Behold the Lamb of God

It's been too long.

And this comes two weeks later than I wanted.

But God is Good

And life is not an emergency.

Can I share with you a song about Jesus?

In my mind, it's an Easter song,

Born out of meditations on the season.

But, as so many others have pointed out,

It's really just a song about Jesus.

Sounds like a song worth singing to me.



Behold the Lamb of God

There's an altar running thick with blood,

And there's a feast spread for the chosen ones,

The door is open for all to come

Behold the lamb of God.

So break the bread and pass the wine,

The Savior's heard the captives' cries.

He's set the table and invited us to dine.

Behold the Lamb of God,

Who takes away the sins of the world,

Spotless bears the stain,

Defeated stands victorious,

Dying prolongs His days.

There's a patch of earth stained crimson red,

An impassioned cry, a final breath,

A Love that is as strong as death,

Behold the Lamb of God.

The curtain's torn, the whole earth shakes,

The tombs are opened, the saints are raised,

The cup of Wrath is fully drained,

Behold the Lamb of God,

Who takes away the sins of the world,

Spotless bears the stain,

Defeated stands victorious,

Dying prolongs His days.

There's a darkness that breaks at dawn,

A grave left empty, a body gone,

For death itself can't hold back the Son,

Behold the Lamb of God.

Now, is there no one worthy to break

The seven seals and bring the final days?

Weep no more, look on the One who was slain,

Behold the Lamb of God,

Who takes away the sins of the world,

Spotless bears the stain,

Defeated reigns victorious,

Dying prolongs His days,

Who takes away the sins of the world,

Spotless bears the stain,

Defeated reigns victorious,

Dying prolongs His days.

Now there's a river of cleansing blood,

A feast awaiting the ransomed sons,

The bride will enter, her Groom will come,

Behold the Lamb of God.

Behold the Lamb of God.

Behold the Lamb of God.


©2015 Mary Schieferstein

10/25/2014 - House Concert Lyrics

Lyrics:
Bravery
The Inheritance
Yahushua (Jonah's Prayer)
Lead Me On
Fall on Grace
You Said My Name
Before the Throne of God Above
How to Sing
What Kind of Love/Come Thou Font
Prodigals
Name All Your Fears
Hope
Love You More
Hope Now
Wrestling
Home to Stay

Bravery
6/8/2014

Don't You want the knight in shining armor
Who can swing his sword,
Someone mighty in the battle
Who is sure to win the war?

Don't You want the fearless leader
Who takes the front and paves the way?
Don't You want anyone but me?
I'm not brave.

Don't You want the superhero,
Dressed and poised to save the day,
Someone adored by all the people,
With uncanny power and strength?

Don't You want the well-trained master
Who overcomes the odds with grace?
Don't You want anyone but me?
I'm not brave.

You could have anyone You want
And so You choose the weak,
We who shake within our boots,
We with our chattering teeth.

And so I'll kick and scream and holler,
Scared beyond my wits to go,
But I want You just enough
To risk taking Your road.

And so You'll get all the Glory,
Stick a knife right through my pride,
And someday I will learn that bravery
Is when the weak trust You'll provide.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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The Inheritance
7/10/2014

The inheritance passed down
From the beginning of time,
When God created in perfection
And people screwed it up just fine.

And I'm just like my father,
Just like my mother,
In my nose and in my knowing,
In my eyes and where my eyes are going.

These ashes to ashes,
This dust to dust.
Feels like there's a whole lot missing,
But it's all we've got.

The inheritance passed down
From age to age,
Our history of folly
Repeated at every stage.

And I'm just like my mother,
Just like my father,
In my mind and my mindless dreams,
In my hair and my hare-brained schemes.

These ashes to ashes,
This dust to dust.
Feels like there's a whole lot missing,
But it's all we've got.

'Til into the ashes
Came the Breath
To take on an inheritance
That was never His,

And out of the dust
Came a new Hope,
And all that we've passed down
Need no longer be owned.

