http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html Roland Everett Fall: Blog Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:17:20 -0700 http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_walking_on_water
There’s a story about Jesus, how he came to the disciples, walking on the sea,
When they saw him, they were terrified. Was he a ghost emerging from the deep?

But Jesus called out that it was he, reassured them that all was well,
“If it’s really you, Lord, call me to come!” the disciple Peter yelled.

“Come!” Jesus said, “Come out of the boat, join me here standing on the water,”
The disciple stepped out, his eye on the prize, boldly following Jesus’ order,

But the sea was heavy with foamy white caps, the wind was blowing strong,
A few moments later he became distracted by all that was going on,

His focus was gone, his eye off the prize, he was sinking into the waves,
But Jesus reached out, lifted him up, kept him from a watery grave,

He brought him to the boat, an ark of grace and vision, took them all to the other shore,
“Trust in God with all your heart.” he said, “It will give you a solid floor.”

Chorus
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to step into our world in faith,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to share the hope of saving grace,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to love as Jesus loved,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, a witness of the holy One,
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!

Jesus said that the Spirit is moving, that the presence of God is at hand,
Not a distant, vague possibility, but a reality on which we can stand,

Faith is the key that unlocks the door, revealing the God of love,
Trust brings a vision of unity, a communion with God as one,

Blessing on blessing, the spiritual gifts, our hope is in the Lord,
Grace upon grace, a new community, living in one accord,

The way of God, the way of Christ, gracious, unmerited, transforming love,
A benevolent God who lifts us up, who’s grace is more than enough,

God is love, God is life, God is the way that leads to peace,
Our anchor of hope, our solid ground, a shore line we can reach,

A power that makes all things new, restores what is broken down:
Hearts that are hurting, neighbors that are fighting, harmony that’s lost it’s sound,

Chorus
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to step into our world in faith,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to share the hope of saving grace,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, to love as Jesus loved,
The Word of God calls us to walk on the water, a witness of the holy One,
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_walking_on_water Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:17:20 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_two_foundations
I see you’re looking around for somewhere to build your home,
Where you can build a cottage, or maybe a dome,
Looking for some land where you can anchor your floor,
Searching for a place to put up your door,
Some say build it here, others say build it there,
Some say it doesn’t matter, build it anywhere,
But seek out the foundation that brings you life,
Build your house up on the rock of Christ!

Chorus
Two foundations rising on a calm sunny day,
Two foundations rising, one rock, the other clay,
Two foundations rising, in the clear sunlight,
Two foundations rising, everything looks alright,
Then the storm came, and the rain beat down,
And the wind blew, the fury of it’s sound,
And the house shook, the clay washed away,
But the rock held, to see another day!

I see you’re looking ”˜round for some high dry land,
A place where you can live and make your stand,
A place that won’t fail you when the heavy trials come,
But someone is suggesting some sandy land,
You can get it real cheap, better get it while you can,
They say it’s a deal, you just can’t loose,
But if it’s not the rock of Christ, they’re playin’ you for a fool!

Chorus
Two foundations rising on a calm sunny day,
Two foundations rising, one rock, the other clay,
Two foundations rising, in the clear sunlight,
Two foundations rising, everything looks alright,
Then the storm came, and the rain beat down,
And the wind blew, the fury of it’s sound,
And the house shook, the clay washed away,
But the rock held, to see another day!

I see you’re searching for a place to raise your family,
Good solid ground on a quiet street,
A place where you can know your neighbors as your friends,
A place that won’t change with the direction of the wind,
But someone wants to give you an unstable piece of earth,
A hollowed out version of a solid piece of turf,
But don’t fall for a deal that’s less than true,
Jesus wants to be a solid rock for you!

