
Gonna pray, pray, pray ‘till the morning dawns at last.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when the winds are blowing strong.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when the storm is raging on.
Pray, pray, pray when I find no place of peace.
Gonna pray, pray, pray 'till God's rainbow shines for me.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
Gonna pray, gonna pray, pray, pray!
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
~
Pray, pray, pray when the winds are blowing strong.
Gotta pray, pray, pray when the storm is raging on.
Pray, pray, pray when I find no place of peace.
Gonna pray, pray, pray 'till God's rainbow shines for me.
~
Gonna pray through every passing mile.
Gonna pray through my tears; pray with a smile.
Gonna pray for God's strength to meet each day.
Gonna pray, gonna pray, gonna pray!
Gonna pray, gonna pray, pray, pray!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the fall of 2003 we built a house on my parents farm. Our first year in the new house, spring arrived early, and soon our entire yard was flooded. I told people I felt like I was living on the ark! But once the initial spring flood subsided we were able to get out and cultivate the ground and seed grass. Things were going well, until we got a May snow fall, and soon after that the rains came. One morning I went down to the basement to wake the kids, and to my shock and dismay, I found water streaming into the one bedroom that we had managed to get carpeted. Soon water was coming from other parts of the basement as well, and all we could do was vacuum it up and dump it back outside. During the long days of fighting the never ending flood waters pouring into our basement, I sometimes wondered how we would ever get through. Brian would stay up all night, sucking up the water every half hour, and then have to go to work the next morning, when I would take over vacuuming. After three days of this, we decided to just move all of our furniture to higher ground and wait out the flood.
Most of the words to this song came to me as we fought the flood in our basement. It was devastating to see all of our hard work being ruined, and at the time I felt so alone, that we might as well have been living on Noah’s ark. But when we can’t find a friend, and the storm isn’t letting up, Jesus is always there; he never let’s us down.
Matthew 7:24,25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Isaiah 59:19 When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Psalm 138:7a Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me:
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on him; for he careth for you.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be made known unto God.
Only God Is Able
©Deborah Bolack 2003
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I search out pearls of wisdom, and gladly them impart,
praying I will find the ones to touch a heart.
Words that tell of Jesus, the way, the truth, and life,
in whom we have redemption; his blood has paid the price.
~
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I search out pearls of wisdom, and gladly them impart,
praying I will find the ones to touch a heart.
Words that tell of Jesus, the way, the truth, and life,
in whom we have redemption; his blood has paid the price.
~
I take what I discover, and lift them to the Lord,
praying he will use them as a mighty sword,
for only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.
praying he will use them as a mighty sword,
for only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.
~
I search out songs of praise, and gladly them impart,
praying I will sing the ones to touch a heart.
Songs about the Saviour, who intercedes above,
and calls us to repentance by his redeeming love.
I search out songs of praise, and gladly them impart,
praying I will sing the ones to touch a heart.
Songs about the Saviour, who intercedes above,
and calls us to repentance by his redeeming love.
~
I take what I discover, and lift them to the Lord,
praying he will use them as a mighty sword,
for only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.
I take what I discover, and lift them to the Lord,
praying he will use them as a mighty sword,
for only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.
~
Only God is able to pierce the heart within,
and use his holy word to turn man from his sin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Often we will see a cartoon or a drawing of someone with a light bulb above his head. I don’t know where this originated, but I can’t think of a better illustration for that moment when one gets a bright idea or a thought. This may not be true for everyone who is born again, but I’ve talked to enough people to know that for many of us there has been that ‘light bulb’ moment. That sudden dawning of light within our hearts, when all of the information and knowledge we have been given about Jesus suddenly makes sense. For me it was the story of the ants. For my dad it was simply a particular scripture that just seemed to bring it all together. For my son, Lorne, it was the realization of how much God loved him. For a friend of mine it was coming to terms with the question of why God allows evil to exist.