And it's just ashes to ashes,
Ashes to ashes,
Just ashes to ashes
And dust to dust
'Til He breathes into dirt and
Real life comes.

And I'll be just like my Father,
Just like my Brother,
In my heart and in my ways,
His light reflected in my face.

His inheritance passed down
From His Holy throne
To those who disowned Him
He chose to bring back home.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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Yahushua (Jonah's Prayer)
2/17/2011-2/18/2011

When I was
In trouble, God,
I prayed that You would save.
I cried out
And You came down
And raised me from this grave.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

You'd thrown me
Deep into the sea,
And I thought I would die
Far from You,
Oh, so far from You
That I'd never see Your light.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

Hope for life
Was out of sight,
Still, You came and rescued me.
I was alone,
You were on your throne,
Still, You saw me on my knees.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

All who don't
Seek to know You
Turn from mercy and grace.
As for me,
With all I've seen,
I can't help but bring You praise.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

You have saved my life
And I will sacrifice.
I will keep every promise I make
To the only One with the power to save
And I will praise.
I will praise
Because You save.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

Yahushua.
Yahushua.

The God who saves.

©2011 Mary Schieferstein

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Lead Me On
5/3/2014

I'm not really sure where I am at
And everything's hazy up ahead,
But I'll close my eyes and take that step
If You'll let me hold Your hand.

Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on, lead me on.

You take me places I've never been,
Along these unfamiliar, uneven paths,
And everything in me wants to go back
Except the part that knows You're all I have.

So lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on, lead me on.

And, every now and then,
We get high enough to see
All the valleys we have crossed,
And I can hardly believe
That I've never been lost,
No, You have never failed me.

So lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on, . . .

Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on.
Lead me on, lead me on.

Lead me on, lead me on.
Lead me on, lead me on.
Lead me on, lead me on.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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Fall on Grace
2/12/2013, 2/16/2013

Dark roots
Pierce through my heart
And wrap around.

Greedy fingers
Find where they are
And hold on.

Shadows
Reach into my eyes
And flood my mind.

And I
Jump and I dive
Headlong.

And I try
To cut off the roots,
Pull the plug on this reservoir,
But I
Am finding the truth:
That this springs up from my heart.

Desires
Course through my veins,
Run right through me.

Solemn vows
Slip from my memory.
I am so weak.

Greed
Wells up in my chest,
All-consuming.

My knees
Are shaking from this
Poison in me.

And I try
To live by Your blood,
Get my drink from another place,
But I
Find I'm not enough,
From my self there's no escape.

So I'll fall on Grace,
I'll fall on Grace,
I try but I cannot stand
The weight of my blood-red hands.

Grace,
Oh, I need Your Grace,
'Cause the stain runs deeper still,
And I can't save myself,
No, I can't save myself.

Can't save myself.

So I try
To set my eyes on You,
Watch the darkness run and hide.

And I
Fall right down again,
Fall on Grace and all stains are white.

©2013 Mary Schieferstein

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You Said My Name
5/3/2011

I left all I had to follow You
And then I ran away.
I was all alone and so confused
And terribly afraid.

When the people asked if I knew You,
I claimed that I did not.
I'm a failure and a hypocrite.
I turned my back on God.

I remember when I had faith,
When I trusted and followed Your ways,
When I left the place where I felt safe,
Knowing You'd protect me from the waves.

I left all I had to follow You
And then I ran away.
I promised I would follow through
And then I stopped halfway.

You had been building something good,
You had been changing my life.
You're the One I declared, You're the One I loved,
You're the One I denied.

I remember when You looked at me,
Rough and reckless and so unclean.
You saw what I couldn't see
And called me by what You knew I'd someday be.

You helped me build the bridges,
Helped me learn what faith's about,
But I ran back to where I'd come from
And burned what we'd built down.

