The messages of the Bible prophets are consistently centered on calling God's people to love & obey Him more fully--Holines--and challenging them to declare His glory among all nations--Missions. I've chosen these themes because these messages are still needed among God's people today.-Nate
If you click on hyperlinked titles, it should play a brief sample of the song. The tape recordings sound much better because a lot of sound quality was lost in compressing these digital samples to 40kb each.
DROP IN THE BUCKET / Isaiah 40:12-31 (Acoustic) Who has measured the waters in His hands And measured the span of the heavens? Who has held the earth in a basket Or weighed the mountains on scales? Who's understood the Spirit of the Lord Or counseled Him in the right way? Surely the nations are a drop in the bucket And regarded as dust on the scales! He rules in majesty above the clouds, And before Him, we look like grasshoppers! To whom then, can you compare God Among the tawdry images upon the earth? Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens; Who has created all these? He brings out the starry host one by one And calls them each one by name! Do you not know; have you not heard; Have you not seen? The Lord is God! They that wait on the Lord, He shall renew their strength. They'll mount up on wings like the eagles, And they shall fly! THE TIME HAS COME --Isa.49:6/Lk.9:23 (Rock) How are the roses blooming? I see the flowers growing fine. May God bless this garden, This little garden of mine. I've been working the soil; Planted the fruit with my own hand. I built my house here In my own land. It's too small a thing build a kingdom in this land The time has come to take up your cross! I'll make you a light to the ends of the earth; The time has come to count all things as loss! I work to build this kingdom. I labour and I pray. I'll work to build a fortress on the foundations that I've laid. I am at ease in Zion. By His blessings God has shown-- The wonder of His mighty love In the harvests that I've grown. You were formed to be His servant; Your life is not your own. Give up your precious treasures For the Kingdom He has sown. A billion voices call to you across the unknown sea Share the truth! Deny yourself! Come and follow Me! HASTEN THE DAY --2 Ptr.3, Mat.24, Rev.22 (Southern Rock) Though mockers all surround us-Veni,Veni We know You keep Your promise-Come Lord, Come As you ascended You'll return in glory. Your patience is salvation -Hosanna In every tongue and nation-Save, Lord But, Lord, Still You say-- Hasten the day-Proclaim among the peoples Hasten the day-When every ear has heard Hasten the day-Be looking for His coming Hasten the day-Adhering to His Word What sort of people should we be-Veni, Veni In godliness and purity-Come, Lord, Come If all will be destroyed by fire that day Look for new heavens and new earth-Hosanna In peace & goodness have no dearth-Save Lord Come, Lord Jesus, we pray-- Hasten the day-Come to meet Him running Hasten the day-When the signs are all fulfilled Hasten the day-When faith will become sight Hasten the day-When He splits the sky like lightning And He returns at last. Better put your house in order-Veni,Veni No standing on the border -Come Lord Come Invest in what won't burn up on that day Be diligent to watch and pray -Hosanna Getting your priorities straight-Save, Lord LOUEZ L'ETERNEL--Psalm 148 in French (Acoustic) Louez l'Eternel du haut des cieux! Louez-le dans les hauters Louez-le vous tous ses anges! Louez-le, vous toutes ses armees! Louez-le, soleil st la lune! Louez-le, vous toutes, etoiles lumineuses! Louez-le, cieux des cieux, Et les eaux qui etes au-dessus des cieux! Qu'ils louent le Nom de l'Eternel! Car Il a donne un order, et ils ont ete crees. Il les a etablis pour toujours et perpetuite; Il a donne une regle qu'il ne violera pas. Louez l'Eternel depuis la terre, Monstres marins, et vous tous, abimes, Feu et grele, neige et brouillard, Vent de tempete, executeur de sa parole, Montagnes et toutes les collines, Arbres fruitiers et tous les cedres, Animaux et tout le betail, reptiles et oiseaux Rois de la terre et tous les peuples, Princes et tous les juges de la terre, Jeunes hommes, jeune filles, vieillards & enfants Qu'ils louent le Nom de l'Eternel! Car Son Nom seule est eleve; Sa majeste domine la terre et les cieux. Il a releve la force de Son peuple: (Sujet de) louange pour tous ses fideles, Pour les Israelites le people Lui est proche Louez l'Eternel! Louez l'Eternel! ALL YOU'VE COMMANDED (Pop Style) Mat.28:19 "Go into all the world & make disciples of every nation, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." "Anyone