Chorus
Two foundations rising on a calm sunny day,
Two foundations rising, one rock, the other clay,
Two foundations rising, in the clear sunlight,
Two foundations rising, everything looks alright,
Then the storm came, and the rain beat down,
And the wind blew, the fury of it’s sound,
And the house shook, the clay washed away,
But the rock held, to see another day!]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_two_foundations Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:14:08 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_the_gracious_father
A father had two sons, the younger one said, “I want to get away.”
“I want to go to the city where I can find a life that will pay.”

“I want to seek out fame and fortune, and make a name for myself in the world.”
“I want to wear the finest clothes with cuff links made of pearls.”

Now the father resisted, but the son insisted that he go,
The father gave him his share of cash and certificates of gold,

Against his better judgment with a heavy heart he told his son good-bye,
As his son drove away he couldn’t help but cry,

Chorus
Keep him safe, Lord! Keep him well! Help him every day!
Guide him with your Spirit love, and bring him home again!

The son met an entrepreneur who told him what he should do,
How to rent a house, furnish it, and buy a stylish new suit,

He introduced him to the fairest ladies of the land,
Got him a back stage pass so he could party with the band,

He helped him invest his money in a get rich plan,
Accompanied him to the broker just to lend a hand,

The entrepreneur disappeared one night after all the checks had cleared,
He was last seen with the broker boarding a boat at the pier,

Chorus
Keep him safe, Lord! Keep him well! Help him every day!
Guide him with your Spirit love, and bring him home again!

The son said, “My moneys gone and my life is a wreck.”
“I’ve played the fool, I’ve lost my way, now I’ve got nothing left.”

“I should go home, but I’m ashamed of the mess I’ve made.”
“I’m living on the streets, sleeping under the interstate.”

But the son came to his senses one day as he was picking up cans,
“I’ll go ask my father for a job working as a hired hand.”

He made the journey home and burst upon the scene,
His father ran to meet him, his younger son was on his knees,

Chorus
Keep him safe, Lord! Keep him well! Help him every day!
Guide him with your Spirit love, and bring him home again!

His father threw his arms around him and lifted him to his feet,
“Come inside, change your clothes, come get something to eat.”

His father called his wife and son at work and told them the good news,
When they drove up, the boy’s momma ran inside with a new pair of shoes,

But the older son wasn’t sure he wanted his younger brother back,
“He’s wasted all his money, now he’s come home to reload his pack.”

“No, not so my son. Everything that’s left of mine is yours.”
“But we must rejoice for he was lost but now he’s back at our door!”]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_the_gracious_father Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:10:50 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_the_good_shepherd
In the morning light the shepherd arose,
Led his sheep to the pasture land,
The grass was green, the water was cool,
The shepherd watched with his staff in his hand,

If the wolves appeared, he sprang into action,
He put himself between the wolves and the herd,
He’d call to his men to pull the head together,
And be ready to attack at his word,

Day by day he delivered them safely,
He was faithful to the task,
If lamb was lost, he’d look ”˜till he found it,
He cared for the first and the last,

CHORUS
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Gracious, good provider,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Loving voice of guidance,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Caring hand and helper,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Strong and steady shelter,

In the morning light, out on the interstate,
Two thieves made a get away,
The silver and diamonds hidden in the trunk,
Were tarnishing and fading away,

They couldn’t really understand it,
When the fence said he’d changed,
“I’m no longer interested in that kind of treasure,”
“I’m playing a different kind of game,”

He said, “Listen, I’ve come to my senses,”
“Instead of stealing, I’m learning to give,”
The thieves cursed him, and said he was crazy,
Sayin’, “That ain’t no way to live,”

CHORUS
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Gracious, good provider,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Loving voice of guidance,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Caring hand and helper,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Strong and steady shelter,

Calvin climbed the flagpole,
From there he could see all around,
He heard the sound of footsteps running,
Saw the repairman gagged and bound,

He crept quietly up behind him,
Whispered, “I’ll help you. Don’t be alarmed!”
He cut the ropes that bound him,
Carried him home in his arms,

