New Zealanders

 I love Kiwis, of course I married one 

She's led me to The Lord my whole walk 

1991, my new man saw the sun 

Where I've tred I've tried to walk the talk 

I've watched in admiration, I've learned a thing or two 

I'm learning, in The Body, I'm a part 

It's not all or any, I'm just one of many 

All my kin worship from the heart 

I do love New Zealand, I see its flags and flaws 

My central citizenship's in heaven 

No nation is the heart, All people form a part

He forgives seventy times seven 

Kiwis, as a lot, are some things I'm just not

Muted, kinda boring, lack of passion 

Makes them rational, as an ethos, international 

Solid thinking unfollows fashion 

I thank the Lord He brought me here back in '91

I've struggled and I've bloomed where I'm planted

I've been forgiven, protected as I've driven 

Now I don't take anything for granted. 

Psalms 22:27 (KJV)

27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

1 Corinthians 12:14 (KJV)

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Crying in church

 Who of you hasn’t had cleansing 

Who out there hasn’t had tears 

Talking ‘bout weeping, tea still steeping 

downing weight you’ve shouldered for years 

Holy Spirit moves you 

Holy Spirit speaks 

Of a sudden finding that your vessel leaks 

Normally containing, yet you want to let it flow 

Inside you are certain He has something to show 

You let loose the rampart, unbuckle the shield 

No telling how you’ll feel 

I can guarantee you one thing 

That’s comfort for you boy 

Spirit to support you 

Tears  just bring you joy 

Psalms 94:17-19

Unless the LORD had given me help,

I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

When I said, “My foot is slipping, ”

your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought me joy.

Shuffling good bits globally

 Verse 1:

I’ve moved a bunch of bits around 

Not all of them been good 

If you’ve been on the Net,  out for what you can get 

You may’ve missed all you could 

Chorus 1:

See if we’re not part of the answer, we’re  the problem by default 

How can we say, in every way 

If we ain’t light and salt

Verse2:

It’s a simple concept 

Still forces a reply 

What we consume, where, & with whom

Demand feeds supply 

Chorus 2:

See if we’re not part of the answer, we’re  the problem by default 

How can we say, in every way 

If we ain’t light and salt

Verse3:

So let’s be on the good side 

Shuffle the good bits around 

Won’t worry when you get your phone out, that you may be thrown out

And trampled on the ground 

Chorus 3 x2:

See if we’re not part of the answer, we’re  the problem by default 

How can we say, in every way 

If we ain’t light and salt

Matthew 5:13-16

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Fine line tween Inspired and insane

 Verse 1:

I myself have walked the line 

So know this trip firsthand 

A piece of  art can fall apart 

Just living on the land

Just who knows how fine a line 

What it takes to cross it 

Hold the egg, steal, borrow, beg

Flat refuse to toss it 

Chorus 1:

You’ll be glad you’ll have Peace 

You’ll be back on the good side 

You’ll be up  front, be in the hunt 

with Him it’s a real good ride 

We all have options every day 

What’ll you do with your thing 

Choose life not death and your last breath 

You’ll ask “ where’s the sting” ?

Verse 2:

Step across, be drawn across 

Don’t matter how you stumble 

Cross that line from doing fine 

All the world’ll crumble

You’ve got a choice, step back in line 

We all have lives  of choice

The main thing is, it ain’t no quiz

Will we hear His voice?

Chorus 2x2:

You’ll be glad you’ll have Peace 

You’ll be back on the good side 

You’ll be up  front, be in the hunt 

with Him it’s a real good ride 

We all have options every day 

What’ll you do with your thing 

Choose life not death and your last breath 

You’ll ask “ where’s the sting” ?