who does not obey your words, in all that you command Shall be put to death." Joshua 1:16 We who know the Holy One Must tell the world that has no sight. Like moths that sleep and shun the Sun, They flock at artificial light. It is our heart's compassion To see them saved from hell. Their plight compells our action; Our hearts are stirred as well. All that You've commanded, we will do. Wherever You send us, we will go! Lord, You know that we belong to You To declare Your praise for all to know. Where is the Truth that sets men free; Where is the Grace that leads to Life? The Truth is set in you and me; The Grace is manifest in Christ! Jesus gave His life for us, And we will give our lives for Him, Give up all our toys of dust, Abandon every earthly glim. May the Lord be with us as He was with Moses, Only be strong and courageous. PRAISE TO THE LORD OF ALL (Acoustic Style) Your love is a river running deeper than the sea And Your Spirit is a fire that purifies my soul. Your justice and holiness are a wonder to me, And Your grace is all that makes a sinner whole. We praise You, Holy One, forever still the same For Who You are and what You've done, Awesome is Your Name. The people of earth confess as at Your feet they fall, "You are the God of righteousness, You are the Lord of all!" The canticle of creation has a single theme, To glorify the King of Kings in diversity of hue. It's fitting for praise to come from those whom You redeem. The peoples of the world will give their praise to You. Alleluiah! Bwana Asifiwe! Gloria Dios! Louez l'Eternel! Praise to the Lord of All! Give accolades of praise to the glory of God! We honor You above all things, for You are our salvation. Your power, majesty and Your wisdom we applaud; Exalt the Name of Jesus and offer adoration. SHINE IT OUT (Country Style) Picked up another hitchhiker this morning: Said it was "wife trouble" but just a warning. Beer on his breath, spent the night with friend All of his hope blown away with the wind. I prayed with the man before we got far; He thanked me as he stepped from the car. The world we live in is in need of the light. When we witness of Christ, we are doing what's right. God's word is true to illumine the night, So shine it out brightly with all of your might. God did not give us a spirit of fear; Power and love and grace should be here! I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; For it is salvation to all who believe. You are appointed as ambassadors, So gladly obey your Lord and Master! Everyone is in need of salvation; So don't you hold back in any situation! Where someone needs Jesus as Lord, Show them the truth from God's holy Word. It may be a stranger; it may be a friend; Seize every moment for time will soon end. Be strong and courageous, for our God is with us! We must be persistent to share what is in us The faces you see appear happy and well; Truth is, they're dying and going to hell. I pray God burdens our hearts constantly To take every chance to set men free. HELP SOMEONE (Reggae) You see a man who's lost his way? Go over and help the brother; show him the way! You see a little girl crying, and you say "May I help you sister--help you today?" Everybody, Everyone, Open your eyes; Help someone! See the mother? See the businessman? They need somebody--someone who can Help the sister, help the man. Show a little love as only you can! There's a happy girl with all the fashion money buys; In the city, there's so much disguise. I see a fellow with the sadness in his eyes; People need Jesus to come into their lives! Speak the message that Jesus can save; Share the joy that Jesus gave! YOU CAN DO (Pop) Her desk is across from you, Or she may be in a house downtown. She's desperate for something True; She's lost, and she must be found! Take the time. Can't you see? This is worth her eternity! You can do something about it; You can do something! He lives in another land; A million gods rule his day. He must be born again- In Jesus, the Only Way. Find a way; Share the Word. He can't know--He has never heard! They think they've got it figured out, this mystery of life and death, But the terror they'll find on the other side far exceeds their wildest nightmare. Give us a passion for their souls, Lord! A turban crowns his frame; He cites the Quaranic creed. But there is another Name- By which he must be freed! Across the ocean, Across the street, Heavenly Father-Direct my feet! CALLING WORLD CHRISTIANS (Alternative) EXPLANATION: "2 billion people gonna die"-Almost half the world's population will die without ever having heard the Gospel. "22,000 saving some"-there