He cooked a delicious fish dinner,
Made coffee and hot apple pie,
The nurse had bandaged up his wounds,
He closed his weary eyes,

CHORUS
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Gracious, good provider,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Loving voice of guidance,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Caring hand and helper,
Good Shepherd of the flock,
Strong and steady shelter,]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_the_good_shepherd Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:04:41 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_on_a_christmas_day
Anytime you live in faith,
It’s a Christmas day,
Anytime you love,
The baby Jesus is at play,
Anytime you care,
You lift the baby in your arms,
Anytime you pray,
You sing him a lullaby song,

Baby Jesus, child!
You grew up meek and mild,
You shared a vision of God’s grace,
Reflected in your face!
Gloria! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria!
You are Christ! You are love!
You are new birth from above!
You are the way, the truth, the life!
The word of God!

Anytime you help another,
A Christmas day has dawned,
Anytime you go the extra mile,
The baby Jesus is along,

Anytime you share your bread,
The Christmas babe is near,
Anytime you share Good News,
The Christmas light appears,

Baby Jesus, child!
You grew up meek and mild,
You shared a vision of God’s grace,
Reflected in your face!
Gloria! Gloria!
Gloria! Gloria!
You are Christ! You are love!
You are new birth from above!
You are the way, the truth, the life!
The word of God!]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_on_a_christmas_day Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:00:57 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_jesus_calmed_the_storm
One day Jesus and his disciples,
Stood on the bank of the Sea of Galilee,
“Let’s cross to the other side,” he said,
“There’s someone there I must see,”

When he got into the boat the sky was calm,
Jesus rested and soundly slept,
But after a while the sky grew dark,
Across the lake a windstorm swept,

The boat began filling with water,
They were in danger of going down,
They woke up Jesus and cried to him,
“We’re perishing and likely to drown!”

Jesus stood up and faced the storm,
He said, “Can you pray in faith?”
The disciples huddled terrified,
Of the wind and the raging waves,

CHORUS
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Jesus calmed the stormy sea,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Faith changes how we see,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Our hope is Spirit loving power,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
The peace of Christ in our darkest hours,

The Spirit is with us day by day,
As we travel to any distant shore,
When we’re challenged by difficult trials,
Spirit strength comes through the door,

The storms of life can be heavy,
They can threaten to sink our boat,
But the way of Christ is stronger by far,
And can keep our craft afloat,

Faith is the bridge of confident trust,
Assurance that God will provide,
Spiritual gifts that inspire and give strength,
Inner calm in a stormy time,

Cry out to the Spirit of truth and love,
Source of abundant life and peace,
A welcome presence, a lifeline of hope,
An anchor of strength in the deep,

CHORUS
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Jesus calmed the stormy sea,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Faith changes how we see,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
Our hope is Spirit loving power,
“Wind be still! Waves be gone!”
The peace of Christ in our darkest hours,]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_jesus_calmed_the_storm Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:56:28 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_invest_wisely
Hear the story about an entrepreneur,
He left the country for an extended stay,
Before he left he called in his advisors,
He put them in charge while away,

To the first he gave a million dollars,
To the second a half a million came,
To the third one hundred thousand dollars,
Was placed in the bank in his name,

“Invest widely,” he told them,
“I’ll see you when I return,”
“Give it your very best shot,”
“Show me what you have learned,”

Chorus
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure given to invest,
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure won’t grow when at rest!

The first bought a dry cleaning business,
And went to work washing clothes,
The second bought a produce store,
Selling vegetables the farmers grow,

The third cashed out his money,
And hid it in a safe in the wall,
“I’m not taking any risk with this,”
“I want to have it when the owner calls,”

At length the entrepreneur returned,
Called his advisors to account,
“Tell me how you faired,” he said,
“How did everything work out?”

Chorus
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure given to invest,
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure won’t grow when at rest!

The first advisor had doubled his million,
The cleaners was going strong,
“Well done!” the entrepreneur exclaimed,
“We’ll franchise! We can’t go wrong!”

