OUT OF THE WATER

OUT OF THE WATER

You are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As she came out of the water, she felt so clean

A smile so big and bright for all to see

Joy in her decision to die to herself

Anticipation waited to start her new life

The pastor hugged her with accomplishment in his heart

Yelling “Hallelujah “as she started to depart

Water dripped off her showing the signs of rebirth

Hearing the claps and cheers from the church as they observed

To be reborn we need to die to ourselves

Recognizing our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross

Asking forgiveness from the one sent to seek and save

Receiving His answer “Yes Come Follow Me”

Come out of the water and be born from within

Possess our risen savior who paid the price for our sin

As she hurried away to change into dry clothes

She could hear the cheers and claps as  others  rose

She realized only then that she would never be alone

She had a family with the same Father welcoming them home

As she dressed and saw others doing the same

 In her heart she knew their voices would proclaim

“We are loved and cherished” life was going to change

Oh Jesus I would like to throw my arms around you

And hug you and hug you and never let go

Saying thank you, thank you for caring for me

My life was in a prison and you had the only key

You opened the door and said “Come follow me”

Follow me Follow me I’ll be a lamp for your feet

Follow me Follow me “this is the way”

Follow me Follow me no matter the cost

Follow me Follow me you will never again be lost

Follow me Follow me    Come follow me

I am Jesus the one with the key

“These are my children in whom I’m well pleased.”

LIONEL

Copyright 2012

FISHERMEN

FISHERMEN 

In Christ were not defined by sin 

In Christ we are not defined by shame

In Christ we are a new creation

In Christ we have a new name

He calls us His forgiven

He calls us His redeemed

He calls us His friend

He calls us His fishers of men

His net of love is cast

Spreading out, sinking fast

Catching those who have interest

In dying to their past

His forgiven---

His redeemed---

His friend

Set apart, to be His fishers of men

Listen for the sounds of souls

Crying out into the sky

Share the Good News with them

Before they die

Become His light

Take up the fight

Until he comes again

Become His fishers of the men 

Care for your brother

Spend time in prayer

Cast your light of love---

Everywhere

Become His light

Take up the fight

Until he comes again

Become His fishers of men

Care for your sister

Spend time in prayer

Cast your light of love----

Everywhere

Listen for the sounds of souls

Crying out from their graves

Why didn’t I know Good News

Before I  died?

In Christ we are not defined by our sin

In Christ we are not defined by our shame

In Christ we are a new creation

In Christ we have a new name

He calls us His forgiven

He calls us His redeemed

He calls His friend

He calls His fishers of men

LIONEL

Copyright 2013

Lift Me Up

Lift Me Up

When darkness is all around me

And Lord I can’t see you there

The enemy is close at hand

Ready to sift me like wheat without a care

Speak to me Lord, tell me what to say

Let me hear from your voice, my Lord

I need help this very day

Get away from me Satan

I am aware of your goal

To pull me back into myself and this world

So you will have control

But Jesus prayed to the Father

That my faith will remain strong

Even if I fall this time, I shall not be cast down

So rejoice not against me mine enemy

When I fall I shall be lifted up

When I fall I shall be lifted up

For the Lord up holds me with His hand

And I shall be lifted up

The Lord is my salvation in Him I trust

Get away from me Satan I am being lifted up

I am standing taller now

I can see his light

His presence has surrounded me

And He has taken over the fight

I feel His Holy Spirit giving strength to my heart

I am standing straight up now

Ready for a fresh start

Lift us up, lift us up Lord

You are our strength for that new start

Lift us up, lift us up Lord

Let your glory reside in our hearts

Lift us up, lift us up Lord

When in darkness be our light

Lift us up, lift us up Lord

I will never let you out of my sight

Lift us up you are our strength

All our trust is in you

Lift us up you are our light

All our hope is in you

LIONEL

Copyright 2012

GOD'S ARMY

GOD’S ARMY

Samrita taken out of her home, her children had to stay behind.

Daweed put in prison, his wife and children confined.

Grace, a young girl, whose arm was severed by a machete;

Andres got fired from his job and his ration book taken away;

Ali died leading Moslems to Christ;

He and other martyrs paid a costly price.

These are the stories of persecuted Christians on their way.

Their determination, perseverance, there diligence, their courage put on display every day.

The power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death is their life’s creed.

Filled with the love and power of God’s Holy Spirit on which they feed.

The church in Kirkuk attacked by a car bomb;

Instead of fear and revenge, they gathered and forgave the radical Islam.

Anita imprisoned four times her last time for three years;

Katie lived in a cave printing the gospel with each new page she gave a cheer;

Vue spent all his money on Bibles, later taken away by police;

Rosie’s husband left for a Christian gathering,

He was taken and never released;

Being used up as they live, collecting treasure in heaven each day.

Seeing chains broke lives that come alive, as their pay.

Who can tell what eternity will bring?

As they survive each day with the same song to sing.

Prayer is their covering;

The word is their promise;

The spirit is their power;

Their faith keeps them moving along;

Making His praise glorious!

Showing forth their praise, being victorious!

The fruit of their lips giving thanks to His name!

The sacrifice of their praise giving thanks without shame.

Counted worthy by Christ to serve;

Thank God they didn’t hide their praise and just observe.

The power of His resurrection, by their faith being spoken.

The enemies hold on their lives finally broken.

Being conformed to God, perhaps till death,

Lifting their praises to God with their last breath.

Martyrs can take any form of attack.

They carry the cross of Jesus on their back.

Death to them isn’t an end to life.

It’s eternal life without the strife.

Put on your armor and join the fight.

Making His praise glorious is His delight.

Showing forth your praise, being victorious.

The fruit of your lips giving thanks to his name.

The sacrifice of your praise, giving thanks without shame.

We are all counted by Christ worthy to serve.

Soldiers of God armed for battle, not just observe.

The cross or prosperity,

The cross or popularity,

The cross or family,

The cross or comfort,

Who among us can count the cost?

Making His praise glorious, bringing the good news to the lost.

Put on your armor and join the fight.

Making His praise glorious is His delight!

LIONEL

Copyright 2013