are that many cultural groups in the world, and I believe God will save some people from each group. One time alone I was sitting in danger zone. I needed help and someone to pull me home. Mind at ease, as you please, Deep freeze get on you knees! Dance stop, belly flop Take it over from the top! Never opened eyes love the games and my disguise Feel the heat from the fire, guys, Listen, two billion people are gonna die! Forgive my mouth; for it is dumb. I'm waiting for Thy kingdom come. How can hearts be so numb? 22,000 saving some. Is there someone to take the message further on Committed 'till the task is done, And every nation has been won! WAIT AND SEE -- MARK 4:30-32 (Blues Style) It started all out with a tiny mustard seed, See how it grew to a big mustard tree! In the middle of faith, looks like it's falling apart Hang in a little longer and see a work of art! The Master's hand is at work in this land; Wait and see, Wait and see. Take a stand in the shifting sand. Wait and see, Wait and see. I know a man in chains who wouldn't give on the fight. He struggled and he taught and filled the world with light! I know where his strength comes, and I know that I can be Filled with God's power working through me. Do you wrestle with the Lord when you're down on your knees? Is Christ the center of your life-- The only master that you please? Are you serious about call to take it to the world? A wise & watchful servant sees kingdom unfurl. EVENING SONG (Free Style) As clear evening sky is colored by setting sun And brightest stars shine in the deep blue, I sing to You, My Father, my God. Your majesty fills me with reverent silence, I praise You for calling me Your own! I want to shine Your beauty like evening light For all to see my loving God! JESUS YOU HAVE SENT US FORWARD (This was an exercise in irony. I decided to write a missions hymn to the tune of the least-missions-oriented hymn tune I could think of --"Jesus, I am Resting, Resting") Jesus, You have sent me forward As a witness to Your Name To proclaim to every people That for which You came. See the billions lost in darkness; We must follow His command: Bring into the heavenly places Men from every land. IT'S THEIR TURN This instrumental images some cultures in Asia, the Middle East, and the Islands, which have not been penetrated with the Gospel yet. The title comes from an advertisement of the Frontier mission to Muslims. It's their turn to hear about Jesus now.
WHY DO YOU WASTE YOUR TIME You've been struggling recently; it's in your eyes--it's clear to see. Things you do aren't doing much good at all. You want to do what's right and good just like you say you know you should, But your old life got you up against a wall. The Lord's gonna come like thief in the night Gonna judge everything you do--wrong or right Don't you fear the Living God? Come on, catch fire! Don't sit and nod! WHY DO YOU WASTE YOUR TIME? Spend your time watching T.V. trash? Working hours for a little more cash? Are ya watching for Him & working in His way Reading those books and magazines, Your leisure time's a worthless means. Be sensitive to what He has to say! So, come on, kid, get outta your chair; Come running out of satan's lair And join the growing army of the Lord! Throw off weights of rebellious sin, And run the race like you're gonna win. Fight the fight with God's mighty sword! RUN AWAY, SATAN Oh, God, forgive me! I know I've disobeyed You again. Why does my old heart makethe new sin? The struggle in my head is real; My body craves what I know is evil. Your Spirit begs me, "Don't be such a fool To spit on Christ and follow satan's rule!" Lord, strengthen your Spirit within me; Let me feel Your awesome power Help me conquer satan's stronghold; Raise Your banner upon my tower! Sin seems so sweet, Till jaws of guilt and shame clamp tight-- Satan made a catch-I fall without a fight Run away satan in my Saviour's Name! My new master is wise to your old game. I may lose, but Jesus wins; He will wash away all my sins. I'm forgiven! I fall down at Your feet, Before Your throne, the mercy seat. This old sinner deserves nothing but hell; You made my sick soul well. FAITH --Isaiah 30:1 In spite of everything You've said, My heart is ice, my soul is lead. These feelings haunt me in my head; Will I trust You or will I run instead? Don't you be scared; I've called your name. I've always cared; that's why I came! I'm holding to Your promises-- Stand at a distance, I confess. Come 'round and I don't have to guess. You still love me, nonetheless! It's hard to trust what you can't see. The man of faith waits patiently. I know You won't abandon