The second had made a handsome profit,
Although there’d been some ups and downs,
But the entrepreneur was very pleased,
He said, “We’ll expand to another town!”

The third said, “Here’s your money,”
“I was afraid to take a risk,”
“I knew you’d be upset if I lost it,”
“It’s all here and on the list,”

Chorus
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure given to invest,
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure won’t grow when at rest!

The entrepreneur was dumbfounded,
He said, “I know investments can go south,”
“But I wanted you to use it, to give it a try,”
“Not sit it unused on a shelf!”

“You’ve neglected your responsibility,”
“It’s easier to kick back and not care,
“But if you want to grow and mature,”
“You’ve got to put your gifts in play somewhere,”

“I’d have been less upset if you lost it,”
“At least you would learned a thing or two,”
“As it is, you didn’t even put it in the bank,”
“You didn’t even let the interest accrue,”

“I’ll give you another shot at it later,”
“But for now, it’s back to school,”
“I’m demoting you from advisor,”
“You’ve got to relearn the basic rule,”

Chorus
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure given to invest,
Silver, gold, diamonds and jewels,
Treasure won’t grow when at rest!]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_invest_wisely Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:53:10 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_five_thousand_plus
Thousands came to hear Good News,
To be touched by the living Christ,
To be healed and be strengthened,
And embrace loves abundant life,

God is love, and God is grace,
Jesus revealed the holy truth,
Compassionate eyes gazed on the crowd,
Jesus said, “God will care for you!”

“Our hope is in the Lord,
“Who made the heavens and the earth,”
“The Spirit is abundant power,”
“Able to give a heart new birth,”

“They tell me you are hungry,”
“Then listen to my words,”
“Love your neighbor as I love you,”
“In God’s providence, rest assured!”

“You say you have only five loaves,”
“And just two small fish to share,”
“Give all you have to the living God,”
“Scarcity will soon disappear,”

Jesus held the offering,
Lifted it up in prayer,
“O Lord, receive our gift of worship,”
“Keep us mindful and aware.”

Chorus
“Bread and fish, bring what you’ve got to God!”
“Bread and fish, offer your gift in love,”
“Bread and fish, abundant life is near,”
“Bread and fish, if only we would share!”

Today we come to hear Good News,
To be blessed by the living Christ,
To be healed and be strengthened
And embrace loves abundant life,

God is love, and God is grace,
A revelation of holy truth,
Compassionate love, given then and now,
Explains, “God will care for you!”

Yes! Our hope is in the Lord,
Who made the heavens and the earth,
The Spirit is still abundant power,
Able to give a heart new birth,

As always, when we are hungry,
Jesus has a nourishing word,
“Love your neighbor as I love you,”
“In God’s providence, rest assured!”

If we only have a pot of beans,
And just two cups of rice to share,
If we give it all to the living God,
Scarcity will soon disappear,

The Spirit anoints our offering,
Lifted and given in prayer,
O Lord, receive our gift of worship,
Keep us mindful and aware.

Chorus
“Bread and fish, bring what you’ve got to God!”
“Bread and fish, offer your gift in love,”
“Bread and fish, abundant life is near,”
“Bread and fish, if only we would share!”]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/song_five_thousand_plus Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:49:33 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/glory_to_god_in_the_highest
Once there was a young woman named Mary,
Betrothed to marry Joseph of Nazareth,
When an angel of the Lord appeared unto her,
He said she would conceive a special birth,

The Holy Spirit would bring new life,
The child would be the saving Christ,
The one of whom was foretold,
The messianic promise would now unfold,

The light of God,
The way of love,
Promise fulfilled!