1 Corinthians 15:55

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo’

 Verse 1:

After years of leading sales teams  in  a small, crowded field 

I’ve ran over as many hurdles as there are 

Learned from the best, sales just ain’t  no jest 

Serving comes with chasing down a' far 

You deeply know what pipeline means 

It’s everything for lasting 

Like fish in ocean,  the boats in motion 

To catch ‘em, constant casting 

Chorus 1:

I’m tired 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Unless God almighty says different 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Verse2:

Load  up all the tech  you can pay for 

Play like staying home is reaching out 

When it comes down to serving, may be unnerving 

but  the closer’s the one they talk about 

Closers come in only one size 

They’re not the ones that’re lazy

They out and up sell, they just serve well 

Others  say what they get through is crazy 

Chorus 2:

I’m tired 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Unless God almighty says different 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Verse3:

Craziness comes in all flavours 

Big effort’s not everyone’s taste 

Big sellers don’t swerve, big sellers serve 

They’re not ones to copy and paste 

Ain’t no shortcut for service 

Real serving comes with sweat 

I guess that’s  The Almighty   telling me 

Boy back in that boat you get 

Chorus 3x2:

I’m tired 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Unless God almighty says different 

I ain’t chasing nobody no mo

Give, live, & save

 Verse 1:

He came to Give and serve  us all 

He saves the ones who act 

The ones who don’t say can’t but won’t 

Faith’s much more than fact 

verse 2:

He puts back instead of taking 

Behind to push, before to pull 

Surrounds us in love, he’s below and above 

His whole plan is life to the full 

Chorus 1:

He’s the giver, the liver, the Saver 

Won’t you give Him a shot 

In the cold light of day just look at the way 

He’s all the thief is not 

Verse 3:

The thief’s a different story 

It’s plain to see him working 

It’s a slow train wreck, like a clouds up on deck 

Where there’s dark, Word to mark, he’ll be lurking

Chorus 2:

He’s the giver, the liver, the Saver 

Won’t you give Him a shot 

In the cold light of day just look at the way 

He’s all the thief is not 

Verse 4:

Ever thought about the vices 

Really pondered to begin it 

Could it make sense,  why Gods got a fence 

That’s an empty as field, He ain’t in it 

Chorus 3 x2:

He’s the giver, the liver, the Saver 

Won’t you give Him a shot 

In the cold light of day just look at the way 

He’s all the thief is not 

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Returner

 You can stand ‘side  a road and feel where it may go

You can gaze at  the wider vista 

It don’t matter where you’re standing  as long as love is landing 

You’ll be back in town just like your sista

Love never leaves, love actively stays 

Must know Holy Spirit travels with you

Travel near or far, on the train, in a car 

Peace can’t be parted  ‘cause He lives in you

Chorus:

He’s Returner 

He’s bought you at a price 

Gave His life as a ransom for us all 

Belief is the door,  so many gone before 

Service, the map of Master’s call 

Many’ve been found, many  now marked 

He’s a saving  seal that can’t be broken

In the language of Love whispered out from above 

Your redemption and your journey go unspoken 

Having understood  inclusion

Being blessed with Master’s Mark 

The day you truly get the gospel story 

Looks ahead to that great day when you’ll fully see The Way 

You’ve been bought 

& The one response is glory 

Chorus:

He’s Returner 

He’s bought you at a price 

Gave His life as a ransom for us all 

Belief is the door,  so many gone before 

Service, the map of Master’s call 

Ephesians 1:13-14

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Strengthened by grace

 God is strong, He strengthens hearts 

His ways are way above ours 

We worry 'bout food and drink, argue 'bout thoughts to think 

We Profit from His powers 

Myths are just myths, No power, no truth 

Don't be influenced by strange 

God is truth, Long in the tooth 

Neither He nor His teachings change 

Jesus is God, Creator of old 

He's steadfast and true 

On Him we rely, not a lame, old lie 

saying "you're saved by you"

Myths are just myths, No power, no truth 

Don't be influenced by strange 

God is truth, Long in the tooth 

Neither He nor His teachings change 

Myths are just myths, No power, no truth 

Don't be influenced by strange 

God is truth, Long in the tooth 

Neither He nor His teachings change. 

Hebrews 13:9

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.

Lies

 

Lies

Verse 1:

I’m speaking up can you hear me 

I’m making  this same sound

4:00 in the morning 

You know I’ll be back around 

Thank you for the opening 

Inviting me in again

I get used to this favor

We might end up as friends.