When we are witnessing to someone and praying for them to get saved, we have no way of knowing what the switch will be that suddenly turns on that light bulb. Although I’m constantly seeking opportunities to share my faith, with lost loved ones, I know that it’s not my words that are going to penetrate their heart. It takes the word of God and the drawing of the Holy Spirit to show a sinner their need. All he asks of us is that we continue shining the light of his word and to trust him to illuminate the hearts of the lost. We never know when that bulb may light up as we’re sharing the gospel, but what a day of rejoicing when it happens!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemeth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who maketh intercession for us.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17,19 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Jesus Alone
©Deborah Bolack 2003
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The world turned black at Calvary,
when God’s face turned away.
Jesus’ voice alone pierced through the dark,
Jesus’ voice alone pierced through the dark,
as he bore my sin and my shame.
~
~
Jesus alone came to ransom me.
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
Just like the thief at Calvary,
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
Just like the thief at Calvary,
I’d longed for paradise.
Jesus’ love alone could lead me home;
Jesus’ love alone could lead me home;
forgive me and give me new life.
~
~
Jesus alone came to ransom me.
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
God’s grace flowed down at Calvary,
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
God’s grace flowed down at Calvary,
to fill my empty heart.
Jesus’ blood alone had cleansed the stain
Jesus’ blood alone had cleansed the stain
of sin that had kept us apart.
~
Jesus alone came to ransom me.
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~
Jesus alone came to ransom me.
Jesus alone came as a light in the dark.
Jesus alone came to forgive and give life.
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~
Jesus alone washed the sin from my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jesus alone could save me, and when he was on that cross he truly was alone. Even his Father had to turn away as Jesus alone bore my sin. It’s only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ that I have access to heaven and have new life. Jesus alone can fill my heart and give me peace.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ. He is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Forgiveness ~ Ephesians 1:7
Forgiveness, precious gift of God.
Forgiveness, promised in his word.Jesus paid the price, became the sacrifice,
when he laid down his life for me on Calvary.
©Deborah Bolack 2000
(instrumental)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(instrumental)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
©Deborah Bolack
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgiveness, precious gift of God.
Forgiveness, promised in his word.
Jesus paid the price, became the sacrifice,
when he laid down his life for me on Calvary.
~
For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.
But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.
When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,
I found forgiveness and now have peace within.
~
Forgiveness, precious gift to me.
Forgiveness, God’s love pardoned me.
Jesus cleansed within, my heart so stained with sin,
when I reached out and took the gift he offered me.
~
For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.
But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.
When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,
I found forgiveness and now have peace within.
~
Forgiveness, precious gift to share.
Forgiveness, answer to my prayer.
Jesus gave to me, such joy, such victory,
when I learned to forgive as he forgiveth me.
~
For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.
But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.
When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,
I found forgiveness and now have peace within.
~
I found forgiveness and now have peace within.
~~~~~~~~
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Luke 7:47a Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;
Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
God Didn't Have To
©Deborah Bolack 2004
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God didn’t have to send down his Son.
He could have found another way,
than the shedding of Jesus precious blood .
I’m not worth the price he paid.
Pianist Bethany Isaac
Soloist Emerald Stanley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God didn’t have to send down his Son.
He could have found another way,
than the shedding of Jesus precious blood .
I’m not worth the price he paid.
God doesn’t have to love me but he does.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
God didn’t have to give me new life.
He could have left me as I was,
just to fumble my way through life alone.
Going to Heaven was more than enough.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
God didn’t have to give me new life.
He could have left me as I was,
just to fumble my way through life alone.
Going to Heaven was more than enough.
God doesn’t have to love me but he does.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
God didn’t have to save me at all.
He could have left me in my sin.
All I truly deserve is death and hell, not eternal life in him.
God doesn’t have to love me but he does.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
God didn’t have to save me at all.
He could have left me in my sin.
All I truly deserve is death and hell, not eternal life in him.
God doesn’t have to love me but he does.
He doesn’t have to care but he does.
He doesn’t have to be merciful, gracious, and kind.
But he is because God is good.
God is so good, God is so good.
He didn’t have to do anything for me.
He didn’t have to do anything for me.