Glory to God in the highest,
Peace on earth, good will to all,
Glory to God in the highest,
Good News of great joy for all,

In Mary’s last month they traveled to Bethlehem,
When they arrived, there was no place to stay,
The innkeeper gave them refuge in a barn,
The babe was born and held in his mother’s arms,

Shepherds in the fields heard the angels sing,
“Let us go,” they said, “and see this thing,”
“Of what the Lord God almighty has done,”
“Of this great gift from the Holy One!”

They saw the child,
Meek and mild,
Lying on the hay,

Glory to God in the highest,
Peace on earth, good will to all,
Glory to God in the highest,
Good News of great joy for all,

After eight days they brought the baby to the Temple,
For all the rights done under the law,
Mary and Joseph offered two doves for a sacrifice,
Joyfully they praised the Lord for the baby’s life,

Simeon saw the child and said he was the one,
The light for Israel and gentiles had come,
The prophetess Anna raised her prayerful voice,
She had seen God’s holy choice,

Hearts were warmed,
Lives were changed,
God’s love had come!

Glory to God in the highest,
Peace on earth, good will to all,
Glory to God in the highest,
Good News of great joy for all,]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/glory_to_god_in_the_highest Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:22:48 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/oil_in_my_lamp
Jesus told a story, to teach us to be ready,
To receive the Holy Spirit, stay true and hold steady,
To live as his disciples, in the kingdom of God,
To love as he loved, with hope for everyone,

Once upon a time, two lovers joined to marry,
They prepared the wedding feast, and as planned the bridegroom tarried,
Ten bridesmaids were given oil lamps, were told to watch for the coming bridegroom,
Let your lamp shine out bright when he walks into the room,

Five of the bridesmaids were foolish, five of them were wise,
The foolish brought no extra oil, the wise brought extra for the night,
Late at night the bridegroom came, with a shout he opened the door,
The bridesmaids picked up their lamps, but the foolish had no oil to pour,

Quickly they went to the dealer, for oil that they could buy,
But when they returned for the bridegroom, he was gone to the feast with the wise,
When the Spirit came, they weren’t ready to follow it’s call to love,
Their lamps were dark without oil, they weren’t prepared for the time to come,

But we don’t have to be foolish, and forget we might be called anytime,
To follow the Spirit’s leading to share Good News of the loving Christ,
So Jesus reminds us to stay ready, the opportunity is near,
Be filled with the Holy Spirit, let the Kingdom of God appear,

Fill our lamps with oil,
Fill our hearts with love,
Fill our lives with your Spirit,
O God fill us up!
Fill our minds with your Word,
Fill our days with faith,
Fill each hour with hope,
Bridge the gap with grace!

Jesus gave a great commission to all who would follow him,
To shine a lamp of hope, declare God’s love can always win,
To be a loving voice, sharing the enlightened Good News,
That in the darkest hour the light of Christ shines true,

The Kingdom of God is coming, every time we love in Christ,
Like the bridesmaids who had oil, we let our lamps shine bright,
The foolish bridesmaids had no oil, we don’t want to be in that boat,
We want to tune into the Spirit, able to love and cope,

When the bridegroom shouts, and the opportunities arise,
We want to be ready to see through visionary eyes,
To see beyond ourselves to a God centered way,
To have the presence of mind to see beyond the fray,

When our lamps are filled with oil, we embrace the Spirit’s gifts,
We are more able to live in Christ, and love others with hearts that bless,
We are much more prepared to witness, sharing through word and deed,
Ready to announce from the mountain top the hope that sets us free!

Jesus told this story so we’d be ready to love and care,
Ready to reach out to a world where peace and hope seem rare,
To announce another way that turns the world upside down,
That insists on strength through love, a victory bell of a different sound!

Fill our lamps with oil,
Fill our hearts with love,
Fill our lives with your Spirit,
O God fill us up!
Fill our minds with your Word,
Fill our days with faith,
Fill each hour with hope,
Bridge the gap with grace!]]> http://rolandeverettfall.com/blog.html/oil_in_my_lamp Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:11:26 -0700 Love, grace and life for all! - Roland Everett Fall - Blog