Lift up your eyes on high,
And consider what you see...
The vast expanse that reaches far beyond our grasp.
The heavens are telling of His glory,
Consider the works of His hands.
Billions of stars,
No two are the same,
The Creator knows their number and their name;
His fingers worked with skill,
The galaxies were filled,
By the word of His power they are sustained.
From the sun that never fails to bring the morning,
To the birds that call to worship at the dawn,
O consider every atom of creation,
And lift a song of praise where it belongs!
His mighty hands stretched out the heavens like a curtain,
Heaven’s hands shaped the earth and formed the seas,
Heaven’s hands fashioned man in His own image;
Nothing that was made, was brought to be...apart from His hands.
O consider the works of Heaven’s hands.
*********************
Before there even was a beginning,
Before the foundation was laid;
He was clothed with majesty and splendor,
The radiance of His glory was displayed.
He laid aside His glory like a garment,
He left heaven, and took on humanity;
From Mary’s womb His life began as the Son of Man,
No difference from His brothers could be seen...
But those were Heaven’s hands that held on to His momma’s fingers,
Those were Heaven’s hands that learned their craft at His daddy’s side,
And Heaven’s hands unrolled the scrolls that told His story;
Fully human, they were also so divine!
He walked the dusty roads, and told His story,
He spoke with grace and all authority;
His touch was filled with power and with healing,
The lame could walk, the leper cleansed, the blind could see.
They were amazed at the works of Heaven’s hands.
*********************
The hour came to work His greatest wonder,
He set His face like flint to Jerusalem;
Although He was the Son, He prayed, “Thy will be done,"
And was delivered into the hands of mortal men.
And Heaven’s hands—were bound without a struggle,
Heaven’s hands did not try to intervene;
As the blows and the hatred rained upon Him,
His blood began to form the cleansing stream.
His back received the stripes that brought our healing,
He was silent as the soldiers played cruel games;
As He struggled down the road that led to Calv’ry,
He never flinched - He endured, despising the shame!
And Heaven’s hands stretched out and took the nails that pierced them,
Those were Heaven’s hands that hung on a cross of rugged wood;
He bore the wrath of a holy God for our redemption,
Heaven’s hands were the only Ones that could!
O consider the works of Heaven’s hands!
*********************
The tomb where He was laid became a birthplace,
As He arose, defeating death once for all;
He bore the marks of Calv’ry back to glory,
Where forever we will sing the new refrain...
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!”
Heaven’s hands have my name inscribed upon them!
And Heaven’s hands, they will not let me go!
Heaven’s hands will receive me into glory,
Where it will take all of eternity to know,
And consider the works of Heaven’s hands!
My Jesus, I will follow in Your footsteps,
I take up my cross, and surrender to Your will.
In life and in death, I commit my spirit…
Into Your hands, Your nail-scarred hands.
In life and in death, I commit my spirit…
Into Heaven’s hands.
(by Janet Doyle)
Please read Songs for further information.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
"Just Believe in Me"
When my heart is overwhelmed, and my soul cries from within,
And once again, my feet have lost a place to stand.
When the waves of troubles roll, and I feel I’m going under,
I reach out in desperation… and find Your hand.
As You lift me from the waters, You remind me that I’m Yours,
And that Your truth remains, regardless of the storm.
As I quietly surrender to Your wise and perfect plan,
The thunder and the lightning fade away.
The power of the storm is gone,
And I can hear You say...
“When you’re trembling with fear - I give you peace.
When your smile has disappeared - I give you joy!
There is nothing that can separate you from My perfect love,
I give you love, so walk in love.
When you’re weary from the fight - I give you strength.
When despair turns out the light - I give you hope!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
You’re not alone.
When you were shackled by your sin - I gave My body.
When you were guilty from within - I gave My blood.
I have bought you with My sacrifice, and given you new life!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ve paid it all, and when the trumpet calls…
I’ll take you home!
Where the trembling will cease - there’s only peace!
Where the smiles will never fade - there’s only joy!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be...