I don’t think we can ever fully understand why God chose to redeem us the way that he did. Being God, he has the right and the power to do anything he chooses. He also didn’t have to send his Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and help me through this life here on earth. He could have just left me to figure it all out on my own, then taken me to heaven when my time came. In fact God didn’t need to save me at all! He could have decided to just pick and choose those he wanted, rather than giving each of us a choice. When it comes right down to it, God didn’t have to save any of us! None of us deserve what he has done for us. He doesn’t have to love us, or care for us. He doesn’t have to show us kindness and mercy. He doesn’t have to intervene in our lives. But he does, because he knows what each of us need. Because God is love, and God is good! His mercy endureth forever.
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
He Will Make A Way
© Deborah Bolack 2007
Pianist S. Carlson
Soloist S. Muckle (4 part harmony)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you standing on the banks of the Jordan,
wondering how you will ever make it through?
Just stop looking at the depth of the water.
Put your eyes on the one who walks with you.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
When the Israelites came to the river,
God said he would make a way.
But God didn’t part the waters until they took a step of faith.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
Just step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’s waiting there for you.
~
Many times before, you've come to your Jordan,
but you’ve chosen to go another way.
Now you’re walking down a path filled with heartache.
Jesus waits by the riverside today.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
When you came to the banks of this river,
God said he would make a way,
but God doesn't part the water until you take that step of faith.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
Just step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’s waiting there for you.
~
Step into the water, he’ll make a way for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the Israelites came to the river,
God said he would make a way.
But God didn’t part the waters until they took a step of faith.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
Just step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’s waiting there for you.
~
Many times before, you've come to your Jordan,
but you’ve chosen to go another way.
Now you’re walking down a path filled with heartache.
Jesus waits by the riverside today.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
When you came to the banks of this river,
God said he would make a way,
but God doesn't part the water until you take that step of faith.
~
Step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’ll lead the whole way through.
Just as he’s done for others, he'll make a way for you.
~
Just step out in faith and follow Jesus, he’s waiting there for you.
~
Step into the water, he’ll make a way for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message during a spring revival, Pastor Rick Drummond asked the question, “Why did they wait on the banks of the Jordan?” He was referring to the account in Joshua 3:1 where the children of Israel came to Jordan, and lodged there three days before passing over. I’m not sure why they waited three days, but Pastor Drummond made an interesting application with the story. He said that if you stand too long on the banks of what God wants you to do, you will never cross over because sin enters in. It’s not the size of the Jordan that’s important, it’s who you’re trusting. The Jordan will always be there, even if you close your eyes. God opened up the Red Sea, and he can get you over Jordan, but the water won’t part until you put your feet into the water.
The first time we plunge into that water is when we get saved. But as we make our way along this journey there are so many other times that Jesus calls us to the water's edge, and says, “Just take the first step and I’ll part the water for you.” But how many times does our pride or our fear keep us from stepping out in faith to do something that the Lord has put before us? How often do we just camp out for a while until we spot a trail going off in another direction, and convince ourselves that this is the way God really meant for us to go? Sometimes God has to bring us back to that riverbank many times before we are willing to surrender our will, and step out in faith and follow him.
I'm constantly amazed at how many times I've written a song or a devotion, only to find out, months or even years down the road, that it was written for me. I had no idea when I wrote "He Will Make A Way," that three years later it would speak to me! I suddenly realized that I'd been pacing up and down that river bank, waiting for the Lord to show up in a boat, put a life jacket on me and paddle me across to the other side! But that's not the way it works, and I knew that. So, I finally took the plunge...I didn't put my toe in to check the temperature, I didn't look to see if there were any sharp rocks, and I left my stack of life jackets on the shore! Was it easy? No. Had I made the right decision? Yes! The water was wonderful!
For the rest of this story, you'll have to read my book!
Joshua 3:1, 13 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
He's Strong When I Am Weak ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
©Deborah Bolack 2005
Pianist/Arrangement S. Carlson
Soloist C. Towle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God gave his Holy Spirit the moment I was saved.
He touched my stony heart, and brought about a change.