me; You'll guide my footsteps perfectly. ONE AND ONLY ONE (A key part of holiness is loving your spouse! I gave this song to Paula on our 2nd anniversary) From the day I said, "I love you," To the day I said, "I do," Until I take my last breath, I'll be forever true. By the grace that God alone endows, The one to whom I said my vows Is the only one I'll love. What God joined together no one tear assunder Lord, Keep me faithful To the one & only one lady in my life; Blessed are the ties that bind my heart to my wife. Paula, I want you to know that I love you; Ring on my finger & Holy Spirit bind my heart 2 U There are so many people out to turn my head-- So many people would take my love instead But there's one and only one for me, Let the Spirit and the flesh agree There's one and only one; one and only one. Seeds of unfaithfulness sown by the evil one- Thoughts in my mind would ruin what begun Let me pure heart reflecting God's righteousness Not conformed to the world holy & blameless Antithesis of selfishness is love God bestows He loved enough to die for us And that's how true love goes I' will always walk beside you now, As long as we both shall live. Through thick & thin I'll walk by you, I'll show you all the love I can give For this reason two shall become one Andnothing will seperate them! Ain't nothing in the world gonna pull us apart I leave everything & cling to you I love you TELL NO LIES Preacher, I heard you preach today, "Bring your money in; it's O.K." Preacher, don't you tell your people lies! Tell no lies; tell no lies. Teacher, I saw you in class today; You gotta watch what you say. Teacher, don't you tell your students lies! Parents, are your kids precious in your sight? Love them and teach them what is right! Don't you tell your children lies! Jesus,I read Your Word today; You guide Your children in Your perfect way. I know You don't tell Your people lies! HOLY/RIGHTEOUS Holy, You are holy. Take my heart and make it clean; You desire that I should be--holy. Righteous, You are righteous. Help me Lord throughout my days To be righteous in Your ways-righteous SERIOUS RAP Time to get serious bout way Christians live Don't try to slip through society's sieve. It's time to show your colours & take a stand; Show them You're a Christian in this land Tell me how obedient will you be Or have you out-moded authority? How simplistic can it possibly be? God said it; I believe & it's settled for me What does Bible say? I won't have any other way Who cares what you want or what the world dictates? I'm gonna follow Jesus & throw off those weights Armchair radicals, they make me sick, Like a candle trying to burn without a wick. Does your faith have action to pay the price? Are you willing to die or go to jail for Christ? Be an angry young man in a nation of boys Tossed in the tempest like humanism's toys. Don't you be scared to stand up and fight, To build God's kingdom & say what's right! How do you give? It's time to check it out. Do you know what sacrifice is all about? Try giving more than just ten percent; I guarantee you won't wonder where it went. See all these people living on welfare? If Church was working, they wouldn't be there If men were generous & women worked home We'd care for homeless if we all help some. Is the sovereign Lord the potentate of time? C'mon, show a little faith, it's not a crime! We're afraid to act for fear of presumption, Slight the kingdom without any compunction. It's not convenient to carry a cross, Condone materialism, counting all things loss! You can't live for God and Hedonism, Or love your neighbor, espousing egotism! FISSION How do You expect me to live in this cage? I'm prying at the bars, heart full of rage. How could You make me so beautiful & terrible Stick me into it and put me on stage? Human Condition; Human Condition; Noble Ambition; Live with Perdition. As I peer through the bars, I see other cages The righteous, the wicked, of fools & of sages All of us here try to break from the prison That's duressed mankind there for all ages Human Condition; Our Lamentation Human Condition; Immoral Defribulation I see through the bars to Your holy way I read what is right and I'm told not to stray, But I cant find the strength to break these bonds That pierce me and pound me & pull me away Human Condition; Man's inhibition To holy mission; Human Condition. How can I live in the cage of my humanity; Will I be rebellious to You for eternity? My body was meant for good, not for evil. How come it gets so entranced by the devil? God-man with pierced feet and hands; (Mortal Tribulation) Walks through the prison and stands; (Holy