This world of trials and tribulations; Satan roams seeking to destroy; wars rage over creation; present sufferings will not last; life triumphs over death; the seasons of pain will pass. Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance; perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature, complete, and lacking nothing; blessed is the man who perseveres, who withstands the test for he will receive the crown of life. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod in readiness and peace, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit; Persevere-mount on the wings of eagles; Persevere-He gives strength to the weary-He binds up the broken hearted. Take heart, take heart. This life is not easy, this way is narrow; yet I will press on toward the goal. The going gets tough, hard metal for hard times. One thing I do, forgetting what is behind, I strain toward what is ahead, toward the prize for which God has called me, heavenward in Christ. Let me be found worthy of that which I have been called.
Days of Elisha {track 7}
"Chariot of fire; horses of fire, a whirlwind up into heaven; my father!" he tore his own clothes; he picked up the fallen cloak, stood on the bank of the Jordan; where now is the God of Elijah? He is here with me. The waters divided unto the right and unto the left; and he crossed over. Bring a new bowl; with salt in it. Bring forth a new bowl; taste of our tears. A dirty spring cleansed. A land of death now productive and wholesome. This is what the Lord says, "I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive." And the water has remained wholesome to this day according to the word Elisha had spoken.
The king of Aram was enraged with Elisha. For the words he spoke continuously foiled his plans. So he sent a strong force of horses and chariots to surround the city by night. "Do not be afraid" the prophet answered his fearful servant, "for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." "O Lord open his eyes that he may see. The Lord opened the servant's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire. Open our eyes that we may see your bountiful provision.
But now bring me a harpist. While the harpist was playing the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha and he said, "this is what the Lord says: make this valley full of ditches for you will see neither wind nor rain yet this valley will be filled with water and you will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord. He will hand over Moab to you. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. The next morning about the time for the sacrifice there it was, water, flowing from the direction of Edom and the land was filled with water. To the Moabites the water appeared as blood and they moved in to plunder but the Israelites rose up and fought them until they fled and overran the land of the Moabites. The Lord delivered the Moabites into their hands. Make this valley full of ditches; this dry valley will be filled with living water, the fortified cities of Satan will fall, the principalities of darkness will be cast out. O God, save this land.
She Becomes Death {track 9}
Death to the world. She looked back at Sodom. She did not turn her back on the world. Turn my back on the world. the man on tv lies. reject the death all soaked in hype. runaway, flee for your lives, don't look back, and don't stop anywhere. Flee to the mountains or you'll be swept away. I am torn between two masters; passions of the flesh contend with passions of the Spirit. this old earth tempts me at every turn. i close my eyes and yet my dreams are not my own. dirty mind i cannot sleep in peace. empower me to reject this world and run hard after you. Oh God help me; oh God lead me. I believe the key to righteousness lies less in hating evil than in loving good. Lord God, help me to love good. Death to the world. to dwell on this world leads me to sin, and sin to death, my lust for this world she becomes death, either in me or in herself
Dyan {track 10}
The cold winds blow down from the North. They speak of a treacherous storm. The messengers bring me news. Their tongues bring forth a terrible tale. My heart tears like a piece of paper. Sorrow floods as the gates are opened. I stand agape as the story unfolds. Surprised by nothing yet shocked to the core. I saw the walls fall down and the city lie naked. I saw the walls fall down and the city lie naked.
My friend, my dearest brother, did you not know I was here for you. When the enemy came I would stand beside you. Even after you've been pillaged still I love you just the same.
You were hurt and you got angry; now bitterness has become your cancer. It chokes the sunshine, stifles the melody, opens your mind to the dark, dark enemy. You hurt so deep, can't take it anymore. Betrayed by those you trusted. Withdraw from the world. Escape, hibernate, spin a cocoon that no one can break. Fall into the black hole of depression. The walls are caving in; the pressure pounds down on your head. Feel so tired, so uncaring. Life seems dead and sugar sour.
Yet I see you my friend. Your pain is shared. That which afflicts you, scars me also. To see you a loved one stumble, twists a scream deep within me. Thou has fallen and I reach to lift thee up. You are harmed and I attend your wounds.
Directionless like a kite that has snapped its string. Tossed by the wind in a sky of fury. Made some mistakes. Lashed out in hate. Committed a crime that you can't go back and change. Now you're in trouble; you're name dishonored.
But I look past the guilt and shame to see my brother desperate for change. Still I care for you and accept your burdensome load. You may be disillusioned but your eyes are still those I've always known. Return to the ranks liberated prisoner. Raise your sword again mighty warrior. Stand beside me my comrade. Stand beside me my brother. Let go of your pain. Let go of your shame. Forgive those who have injured you. Let go of your struggles. Let go of your shame. Confess your mistakes and accept His gift: forgiveness, salvation, blood of the slaughtered lamb. Three crosses raised, Golgotha, place of the skull. Innocent blood shed for the redemption of all. Curtain torn, law fulfilled, stone rolls and dead man walks. Jesus Christ the king of kings brings life into a world of death. He offers healing, he offers love. Though the reproach of men be on you; even so he will not condemn you. Though you be wretched and blind, pitiful and naked, He takes you into his arms. He gives you love undeserved and unending. Take hold of his outstretched hand. Take my life and form it.
...coming sometime soon: the lyrics to two unreleased tracks: the christ has come and the audience has changed.