And I truly wish I hadn't.
I want to take it back.
I want to run into Your arms,
But I don't know if I can,

'Cause I don't think You'd take me,
I think I've gone too far.
Maybe I'm destined to live my life
Alone and in the dark.

I left all I had to follow You
And then I ran away.

But You say my name,
You say my name,
You say my name!

After I didn't think things through,
After I ran away,
After all I'd done to You,
You still said my name,
You said my name.

Say my name.

I left all I had to follow You
And then I ran away,
But after all I did to You,
You still said my name.

©2011 Mary Schieferstein

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Before the Throne of God Above
Music by William Batchelder Bradbury 1861
Words by Charitie Lees Smith Bancroft 1863
Arranged by my dad 2012

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart,
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free,
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me,
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb,
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in (with) Himself, I cannot die,
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God,
With Christ my Savior and my God.

arrangement ©2012

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How to Sing
5/20/2013

Bet you didn't know you'd be having a little girl,
Bet you didn't know how to be a dad.
Bet you were a little scared that you might make
Some pretty big mistakes.
Well, how's it feel looking back?

I don't remember the first time you held me in your arms,
Don't remember way back when the whole world seemed new,
But I can tell you what really matters
More than anything else
I don't remember a day without you.

And, when you look at me, Daddy, do you see part of you?
'Cause, when I look at you, I see part of me.
And do you feel it runs deeper than just colors and shapes?
Do you remember how you taught me how to sing?
'Cause I remember how you taught me how to sing.

Bet you didn't know the years would fly so fast,
Bet you blinked and realized they were gone.
Bet there are many days you wish
You could give me a good-night kiss
And then remember how far I am from home.

Do you know that you're the first man I ever loved,
And, by God's Grace you'll be one of the last.
Do you know that there are times
I think of your love for me and cry.
That's how much a little girl loves her dad.

And, when you look at me, Daddy, do you see part of you?
'Cause, when I look at you, I see part of me.
And do you feel it runs deeper than just colors and shapes?
Do you remember how you taught me how to sing?
'Cause I remember how you taught me how to sing.

And, over time, we've both made some pretty big mistakes.
Well, we're human and we'll make them 'til we die.
Do you know I hardly remember the tears you've caused,
Only the way you hold me when I cry?

And, when you look at me, Daddy, do you see part of you?
'Cause, when I look at you, I see part of me.
And do you feel it runs deeper than just colors and shapes?
Do you remember how you taught me how to sing?

And, when you look at me, Daddy, and see who I am now,
I hope you see a trace of your little girl,
'Cause I can feel her here inside me, I know she's looking out,
Telling you she loves you more than anything in the world.
She spends the moments she's away from you remembering
That you're the one who taught her how to sing.

I remember how you taught me how to sing.

©2013 Mary Schieferstein

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What Kind of Love/Come Thou Font
11/1/2013

No one cares too much
For the sands of the earth,
They have their eyes peeled for the things
That can prove their worth
And earn their keep.
And that's not me.

No one wants to take
The plain and simple rock,
They break it into bits to get
The shiny things they want,
Bury the pieces,
Dirty and helpless as I am.

But You are not like men.
You redeem what isn't worth it,
Take the ones that can never earn it,
'Cause of Who You are and not what they have.

What Grace!
That You would take the dust
And shape it into beauty,
You shape it into beauty.

How Great
Is Your unfailing Love!
That You would pursue me,
That You would still pursue me.

No one holds much hope
For the common thief,
“Sure, maybe they can change, but let's lock them away.”
Safety's a more pressing need
Than a second chance.
What hope do I have?

And everybody hates
A rebel against good.
They scoff and scorn and no one mourns,
And maybe no one should.
Who can contest
My just punishment?

But You are not like men,
Find those who've robbed You and pay their debt,
Those who've betrayed You and welcome them,
'Cause of Who You are and not what they've been.

What Grace!
That You would take the dust
And shape it into beauty,
You shape it into beauty.