Frustration) Twists the key & unlocks the bands. PRAYER FOR COMFORT Lord, Can't You hear me crying? I am the one You say You love so well... I need Your peace_You know I'm trying To live for Yn a world that's gone to hell. I need to see Your face, To feel Your touch upon my life. I need Your strength to run this race Without You, I know that all is strife. I know the dawn is on its way I'll cling to You and will obey, Believe that You have planned all things, And eagerly await what the Spirit brings. Why is it that Your children suffer, And wonder,"Is He really in control?" Why is life for the righteous tougher, When we strive to make Jesus our goal? Reach out and do something soon! My light will die out in these fierce winds. Guide Your people on to the noon-- The light of peace Your Holy Spirit sends. Lost, and don't know what to do. God, please show me Your will! I'm a musician waiting for a cue; Direct me, and bid my soul be still. HIDE ME, JESUS I've been thinking in the threatening tide A rude awakening. for Your love I cried I am thirsty; how hard I have tried. Cover me with mercy, so deep and wide. Hide me, Jesus, in Your love I hide Hide me, Jesus, pull me to Your side. In the darkness, so deep and strong I wait for You--it won't be long Your loving arms where I belong Forgive us Lord, we have done wrong Take my burdens; they're too much to bear. I need You, Savior, Your loving care. Use me, Savior, in the world out there Hold my head high, see You in the air. PACKAGE DEAL Lyrics by Chris Elliott Package Deal--Didn't care how I feel. It was a nice, pretty package, all tied up with string But when I looked inside, I saw the opposite thing. When I first met you, I liked what I saw, But even then, I think you knew that was all. Leading me on was no problem--for you. When I look the other way, I can hear you say "Him? Ha Ha, he's just a package deal!" Package deal means you get the whole works Then you can't take it more; it drives you berserk But I kept my cool, 'cause there isn't a rule. I won't be made a fool of the package deal. Sayin she loves me, then puttin' love on hold Going out with other guys until they get old She'll come back to me--at least then she did, Cause all the time she knew my heart was sold This was recorded in the studio of Arab World Ministries' Radio School of the Bible, Marsailles, France while on a Summer mission project. Chris also ran the drum machine and did BGV. I included this song because it shows how empty sin really is & how the devil works.. DON'T LOOK TO LUST She's a cheap little beggar in a pretty disguise. Wants a little attention; she wants your eyes With a tight-fit, high-split, low-cut, mini-- Don't look to lust! She's gonna make you a fool! A fool for lust! And that's uncool! (In Jesus I trust) See them on the beach & see them on the street The beautiful women you think you want to meet If they gotta show body parts get your attention You don't want to act like animals, I think I oughtta mention Don't look to lust... Look at Lord Jesus; He's got something to say He says lust is sinful; gotta look the other way Set your mind on His kingdom; Let Him fill your heart with real love Think about your witness & your King above! LORD, I'M LONELY I try to do what pleases You, But find it very hard to do. No one else is pleasing You; They're all against Your point of view. Lord I'm lonely; I try so hardto do what's right But no one seems to see the light Inside of me it's such a fight to turn away From grey to do what's pleasing in Your sight. But I see that You're not far away. I feel your presence as I pray; The dark of night transforms to sunny day! Jesus loves me! You care for my hurts & needs I know You're my closest friend; You'll carry me on until the end. I'm not lonely;I know that Jesus cares for me, Because He died upon that tree; He paid sin's price for all to see! Lord, help my life to be the key-- In showing love to others, let them see You in me Lord, when there's no one around to hear me cry I know you're there without a doubt. You're the only one I can depend To help my hurting soul to mend. Help me Father to see those lonely hearts there Who don't know You and don't know prayer. Show me how to love and how to shineYour light Into their loneliness & give them joy like mine! FILL ME UP I want to be changed, Lord Jesus, Sanctified by Your Spirit. Oh, I've got no righteousness, so fill me up, fill me up, Lord. Let me be holy as You are, Lord. Take away my sin; purify my life, And I will glorify Your Name. FIRST LOVE The heart of holiness is this: "Do you love Jesus so much that your whole life is consumed in pleasing Him?"