Where the weary will find rest - the battle’s done!
Where we’ll be forever blessed - the tears are gone!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be…
Forever home...forever home.
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
I’ll bring you home.
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see Songs for further information.
And once again, my feet have lost a place to stand.
When the waves of troubles roll, and I feel I’m going under,
I reach out in desperation… and find Your hand.
As You lift me from the waters, You remind me that I’m Yours,
And that Your truth remains, regardless of the storm.
As I quietly surrender to Your wise and perfect plan,
The thunder and the lightning fade away.
The power of the storm is gone,
And I can hear You say...
“When you’re trembling with fear - I give you peace.
When your smile has disappeared - I give you joy!
There is nothing that can separate you from My perfect love,
I give you love, so walk in love.
When you’re weary from the fight - I give you strength.
When despair turns out the light - I give you hope!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
You’re not alone.
When you were shackled by your sin - I gave My body.
When you were guilty from within - I gave My blood.
I have bought you with My sacrifice, and given you new life!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ve paid it all, and when the trumpet calls…
I’ll take you home!
Where the trembling will cease - there’s only peace!
Where the smiles will never fade - there’s only joy!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be...
Where the weary will find rest - the battle’s done!
Where we’ll be forever blessed - the tears are gone!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be…
Forever home...forever home.
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
I’ll bring you home.
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see Songs for further information.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
"All My Days"
Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I'll just post a portion of the bulletin insert from when this song was first sung at our church...
I will extol Thee, my God, O King;
And I will bless Thy name forever and ever,
Every day I will bless Thee,
And I will praise Thy name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.
(Psalm 145:1-3)
And I will bless Thy name forever and ever,
Every day I will bless Thee,
And I will praise Thy name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.
(Psalm 145:1-3)
This morning’s “Call to Worship” is a chorus that God gave to me about ten years ago. I had written down the words and music - and then forgotten all about it. Just recently, I stumbled across it, and was amazed to find that the words were a perfect expression of something that God has been teaching me - today.
I have learned from the 145th Psalm that I must make a commitment to praise God every day—no matter what. And what a blessing that commitment has turned out to be, as I am reminded each and every day of who God is, and all that He has done, and that He is worthy of praise. Nothing can change that. Therefore, I can trust Him and rest in Him—always. David’s words have become my own - “Every day I will bless Thee.”
"All My Days"
Give honor to the Lord,
Give glory to His name,
Surrender to His will and to His way;
His name forever praise,
Our hands forever raise,
O bless the Lord, my soul, for all my days.
(by Janet Doyle)
(It's a simple chorus, just arranged for SATB choir.)
Please see "Songs" for further information.
"Come and Join Me" (The King and the Beggar)
"Evangelism Explosion" (EE) has had a huge impact in my life. Not only did I come to understand the gospel much more deeply than ever before, not only did I learn how to simply and clearly present the gospel to people...I presented the gospel to people - and had the great and awesome privilege of sharing in the process - of God saving a soul. I really don't think there's a greater blessing than that. EE utilizes many illustrations to help people understand important truths, much like Jesus used His parables. One of those illustrations really "got to me" - and this song came from it.
"Come and Join Me"
(The King and the Beggar)
A king in his carriage was riding one day
Down a long, dusty road when he spied
A dirty old beggar with rags for his clothes,
He was struggling for each weary stride.
The king cried out, “Halt!” and he stepped down to meet
The beggar’s surprised and startled eyes –
He said to him, “Why are you out here alone?”
“My kingdom is just over that rise!”
“Come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you,
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home – are waiting for you.”
The beggar was trembling, as he fell to his knees,
The tears just poured from his eyes.
He said, “I’ve got nothing to offer, my lord.”
“I really thought you would just pass me by.”
The king reached out to that beggar,
and he wiped the tears so tenderly,
“Your heart is all that I’m asking,” my child.
“And that you freely give it to me.”
“So, come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
And there’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home are waiting for you.”
(Key Change)
The King of all kings, saw me lost and alone,
Dirty and ragged, no place to call home.