How Great
Is Your unfailing Love!
That You would pursue me,
That You would still pursue me.

And what kind of Lover
Would win the heart
Of a harlot?

What kind of Groom
Would pay the bride-price
With His blood?

What kind of Husband
Would take the adulterous
Back again?

What kind of God?
What kind of Love?
What kind of Love?

What Grace!
That You would take the dust
And shape it into beauty,
You shape me into beauty.

How Great
Is Your unfailing Love!
That You would pursue me,
That You would still pursue me.

What kind of love?
What kind of love?
What kind of love?

©2013 Mary Schieferstein

Come Thou Font

Music by John Wyeth 1813
Words by Robert Robinson 1757
public domain

O, to Grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be.
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

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Prodigals
3/16/2014

It must've seemed so good at the time,
Out of sight, out of mind,
To get away from that comfortable life
That's not quite good enough, not quite right.

But it doesn't take long for a spoiled brat
To end up hungry, cold, and out of cash,
To be willing to take any punishment
For a hot meal and a soft bed.

And, in my foolish pride, I look at him,
Thinking that he's such an idiot,
Forgetting all the times I've run,
Tempted by such stupid stuff,
And come crawling home to bawl.
We're prodigals, prodigals all.

It must've seemed like such a lucky break,
His chance to finally escape,
Freed from his path to make his way,
Dreams of grandeur and fame.

But danger never entered his head,
No thoughts of any potential hardship,
So, when he lost it all, he came right back,
Found out it wasn't really worth it.

And, in my foolish pride, I look at him,
Thinking that he's such an idiot,
Forgetting all the times I've run,
Tempted by such stupid stuff,
And come crawling home to bawl.
We're prodigals, prodigals all.

And thank God He's not pacing back and forth to chew us out,
Thank God He isn't counting all the debts we owe Him now,
Thank God He doesn't look at us and send us away,
Thank God for Grace that celebrates, starts teaching us to stay.

It always seems so good at the time,
Always forget what satisfies,
Always forget what we've been given,
Always will forget again.

And, in my foolish pride, I look at him,
Thinking that he's such an idiot,
Forgetting all the times I've run,
Tempted by such stupid stuff,
And come crawling home to bawl.
We're prodigals, prodigals all.

Thank God He's known that all along.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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Name All Your Fears
7/4/2014

You can't name all your fears
'Til they corner you like a lion in the den,
'Til they rush at you like the storm-waves crashing,
'Til you realize that you've stopped breathing.

You can't name all your fears
'Til you melt in the furnace's heat,
'Til you tremble at the giant's feet,
'Til all you hear's your own heart beat.

And I don't know whether to laugh or to cry,
'Cause I've been pulled and tugged and ripped open wide,
I've seen myself laid bare beneath the sky,
And I've never been more grateful in my life.

You can't name all your fears
'Til the last march on the seventh day,
'Til you open the doors to learn your fate,
'Til you can't hold 'cause your hands shake.

You can't name all your fears
'Til you're looking your past in the eyes,
'Til you're pursued and you cannot hide,
'Til you can't speak 'cause your mouth's dry.

And I don't know whether to laugh or to cry,
'Cause I've been pulled and tugged and ripped open wide,
I've seen myself laid bare beneath the sky,
And I've never been more grateful in my life.

And I don't know whether to laugh or to cry,
'Cause I've been pulled and tugged and ripped open wide,
I've seen myself laid bare beneath the sky,
And I've never been more grateful in my life.

'Til they warn you but your face is set,
'Til the crowds want to do you in,
No, you can't name all the fears you have,
And you miss some even then.

And I don't know whether to laugh or to cry,
'Cause I've been pulled and tugged and ripped open wide,
I've seen myself laid bare beneath the sky,
And I've never been more grateful in my life.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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Hope
9/18/2014

There's a springtime that feels like Easter morning
That overcomes the icy wind and shines upon the snow.
There's a fire inside burning
So this chill will never reach the bone.

