Strongarm - "Atonement " (TND1022)
1. DIVISION
failure in short can be defined by
an unwillingness to learn from a past mistake
with every decision there is a condition
and in every choice a price to pay
as we carry on in this day and age
the hardships that befall us for our mind set
often come from musinderstanding turned judgment
and so we are separated and labeled outcasts
intolerant short-sighted narrow-minded
unfairly held to an unfair vice but we cannot compromise what we believe
even though it brings condemnation
it will come again persecution
this division amongst men only causes dissent
the distance between us is merely difference
if we do not have regard for a mutual respect
who will benefit this separates man
this age of anger is choking itself
these hands have killed
this age of anger is choking itself
they shall surely do it again
this age of anger is shedding its own
these hands must learn.
2. TRIALS
again and again i struggle with my shortcomings
my strength my soul weary of this
i have to face the pain of my fault within
these tests these trials the marks i miss
what do i gain
what is the benefit of self-indulgence
the darkness reveals itself
i must commit to absolving it
my fault my weakness torments myself
why should i sacrifice my dignity
the purpose of these trials holds peace for those that seek
it
the secrets of wisdom truth and life to this one must look
what does it profit a man
to release his will
to that which tries this soul
a test a trial a blessing in disguise
offered to all that ask
in time it shall be revealed
beyond that which is seen
beyond a man’s understanding.
3. TAKE THIS HAND
return from your slumber
reprobate in mind
consequence abandoned
your hands teach hatred and your mouth speaks lies
divorced from conviction
defilement the firstfruits of your heart
though peace has touched
your spirit slowly dies inside
uplift yourself
when the light shines
where do the shadows cast
do they reveal fear and frustration
these downfalls we all have in common
face this pain
resolve this strife
take this hand
4. STAND TOGETHER
though we are separate we are one in the same
i am with you always
because you are in my name
i will see you through it
we will stand together
if you turn away i will be with you
time and time remain upright
i will see you through
as you begin to stray i will not leave you
through and through it’s all the same
we will renew.
5. COUNT THE COST
count yourselves worthy
to suffer loss
brought down held back
marvel not that the world hates you
if you were of it it
would hold you high
but as it hated Christ it hates those that follow him
not withholding pride
not withstanding right
unashamed we rise to the name of Christ
keep yourselves pure for the renewing of your minds
to be a light in deed and word
for this is life
for this is love
abiding in the will of the Father
count the cost
suffering all lost
in the name of Christ
take up your cross
looking to that which is unseen
to our eternal hope
not moved by the things of this world
our redemption draws near
the end is in sight
hold true Christian brethren to these promises of life.
6. GATES OF ATONEMENT
a time to mourn
this world cries out in despair to overrun by adversity
decision is given to it and although seeing does not see
the evils that consume its desire(s) these crimes cry for a redeemer
left to grieve it suffers in sorrow
for even though hearing it does not hear
every time I die is it in vain
hands held out in misery
grasping for a breath of hope
but none can be ushered in as it crucifies itself
hidden amongst the anguish is the key to comfort
a release in an hour of need
help in a time of tribulation
dying to its own
reaping what it’s sown
these tears to teach the tears I weep
fall to the sufferings for souls
thereof I’ve cried till blood to offer as a covering
a time to heal
all is not lost in this endless hour as there is time for
everything
this too shall pass away
this that this world faces is merely momentary
this affliction works patience into experience
we wait to be saved by a hope.
7. INNOCENCE LOST
just one time for this precious one
let there be life
let there be love
compassion fails
it falls asleep
as they die in their youth
arise
a rescue from death for a life
there's just one chance for this child in your hands
taken its future when given the choice
but this child is sacred
its blood let us believe what no one can see
is a life sacrificed for selfish reasons
a broken bond between mother and child
forsaken mercy for inconvenience
a selfish choice
a precious loss
regret for this unborn child put to death
still grace abounds
forsaken mercies
still grace abounds
a life of regret
still grace abounds.
8. FORGIVEN
there is nothing in this world that is new
what is has been and what was will be
what do i work for why do i toil
what can man change
there is nothing new under the sun
Lord deliver us from this world
for the things it offers mean nothing to me
this is not prayer
this is my plea
requesting your guidance
when it seems i've turned my back
you encourage me just the same
without remembrace of my acts
you take it all
when it seems i've turned away
without regard for you
your spirit brings me back
it brings me back
to you i answer
to you alone
for there is nothing else
before you i stand to do your work
manifest yourself in me.
9. REMAINING
not a tie to this world
above its reproach
i laugh in the face of the folly it gives way to
remaining strong in and true to you oh Lord
Your commands guide my paths
they keep me pure
hopelessly trying to break my stand
but i am blind to these worthless attempts at me
the weakness i overcome has now become my strength
the strength i have in you
what i did for pleasure has been brought to task
i will never slide
denying the foolish ways of my past
what i once partook of is cleansed at last
i’ve seen the truth i’ve seen the light
this revelation i now fight.
10. STRENGTHENED IN FAITH
men prepared for battle
brought on by greed
obeying their their leaders
not questioning their authority
stories of honor glory untold
wars we’ve waged what does man learn
the things we’ve faced in the past
are to better our future
we must gain from their loss even daily
soul upon soul prepares for battle
every day brings conflict to refine us
what does it mean to better ourselves
we must stand the tests of time
accomplishing the perfecting of our lives
an understanding of what is right
accepting our allotment in this life
these days are numbered rooted in turmoil
we must fight the good fight
man against man is only a symptom
man’s violent nature hand in hand with hatred
we must rise up realize the true problem
aware of attack the trying of our hearts
every day brings a spiritual battle
not exceeding anyone’s limitations
to purify us so that we may be prepared for the next
though we become weary it has been granted unto us
the ability to remain loyal unshaken in spirit
for those strengthened in faith
all things work for good
hope for tomorrow the perfecting of the saints.