And though I dwell in human flesh, my spirit has been renewed.
May I surrender all my will and members for his use.
~
My eyes can see more clearly the path that I should take.
My ears are tuned to hear his voice; my tongue sings out his praise.
My hands are moved to reach out and touch a heart in need.
I taste and see the Lord is good; he’s strong when I am weak.
~
God gives his strength to serve him when I seek out his face.
He feeds me with his word, and shows me daily grace.
And though I’m in this sin filled world, God’s Spirit restores my soul.
When I’m abiding in his will, I’m under God's control.
~
My eyes can see more clearly the path that I should take.
My ears are tuned to hear his voice; my tongue sings out his praise.
My hands are moved to reach out and touch a heart in need.
I taste and see the Lord is good; he’s strong when I am weak.
~
He's strong when I am weak.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pianist/Arrangement S. Carlson
Soloist C. Towle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God gave his Holy Spirit the moment I was saved.
He touched my stony heart, and brought about a change.
And though I dwell in human flesh, my spirit has been renewed.
May I surrender all my will and members for his use.
~
My eyes can see more clearly the path that I should take.
My ears are tuned to hear his voice; my tongue sings out his praise.
My hands are moved to reach out and touch a heart in need.
I taste and see the Lord is good; he’s strong when I am weak.
~
God gives his strength to serve him when I seek out his face.
He feeds me with his word, and shows me daily grace.
And though I’m in this sin filled world, God’s Spirit restores my soul.
When I’m abiding in his will, I’m under God's control.
~
My eyes can see more clearly the path that I should take.
My ears are tuned to hear his voice; my tongue sings out his praise.
My hands are moved to reach out and touch a heart in need.
I taste and see the Lord is good; he’s strong when I am weak.
~
He's strong when I am weak.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is another song that has no particular story behind it. In fact I don’t really recall writing it! I know that I did, because I found it in one of my many piles of partially written songs. The interesting thing is that this song was complete, except for the music. The only reason I know when I wrote the lyrics is that I have made it a habit to always date everything I write. What I do know about this song is that it contains a portion of one of my favorite verses: Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
The message of this song is a simple one, but one that I understand more every day. The moment I was saved the Holy Spirit came to dwell in me, and I became a new creature in Christ. Even so, I still live in my human flesh, in a world filled with sin. It’s only when I surrender my will to the Lord’s that he can use me. When I seek him through his word, and listen for his voice, I learn to depend on him rather than my own strength. That’s when he can take my human flesh; my hands, my eyes, and my tongue, and use them for his glory. And when I have no strength within myself, he shows me his grace is sufficient. That is when I taste and see that the Lord is good!
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Psalm 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
2 Corinthians 12:9a And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
By Mercy And Grace
In a way, this song is a synopsis of many other songs that I’ve written, as a lot of the lines are actually taken from them. I wanted to write a song about this journey that began when I made a trip to the cross of Calvary, where Jesus saved my soul and set my feet on a new path.
©Deborah Bolack 2007
Pianist Susan. Carlson
Singers Brian & Deborah Bolack
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Along this journey I’ve come through some valleys,
and I’ve stood on some mountain peaks.
I’ve been led beside the still waters,
and lain down in pastures green,
Yet I’ve struggled up a rocky path,
'til I finally gave Jesus my load,
then been lifted up on eagles wings,
as the world disappeared down below.
~
But the trip I took to Calvary
is where this journey began,
and though sometimes I lose my way,
Jesus always knows just where I am,
and by mercy and grace, I’ll finish my race,
knowing I’m safe in his hand.
~
I’ve had my share of the wilderness wanderings,
and I’ve camped by the river’s edge.
When I stepped out into the water,
Jesus took my hand and led.
Though I’ve stumbled through some fog and mist,
I’ve found shelter from many a storm.
And I’ve watched God roll the clouds away,
as the sun broke through in the morn.
~
But the trip I took to Calvary
is where this journey began,
and though sometimes I lose my way,
Jesus always knows just where I am,
and by mercy and grace, I’ll finish my race,
knowing I’m safe in his hand.