There is a hope that lingers
When nothing else remains,
There is blood of Another's heart
Rushing through our veins.

There is a rain that feels like coming clean
Carving rivers through the driest desert's sands,
And there is a river washing over us,
Filling the deep, dark emptiness.

There is a hope that lingers
When nothing else remains,
There is blood of Another's heart
Rushing through our veins.

And most people fear the nighttime
'Cause the darkness pierces their souls,
But, in that darkness, we will dance beneath the stars,
Shining forth a light we cannot call our own.

And there is a hope that lingers
When nothing else remains,
There is blood of Another's heart
Rushing through our veins.

There is a joy that consumes,
A peace deeper than any pain.
There is blood of Another's heart
Rushing through our veins.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein

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Love You More
1/21/2014

Crazy how a year ago
I never thought this would be.
Crazy how our God moves
In ways I'd never dreamed.

So now I'm standing here with you,
Not knowing what lies ahead,
But I've found the key to facing anything
Is who you face it with.

And, if we dance in mismatched socks
Across a cold apartment floor,
If the song we sing fades into
Our own private war,
I know that what we have
Is worth fighting for
And, when the smoke clears,
I'll only love you more.

And, if we get everything
We always wanted to have,
A husky named Ninja,
A house and kids, . . .

Or, if we lose all that we've got,
I know that some things will remain,
Like these vows that we have taken
And God's unending Grace.

So, if we dance in mismatched socks
Across a cold apartment floor,
If the song we sing fades into
Our own private war,
I know that what we have
Is worth fighting for
And, when the smoke clears,
I'll only love you more.

And, as we take our first steps,
As we learn to move together,
I've never been more sure
I want to be with you forever,
We're tethered.

And, if we dance in mismatched socks
Across a cold apartment floor,
If the song we sing fades into
Our own private war,
I know that what we have
Is worth fighting for
And, when the smoke clears,
I'll only love you more.

If we dance in mismatched socks
Across a cold apartment floor,
If the song we sing fades into
Our own private war,
I know that what we have
Is worth fighting for
And, when the smoke clears,
I'll only love you more.

For the rest of my years,
I want to love you more.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein 

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Hope Now
4/27/2013 - 4/28/2013, 5/2/2013 - 5/3/2013

She looks at the man who rules her life,
Knowing he doesn't care that she screams inside,
She's an object, and his for the taking.

She wishes that it was all a dream,
But this nightmare's as real as it seems,
Day after day, her heart is breaking.

And where is hope?
Where is hope now?
Where is hope?
Where is hope now?

He looks down at the rice running through his hand,
Seeing all his dreams slipping from his grasp,
He's an animal, working for another's gain.

He thinks of years spent trying to pay his debt,
The long hours and nights of little rest,
But he's no closer, feels caught and he can't escape.

And where is hope?
Where is hope now?
Where is hope?
Where is hope now?

If I believe
That this is wrong,
I must believe
That there is a Reason.

And, if the Reason's Him,
And He is Just,
Then their suffering is mine,
And I am taking this fight up,

'Cause it's already been won,
Oh, it's already been won,
It's already been won,
He's already won.

And He is hope,
He is hope now.
He is hope,
It's time for me to live it out,
Time for me to live hope out,
'Cause He is hope now,
He is hope now,
He is hope now.

He is hope,
He is hope now.
He is hope,
He is hope now.

©2013 Mary Schieferstein 

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Wrestling
5/7/2014 - 5/10/2014, 5/15/2014

A baby's dying,
And beside him sits a mother's broken heart,
A pair of empty eyes staring at the stars,
Mindless fingers stroking his arm.

The sound of crying -
Tears rolling down her sunken cheeks,
Mouth gaping as she struggles to breathe,
Half-formed questions left hanging.

And, O, my God, don't You love the people staring straight at death?
O, my God, don't You love the babies who will never be children?
God, I know You have Your reasons,
But I'm sick of easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
And sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
So we're left wrestling like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And time may heal, but it will never remove.