He stepped down to meet me, and much to my surprise,
He stretched out his arms, and He suffered and He died.
That old rugged cross is the doorway,
To the kingdom that He has prepared.
His song echoes down through the ages,
He invites us to meet Him there!
“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way!
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”
The King of all kings, He lovingly waits,
For us to come to Him, just as we are.
He offers life as a gift of His grace,
Won’t you freely, freely give Him your heart?
(Piano Only)
“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way,
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see "Songs" post for further information.
"Come and Join Me"
(The King and the Beggar)
A king in his carriage was riding one day
Down a long, dusty road when he spied
A dirty old beggar with rags for his clothes,
He was struggling for each weary stride.
The king cried out, “Halt!” and he stepped down to meet
The beggar’s surprised and startled eyes –
He said to him, “Why are you out here alone?”
“My kingdom is just over that rise!”
“Come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you,
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home – are waiting for you.”
The beggar was trembling, as he fell to his knees,
The tears just poured from his eyes.
He said, “I’ve got nothing to offer, my lord.”
“I really thought you would just pass me by.”
The king reached out to that beggar,
and he wiped the tears so tenderly,
“Your heart is all that I’m asking,” my child.
“And that you freely give it to me.”
“So, come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
And there’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home are waiting for you.”
(Key Change)
The King of all kings, saw me lost and alone,
Dirty and ragged, no place to call home.
He stepped down to meet me, and much to my surprise,
He stretched out his arms, and He suffered and He died.
That old rugged cross is the doorway,
To the kingdom that He has prepared.
His song echoes down through the ages,
He invites us to meet Him there!
“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way!
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”
The King of all kings, He lovingly waits,
For us to come to Him, just as we are.
He offers life as a gift of His grace,
Won’t you freely, freely give Him your heart?
(Piano Only)
“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way,
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see "Songs" post for further information.
"Sunshine After Rain"
One of the sweetest lessons I have learned through this experience with PD, is that God uses our afflictions in a great and powerful way, if we will surrender to Him. He will use us as a testimony to others, but He will also use the affliction to prune and purge our own hearts - to break up the hard soil, and make it soft, fertile, and ready for the planting of seeds that will spring up into new growth. This passage from 2 Samuel 23:1-4 was the inspiration for this song.
Now these are the last words of David.
David the son of Jesse declares,
And the man who was raised on high declares,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel,
"The Spirit ofthe Lord spoke by me,
And His word was on my tongue.
The God of Israel said,
The Rock of Israel spoke to me,
'He who rules over men righteously,
Who rules in the fear of God,
Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises,
A morning without clouds,
When the tender grass springs out of the earth,
Through sunshine after rain.'"
"Sunshine After Rain"
Sometimes I just don’t understand,
Why you are holding back Your hand.
You let it rain,
You allow the pain.
Just when I think I cannot bear
Just one more day - You call, “I’m there!”
“Hold on to Me, hold tight to Me,
And let it rain. Oh, My child, let it rain.”
“Let the rain wash it all away -
All the guilt, the sin, and the shame.
Let it wash and cleanse your heart,
Prepare it for a brand new start.”
“Let the rain soak deep within
Let it soften every part—all that’s hard within your heart.
Let it rain.
Oh, My child, let it rain.”
“And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
New life will spring from you
Like the tender blades of grass
That spring anew—through sunshine after rain.”
Oh, may the water of Your word,
Turn my heart into fertile ground!
Oh, may I cling to You through the pain,
And surrender to the rain!
And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
Your glory I will see,
Your face will shine on me,
Your reflection, oh may I be.
You are the sunshine after rain.
So, if the storms are coming fast,
And you think you just can’t last,
Hold on to Him, oh, hold Him fast. Hold Him fast.
There will be sunshine,
He’s promised sunshine,
Look for the sunshine after rain.
Why you are holding back Your hand.
You let it rain,
You allow the pain.
Just when I think I cannot bear
Just one more day - You call, “I’m there!”