~
Only by his mercy and grace I stand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This road from Calvary to Glory truly is an amazing journey, and many have travelled this path before me. Much like them, I’ve encountered the wilderness and I’ve come to some river crossings. Sometimes I seem to be trudging along a dusty trail and other times the Lord leads me beside still waters and through green pastures. Although the Lord has given me some mountain top experiences, they’re not a regular part of daily life. Most of my journey has been spent just walking down the road, trying to follow the direction the Lord is leading. Now and then I’ve stumbled when I’ve come to a steep hill or a rocky path, but when I reached out to Jesus I was able to keep on going, following the upward way that my Lord has set before me.
Then there are the valleys. It seems that the Lord has to bring me through a valley before I can reach a mountain peak. Maybe it’s because coming through the valley makes me appreciate the mountain so much more. Those valleys come in many different forms; from wayward children to health problems, or financial struggles. Sometimes the circumstances that have taken me into the valley were out of my control, but often I end up there due to my own choices.
The surprising thing about valleys is that God uses them to teach me, so they aren’t a completely negative experience. In fact I’ve come to realize that if I’m truly searching, I’ll find a river of living water in that valley.
Some of the most memorable parts of the journey are the river crossings, such as the times when the Lord has brought us as a family to the water’s edge, and asked us to step out in faith and follow him. God parts the waters and more often than not we find ourselves on one of those mountain peaks, praising the Lord for his amazing grace and goodness. It’s only by mercy and grace that I can make my way along this journey, and one day finish my race. Amen!
Psalm 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Isaiah 25:4 For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against a wall.
Job 36:29 Also can any understand the spreading of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
Psalm 139:7,8b Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence….behold, thou art there.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
My Isaac
©Deborah Bolack 2007
Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Soloist Randy Penner
~~~~~~~~~
As he walked down the road to Moriah,
he knew what he must do.
Though he couldn’t understand how God would work his plan,
he went on, determined to follow through.
But this was his Isaac, his son;
Though he couldn’t understand how God would work his plan,
he went on, determined to follow through.
But this was his Isaac, his son;
his hope for the future, the promised one.
He had to trust the Lord, or his faith would surely falter,
as he placed his beloved child upon that altar.
~
He had to trust the Lord, or his faith would surely falter,
as he placed his beloved child upon that altar.
~
Lord, I need your strength, to give my Isaac up;
to lay all at your feet, to learn to fully trust.
Lord, I want your will no matter what it takes.
~
As God’s word pierced through my stubborn heart,
~
As God’s word pierced through my stubborn heart,
I finally saw the truth
I had failed to trust his hand, as he worked out his plan,
and I’d feared how he might choose to move.
Yes, this is my Isaac, I know;
I had failed to trust his hand, as he worked out his plan,
and I’d feared how he might choose to move.
Yes, this is my Isaac, I know;
the one thing I’ve held back, so hard to let go.
If I don’t trust my Lord now, my faith will always falter,
so I kneel at my Saviour’s feet before this altar.
~
Lord, I need your strength to give my Isaac up;
to lay all at your feet; to learn to fully trust.
Lord, I want your will, no matter what it takes.
~
Lord, I surrender all to your mercy and your grace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If I don’t trust my Lord now, my faith will always falter,
so I kneel at my Saviour’s feet before this altar.
~
Lord, I need your strength to give my Isaac up;
to lay all at your feet; to learn to fully trust.
Lord, I want your will, no matter what it takes.
~
Lord, I surrender all to your mercy and your grace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During our church’s camp meeting, Brother Sam Gipp preached a message called, “What Is Isaac?” He talked about what must have gone through Abraham’s mind when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. He had to travel three days to reach Mount Moriah, and though we aren’t given any details, he had to have agonized about what he was about to do. He must have wondered why God would ask him to sacrifice the son he had promised him; his hope for the future. But there is no indication that Abraham ever questioned God or tried to bargain with him. The only way he could possibly have carried through with it was by putting his complete trust in the Lord.