Nothing new or clever 

Why change what's  working

Trapped in a dark corner 

There we’ll be lurking with...

Chorus 1:

Lies

It’s our native tongue 

Lies 

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Verse 2:

How’d we miss you?

How’d you get away scot-free?

We must’ve missed some chances 

To be more accusatory 

I set up the state of your circumstance

Gave you drink to drink and  a dance to dance

There’s a job to do and the nights are good

I’d tell the truth if I only could 

Why’d you have to use that Word?

I’m off now can’t stay round 

Re-use that line I flee every time

You must not like the sound of ...

Chorus 2:

Lies

It’s our native tongue 

Lies 

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Verse 3:

I must follow in my master’s stride

I’m accusing you of having too much pride

You’re soft, you’re dumb, you’re square, you’re weak

Does this ring true?  I only speak in...

Chorus 3:

Lies 

It’s our native tongue

Lies

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Verse 4:

I had you hooked but you went for His aid

Had you locked in & booked had you flippin just obeyed

Instead you had to go and listen in those meetings 

Y’all ruined my plan for self-induced beatings

A solid plan leading to heaps of pain then a hanging

Noise in your head & on the screens people banging  it's 

Chorus 4:

Lies

It’s our native tongue 

Lies 

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Verse 5:

I had things all set with your eternity here 

Things looked good with cheap drugs & beer 

How’d  I go wrong in that 5-year span

Things were humming fine, going right to plan 

You met that girl and she led you to The One

Of a sudden all my plans had come undone

I wasn’t giving up on ya not so fast boy 

We still got some dirty tricks to jerk out all that joy

Who needs drugs when we got porn to tantalise your brain 

If you pay all attention boy we could still have you insane

Again we had ya wasting time hiding in the dark

Occasionally we’d let you out to run round in the park

Get back in here can’t you see it’s way too light out there 

You’ll miss all the action & that’s a feeling you can’t bear

Chorus 5:

Lies

It’s our native tongue 

Lies 

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Verse 6: 

All those kids, all that strain, it’s bound to take its toll 

Don’t think you can take it to the Big throne boy don’t ya dare to be so bold

My master listens, my master acts and in the end you have to burn

But at least on Earth you feel kinda satisfied and you’re not faced with Words to learn

I’m selling this as best , you’re watching all the rest living lives that are conformed 

 problem is some are chosen and being transformed.

Chorus:

Lies

It’s our native tongue 

Lies 

It’s how things get done 

Lies

It’s what you want to hear 

Lies

Wish I could be as clear as...

Hebrews 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Recognition

 Who is it girl you trying to impress?

Just What you trying to prove?

People move to Hollywood thinking they’ll become a star

Just  don’t see that God’s inside girl you ain’t got to move 

Chorus: 

Recognition 

It’s just another name for pride

Recognition

It’ll eat you up inside

What’s it mean to revel, lick up all the light 

Truth is you’re covering up others there so you’re the only one in sight

That’s just not how He made you, ain’t part of His perfect plan

If we were made to think of me there’d only be one man 

As we know that ain’t the case, so there’s the plain as reason 

Every spirit knows just who is who 

Me , me, me is treason

Chorus: 

Recognition 

It’s just another name for pride

Recognition

It’ll eat you up inside

If you do decide to be that Star

Hope you got booze & grass licked 

Else you might end up like Sceva’s sons 

You may get your ass kicked.

Chorus: 

Recognition 

It’s just another name for pride

Recognition

It’ll eat you up inside

Acts 19:13-16

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Ropeless cowboy, dopeless hippy

 

I’m a Cowboy with no rope

Flippin hippy with no dope

Yep I’m  livin dopeless and  I ain’t livin hopeless 

He’s the everlasting way to cope 

I get tested, I get tried 

I’ve many mistakes amassed 

Cut to the bone, yet my hearts been now known 

Since the second the old guy passed 

There sits the old joker, he’s hapless and weak 

I used to fear  and dread him

If I’m no longer dopeless (again) and I’m happening upon hopeless (again)

It’s ‘cause I mistakenly fed him

Thank God I get chances, every morning’s anew 

I take up my mantle and walk 

New day in the sun, the new man has won 

I claim victory over anxious self-talk

It’s not me with the answers, It’s all in His Word

It’s there for the new guy to wield 

Top weapon to wave, the Truth it will save 

On every battlefield 

There I ride in the valley, there I am on the hilltop 

Used to think it was all up and down 

I now see as I look back, it’s more like railroad track

Both tracks, good and bad, cover ground

Ground cover is good, least I’m on top 

I’ve seen what the old guy leads to

Now Peppered & salted, one day I’m exalted 

In heaven I’m shiny and new. 