“Hold on to Me, hold tight to Me,
And let it rain. Oh, My child, let it rain.”
“Let the rain wash it all away -
All the guilt, the sin, and the shame.
Let it wash and cleanse your heart,
Prepare it for a brand new start.”
“Let the rain soak deep within
Let it soften every part—all that’s hard within your heart.
Let it rain.
Oh, My child, let it rain.”
“And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
New life will spring from you
Like the tender blades of grass
That spring anew—through sunshine after rain.”
Oh, may the water of Your word,
Turn my heart into fertile ground!
Oh, may I cling to You through the pain,
And surrender to the rain!
And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
Your glory I will see,
Your face will shine on me,
Your reflection, oh may I be.
You are the sunshine after rain.
So, if the storms are coming fast,
And you think you just can’t last,
Hold on to Him, oh, hold Him fast. Hold Him fast.
There will be sunshine,
He’s promised sunshine,
Look for the sunshine after rain.
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see "Songs" post for further information.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
"Amazed"
This song was born from the first two chapters of Hebrews - which was the very first book of the Bible I studied using Precept Ministries Bible studies. The first chapter of Hebrews declares Jesus' deity, the second chapter, His humanity. At some point during that study, I was reading through the gospels, and kept seeing the word "amazed". The people were amazed at the things Jesus said, and the things He did. But when I really starting thinking about who He was - God, the Son - I started wondering, why were they so amazed at His power and wisdom? And then I began to realize, in a new way, what was truly amazing...
"Amazed"
A life in the dark, eyes that never saw light,
‘Til Jesus came... and gave sight.
A raging storm, crashing waves,
‘Til Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still”... and the seas obeyed.
And they were all so amazed.
They said, “Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, He calms the sea.”
They didn’t yet know, they had not yet seen…
That He was God, their Creator, and King.
A hungry crowd, only one boy’s meal,
‘Til Jesus blessed it... and all were filled.
A friend was gone, a beloved had died,
‘Til Jesus cried out, “Come forth!”... and the dead was alive!
And they were all so amazed!
Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, death’s captive is freed!
Some came to know, some came to see…
That He was God, their Creator, and King!.
He made the seas, He formed the eyes,
All power and wisdom are His;
Should we be amazed? Should we be surprised...
That His creation does what He bids?
What floods my heart with awe,
What brings me to my knees,
Is a hill called Calv’ry where I see…
My God, My Creator, My King...
Nailed to a cross, bloodied, and scorned,
A crown of thorns on His head,
Suffering alone, forsaken by all,
Bearing the sins of the world,
Oh, He is dying...
He is dying...
For (you and) me.
And I am amazed, I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!
An empty tomb, a risen Lord,
Scars in His hands and His side.
He’s gone up in the sky, to His Father’s side,
And He’s waiting there…
He’s waiting for me!
And I am amazed! I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!
(Choir to sing at the same time as the soloist sings the above chorus - optional)
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we first begun!
I am amazed, and I’ll sing His praise!
Forever, I’ll sing His praise!
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see "Songs" post for further information.
"Amazed"
A life in the dark, eyes that never saw light,
‘Til Jesus came... and gave sight.
A raging storm, crashing waves,
‘Til Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still”... and the seas obeyed.
And they were all so amazed.
They said, “Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, He calms the sea.”
They didn’t yet know, they had not yet seen…
That He was God, their Creator, and King.
A hungry crowd, only one boy’s meal,
‘Til Jesus blessed it... and all were filled.
A friend was gone, a beloved had died,
‘Til Jesus cried out, “Come forth!”... and the dead was alive!
And they were all so amazed!
Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, death’s captive is freed!
Some came to know, some came to see…
That He was God, their Creator, and King!.
He made the seas, He formed the eyes,
All power and wisdom are His;
Should we be amazed? Should we be surprised...
That His creation does what He bids?
What floods my heart with awe,
What brings me to my knees,
Is a hill called Calv’ry where I see…
My God, My Creator, My King...
Nailed to a cross, bloodied, and scorned,
A crown of thorns on His head,
Suffering alone, forsaken by all,
Bearing the sins of the world,
Oh, He is dying...