Although God has not commanded the rest of us to literally sacrifice our children, he does ask that we trust him to work his will and his way in their lives. Whether we are surrendering a wayward child to God’s mercy and grace, or a child who is ill to the will of God, there is nothing that comes close to the struggle this brings in the heart of a parent. As a mom, I want to protect my child from harm. Whether that hurt comes from their own disobedience or from life circumstances, none of us can bear to see our child hurt, and if we’re completely honest, we don’t want to experience the hurt ourselves; the hurt of losing a child to death, the hurt of a child rejecting the Lord, or what it may take to bring them back. But trying to stand between our child and God’s plan for their life only serves to distance us and our child from the very help we so desperately need. When we take that step forward and say, “Okay Lord, I don’t understand what you’re doing, or why this is happening, but I know you love this child more than I do, and I trust you to do what’s best,” and you place that child at Jesus feet, he’ll take the burden you’ve been carrying, and give you a peace that you’ve never before experienced.
Genesis 22:1-13….get thee into the land of Moriah...And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Believe Only
Pianist Apryl (Penner) Jennings
Singers- Deborah Bolack & Chantalle Penner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I read of the ruler who sought Jesus help
for his daughter who lay dying,
and how someone had said,
and how someone had said,
“Thy daughter is dead, trouble not the master.”
How those words pierced my heart
How those words pierced my heart
as I thought about my own.
I broke down and wept, “My daughter is dead,”
I broke down and wept, “My daughter is dead,”
and I begged for the Lord to save her.
~
Then Jesus said, “Fear not; believe only, believe.
Your daughter will be made whole. Believe only, believe.
~
I knew that this promise was spoken to me,
~
Then Jesus said, “Fear not; believe only, believe.
Your daughter will be made whole. Believe only, believe.
~
I knew that this promise was spoken to me,
and I claimed it for my own.
Now the burden was lifted, my daughter would live;
Now the burden was lifted, my daughter would live;
God would save her soul.
I was fully persuaded, God was able to deliver.
I cried out again, “Oh Lord I’ll have faith,
I was fully persuaded, God was able to deliver.
I cried out again, “Oh Lord I’ll have faith,
and I’ll trust in your promise to save her.
~
~
Then Jesus said, “Fear not; believe only, believe.
Your daughter will be made whole. Believe only, believe.
~
Just as my Saviour promised, though many years passed,
my daughter now lives, and I give God all of the glory.
~
Yes, Jesus said, “Fear not; believe only, believe.”
My daughter has been made whole.
Your daughter will be made whole. Believe only, believe.
~
Just as my Saviour promised, though many years passed,
my daughter now lives, and I give God all of the glory.
~
Yes, Jesus said, “Fear not; believe only, believe.”
My daughter has been made whole.
I believe, yes I believe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This song is based on the testimony of my sister in law; not of her salvation, but of a promise she received from the Lord one day as she was reading Luke 8. When she came to verse 49, and read, “Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master,” she suddenly thought of her own daughter, who was alive, but dead spiritually. She broke down in tears as she begged God to save her daughter. Later, as she continued reading, the very next verse said, “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.” She was sure that the Lord had given this promise to her personally. Some time after this, when she became discouraged that her daughter was not yet saved, God directed her to the scripture in Romans 4 “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was also able to perform”. About five years later, she saw God’s promise to her fulfilled, when her daughter asked the Lord to save her!
What an example of that mountain moving faith I had just written about two months earlier! How often do we read a promise in the scriptures and discount it, thinking that it was just for the person we are reading about. Perhaps if we took God at his word, and claimed those promises for ourselves, we would see a few more mountains moved! There is nothing impossible for our God. Believe only, believe!
What an example of that mountain moving faith I had just written about two months earlier! How often do we read a promise in the scriptures and discount it, thinking that it was just for the person we are reading about. Perhaps if we took God at his word, and claimed those promises for ourselves, we would see a few more mountains moved! There is nothing impossible for our God. Believe only, believe!
Luke 8:41,42a,49,50 And, behold there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying.
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Romans 4:20,21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
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