Psalms 139:23-24

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Feel the heat of hell

 O Why do we try so,

O why do we fret?

Block her, blind her, just don’t remind her 

How bad that place can get 

One more time, One last chance 

Put off the pending parse 

She dares to dance while there’s the chance

Refuse his realm as farce 

That’s why Christians cry so much 

It’s why we weep so well 

We give up ease for terms of peace 

We feel the heat of hell 

We light the Lamp upon its stand 

We run to ring the bell 

We can’t  let you just slip on through 

We feel the heat of hell 

One more save, one last time 

Can’t help but try again 

Risk our rep, give up on gold 

To gain another friend 

It’s all there is at end of day 

It’s clear all else will burn 

The ones let in that darkest day 

Will be the ones who turn 

What can we give You as terms of peace 

What on earth can we bring 

Keep seeking High as we struggle and die 

The answer’s  ‘everything’.

Luke 14:31-33

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

All I’ll have

 Takes all I have to lead this Tribe 

Mostly grounded, out in front 

Eagle’s flying, always spying 

Build up heart to hunt

Chorus: All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All I’ll ever have 

Everyone’s young to an old-as soul 

Makes provision hard 

Well-past protection, comfort rejection 

Hovering grows a great guard 

Chorus: All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All I’ll ever have 

Carrying people 

Ain’t light like  a lil’ baby eagle

When one heeds and upward leads 

Results are strong and regal.

Chorus: All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All  I have (Backup  singers respond “ All he has”)

All I have  ((Backup  singers respond  “ All he has”)

I give all I’ll have 

All I’ll ever have 

Deuteronomy 32:11-12

like an eagle that stirs up its nest

and hovers over its young,

that spreads its wings to catch them

and carries them aloft.

The LORD alone led him;

no foreign god was with him.

12 years to call

 Red letter day today as I know you still care 

You called me on my phone 

A little wait is a lot of weight 

For just a man alone

A dozen years and a dozen beers 

Both affect a man the same 

Make you crazy, lil bit lazy

May forget your own damn name 

The day arrives it’s finally here 

A blessing down the line 

I hear your voice, I know your choice 

Your life enmeshed with mine 

I now know why I I learned to cry 

I learned to lie and languish 

Just thought I was crying didn’t know I was dying 

I took wine for me in my anguish

Today’s wine and beer are not quite clear 

Though it’s probably drugs 

Makes nights hazy and days quite lazy 

Ain’t  no replacement for hugs 

I don’t want to die, I’m too young to perish 

Beer and wine for some other poor man 

They aren’t like me, I can now be carefree 

Since you’re  back, my life’s now in hand 

Can’t see why I suffered so could be fate just don’t know 

Looking back trying to see through the fog 

Drug dungeon is dark, so why’d I just park 

Now I’m flying, living high on the hog 

I must ask the question, what took you so long 

12 years is a mighty long time 

I thought I had lost you, now know what it cost you

Let’s face it, a call costs a dime 

Just what were you thinking, or were you just drinking 

Believing the enemy’s lies 

You think that you love it and can’t rise above it

Day comes when you cut him down to size

Clear day arrives you’re now all alert 

Look back you can see it, the fog

Stay now just jolly, don’t repeat that there folly

Since you now see it, don’t be it...the dog.

Proverbs 31:6-7

Let beer be for those who are perishing,

wine for those who are in anguish!

Let them drink and forget their poverty

and remember their misery no more.

Proverbs 26:11

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so fools repeat their folly.