He is dying...
For (you and) me.
And I am amazed, I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!
An empty tomb, a risen Lord,
Scars in His hands and His side.
He’s gone up in the sky, to His Father’s side,
And He’s waiting there…
He’s waiting for me!
And I am amazed! I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!
(Choir to sing at the same time as the soloist sings the above chorus - optional)
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we first begun!
I am amazed, and I’ll sing His praise!
Forever, I’ll sing His praise!
(by Janet Doyle)
Please see "Songs" post for further information.
Songs
Well, I've written a few songs. Some of them have been sung in our church, and people seem to respond to the message in the music. Are they publisher-worthy? I have no idea. And I have no idea how to go about it, if they are.
So, I'm just going to post them, the words anyway, here - on the blog. If anyone comes across them, and would like to use them in any way - feel free. If you'd like to put it to music yourself, go right ahead. If you're interested in what I came up with, email me at janet.doyle@yahoo.com, and I'll send you what I've got.
My name is on them because they come from my heart and my love for the Lord, and I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, and I am so thrilled and blessed to have the privilege of writing something that God might use to further His kingdom; but I'm not looking to make money off of them, or to make sure I get the credit for them. God will take care of me. I just want to pass along what He has planted in my heart, and glorify Him, and proclaim His gospel.
I would love to hear about it, though, if God uses these songs in any way! If so, please drop me a line via email, or here on the blog.
Thanks!
Janet
So, I'm just going to post them, the words anyway, here - on the blog. If anyone comes across them, and would like to use them in any way - feel free. If you'd like to put it to music yourself, go right ahead. If you're interested in what I came up with, email me at janet.doyle@yahoo.com, and I'll send you what I've got.
My name is on them because they come from my heart and my love for the Lord, and I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, and I am so thrilled and blessed to have the privilege of writing something that God might use to further His kingdom; but I'm not looking to make money off of them, or to make sure I get the credit for them. God will take care of me. I just want to pass along what He has planted in my heart, and glorify Him, and proclaim His gospel.
I would love to hear about it, though, if God uses these songs in any way! If so, please drop me a line via email, or here on the blog.
Thanks!
Janet
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
This Little Light of Mine
At church tonight, we started a study about sharing your faith. It reminded me of something that happened a few weeks ago. I got a little frustrated - with God. And I think that's okay. I don't think He minds. Sometimes, I look up to heaven, and He seems so silent, so distant... I mean, I know that He is real, He exists, He is who He says He is - it's just that sometimes it would be so nice to just actually see or hear something tangible, you know? Sometimes, I just wish He would come down from heaven and just lay it all out for the whole world to see - end the debates, just fill the world with His presence, so everyone will know Him.
And so, I prayed, and asked Him why He couldn't just do that. And then some verses came to mind - I could almost hear Jesus saying them...
"You are the light of the world."
"You are the salt of the earth."
He uses us, His children - to fill the world with His presence, and to let the whole world know - who He is, and what He has done - for us all.
What an honor and privelege and great blessing He has given us - to be the instrument through which He shines His light into a dark world.
Jesus, please forgive me for the times that I have been silent. Help me to be ready, everyday, to share my faith with whoever you place in my path.
Shine, Jesus, Shine.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story;
Shine on me.
Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word, Lord, and let there be light.
(Graham Kendrick)
And so, I prayed, and asked Him why He couldn't just do that. And then some verses came to mind - I could almost hear Jesus saying them...
"You are the light of the world."
"You are the salt of the earth."
He uses us, His children - to fill the world with His presence, and to let the whole world know - who He is, and what He has done - for us all.
What an honor and privelege and great blessing He has given us - to be the instrument through which He shines His light into a dark world.
Jesus, please forgive me for the times that I have been silent. Help me to be ready, everyday, to share my faith with whoever you place in my path.
Shine, Jesus, Shine.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story;
Shine on me.
Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word, Lord, and let there be light.
(Graham Kendrick)
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