Don’t Be Like An Animal

Son, let me instruct and teach you in the way that you should go;

While I’m still around to counsel, there are things that you should know.

Don’t be like an animal who needs controlling reins and bit.

Wicked people live in torment. Choose God’s love and stick with it. 

—-

Learn from the example of a man who suffered through his pride.

To avoid humiliation; held his tongue and almost died.

Fearful that the secret which he carried had the strength to do him in 

He confessed and was forgiven, he began to live again.

—-

All of us encounter times of failure, sadness and distress.

So do not neglect the great relief that comes when you confess.

Though your reputation may be shot, you will regain your soul.

You will find the focus, strength and joy that flourish when you’re whole.  

———-

Photo by Ron Hansen on Unsplash

Source: Psalm 32

Text:  © David Alexander, 2020

Tune:  Rustington

Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2011/Score/RoundTheLord-Rustington.pdf

Your Name on the Earth (Psalm 8)

Majestic, O Lord, Your name on the earth,

Your glory, O God, above all the skies,

the voices of infants your praises intone

to silence the noises of all of your foes.

—-

The heavens, O God, the work of your hands,

the moon and the stars, show woman and man,

our smallness of stature in all you have done

and yet you have cared for us in your great love.

—-

Though lower, we’re crowned; created to serve

as stewards of life in the sky, sea and earth.

Majestic, O Lord, is Your name all around.

Your glory, O God, in all places is found.

__________

Photo by luis arias on Unsplash

Text:   © David Alexander, 2009

Tune:  Paderborn

Score:   https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/YeServants-Paderborn.pdf

We Can Never Be Defeated

We attacked them, bent on conquest. 

They defended, we went down.

All we know is that we’re blameless.

You, O God, have lost some ground.

—-

So you owe us restoration

And some extra land to boot. 

Our success: Your reputation.

Fill our coffers up with loot. 

—-

“Rich enough…,” there’s no such thing we’re

The exception to such rules.

Neighbor nations are benighted,

Filled with rapists, gangs and fools.

—-

We can never be defeated

With our forces God goes out.

We’ve known guns since we were little

Folks of color put to rout.

—-

Valiantly we go to battle, 

sure that God defeats our foes.

We advance and others tremble, 

from their heads right to their toes.

—–

Photo by Mike Fernwood at Flickr

Source:   Psalm 60

Text:  © David Alexander, 2020

Tune:  Gott Wills Machen   (Steiner)

Score:  https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/GodWhoseFarm-GottWillsMachen.pdf

  

Thunder!

God’s voice thunders over waters; glory fills the skies.

Powerful, majestic, dense in truth, revealing lies.

—-

Wealth and beauty are no match, nor mountains a defense.

What God wills will come to happen, watch for the events!

———-

Photo by Koushik Pal on Unsplash

Source: Psalm 29: 3-9a

Text:   © David Alexander, 2020  

Tune: Quinquagesima

Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF-2010/GodWhoTouchest-Quinquagesima.pdf

Carry, Guide and Teach

The Lord is both the strength and shield in whom my heart can trust;

The Lord is where I find my help and where my heart exults.

—-

The strength of people is the Lord, a refuge in the storm

To save and carry, guide and teach both now and evermore. 

———-

Photo by Zhu Liang at Unsplash.com

Source: Psalm 28:7-9

Text:   © David Alexander, 2020  

Tune: Tallis’ Ordinal

Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/ComeHolySpiritLord-TallisOrdinal.pdf 

Unto You…

Unto you, Lord, I lift my voice. Incline your ear and hear.

Secure in you I cry for help, in trust that you are near. 

—–

O bless-ed Lord who hears my words, strong fortress where I live

Within your help my heart exults. In song these thanks I give. 

—–

Photo by Chase Baker at Unsplash.com

Source: Psalm 28:1-2,6-7

Text:   © David Alexander, 2020  

Tune: Windsor

Score:  https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2012/Score/MyGodHowWonderful-Windsor.pdf

Better than Words can Say

I believe that, while living I’ll see

God’s goodness that is meant for me.

So I take heart, even as I’m waiting,

God’s is far better than words can say.

—–

Photo by Trevor Cole at Unsplash.com

Source: Psalm 27: 13-14

Text:  © David Alexander, 2020

Tune:  Blomqvist

Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2012/Score/OBreathOfLife-Blomqvist.pdf  

Set Me Free

When I cry aloud, be gracious; turn your face and answer me.

Do not hide or turn me back, Lord; pay attention, I’m in need.

You have always been the one to whom, distressed, I’ve had to flee.

So I trust you’ve heard this call, and once again will set me free.

—–

Photo by Niu-niu at Unsplash.com

Source: Psalm 27:7-9a

Text:  © David Alexander, 2020

Tune:  Esther

Score:  https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2013/Score/OToFathom-Esther.pdf

God, You Owe Me…

(A song of pride from one who believes in performance.)

—-

God, you owe me; I’ve been good. Check the record and you’ll see.

I’ve been faithful, as I should. Not like other guys to me.

—-

I don’t hang with evil folks. At the church is where I’m found.

Not for me are dirty jokes, but your praises, sung out loud.

—-

When the day of judgment comes,  save me as you roust the bums.

At your side I will  be found; standing tall on level ground. 

——–

Photo by Markus Spiske at Unsplash.com

Source: Psalm 26

Text:   © David Alexander, 2020

Tune:   Monkland

Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/LetUsWithAGladsome-Monkland.pdf

Transactional Religion

Photo by Cyntonn Photography at Unsplash.com

“You Move First, God.” (Psalm 51 rearranged and re-explained)

O God, according to your steadfast love: 

  have mercy on me;

    blot out my transgressions;

      wash me thoroughly from my iniquity;

        cleanse me from my sin;

                purge me with hyssop; 

             wash me; 

               make me whiter than snow;

                       create a clean heart in me; 

                  put a new and right spirit in me;

                                restore my joy of salvation;

                       teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

                         sustain in me a willing spirit;

                           and deliver me from bloodshed.

Then I’ll sing aloud of your deliverance.

=============================================

I know my transgressions; my sin is ever before me.

I’ve sinned against you, God. 

I’ve done what is evil in your sight.

You desire truth in the inward being,

So hide your face from my sins,

     blot out all my iniquities 

         and create a clean heart in me. 

============================================

Restore my joy in salvation;

sustain me willingly;

let me hear happy music 

and restore my health. 

Then I’ll teach transgressors your way and praise you. 

=============================================

You have no delight in sacrifices or burnt offerings, 

     but you DO accept broken spirits and contrite hearts. 

So restore our city,

then we’ll bring you those, and the burnt stuff too.