A sister's reaching,
Her touch cut off by solid glass,
Her heart held out in her empty hand,
Her fingerprints marking the impasse.

The sound of yelling -
A father's head makes contact with the wall,
His angry fist asking if You care at all,
His face twisted by hope's apparent downfall.

And, O, my God, don't You love the people staring straight at death?
O, my God, don't You love the babies who will never be children?
God, I know You have Your reasons,
But I'm sick of easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
And sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
So we're left wrestling like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And time may heal, but it will never remove.

And, oh, I know some things aren't meant to be,
And, oh, I know we're not the only ones who weep,
But, sometimes, we cursed just need to grieve
Over the loss of Eden,
The result of our own conceited
Seeking to dethrone
Our one and only hope,
As though who You are isn't who You ought to be,
As though it'd be better if we defined what we believe.

And, O, my God, I know that Your Love never left,
O, my God, I know You have something greater planned,
But, God, it's so hard to understand,
So I won't take the easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
'Cause sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
And so we'll wrestle like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And it's the scars of Grace that time cannot remove.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein  

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Home to Stay
7/5/2014

The dawn breaks,
The sunlight warms the dark road,
Reveals the shadows
Weighing down my soul,
So I turn and
Step into the light.

It's an endless path
I've walked for too long now,
Utterly determined
To reach some better ground,
But the place I need is
The one I left behind.

So, I'm coming back
To where I belong.
Thought I could do this on my own,
I'm finding I was wrong.

And every step
That bore me away
Has taught me that, no matter how it hurts,
It's better to stay.

I can trace
Your features in the sand,
I know You,
And You know my darkest depths,
The countless times I've
Decided to run.

What You asked
Was more than what I wanted,
Didn't take the chance
That You would be all I couldn't.
I so regret my
Lack of trust.

So, I'm coming back
To where I belong.
Thought I could do this on my own,
I'm finding I was wrong.

And every step
That bore me away
Has taught me that, no matter how it hurts,
It's better to stay.

I hear the whisper of Your voice
Call to me like a lover
Captivated by someone
With nothing to offer.

And all these times I've had the gall
To love another
Are washed in the morning rain
And I am home to stay.

So, I'm coming back
To where I belong.
Thought I could do this on my own,
I'm finding I was wrong.

And every step
That bore me away
Has taught me that, no matter how it hurts,
It's better to stay.

I hear the whisper of Your voice
Call to me like a lover
Captivated by someone
With nothing to offer.

And all these times I've had the gall
To love another
Are washed in the morning rain
And I am home to stay.

I hear the whisper of Your voice
Call to me like a lover
Captivated by someone
With nothing to offer.

And all these times I've had the gall
To love another
Are washed in the morning rain
And I am home to stay.

I am home to stay.
I am home to stay,
Home to stay.

©2014 Mary Schieferstein 

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Human Nature

All that's been going on miles away,

All the way in Ferguson, Missouri,

Has hit me really close to home.

Close to those I love as though they were my own flesh and blood.

They might as well be.

Family is more than skin deep.

So, I responded like any songwriter.

I wrote a song.

Human Nature
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

We say it couldn't happen here,
Claim we're smart enough to not get carried away,
Tout words like equality and justice,
But perspective makes our definitions change.

And I guess it's human nature,
We all want to be better than someone else,
So that those in power see what they want to,
Then the oppressed give back what they've been dealt.

And skin's the catalyst of deeper problems,
The image of unspoken castes we've put in place,
Feeding the fire eating our souls,
Forgetting that we're all in need of grace.

We say we took care of this years ago,
Announce that hatred's gone and we are free,
But outlawing the worst symptoms
Never cured the disease.

And I guess it's human nature,
We all want to be better than someone else,
So that those in power see what they want to,
Then the oppressed give back what they've been dealt.

And skin's the catalyst of deeper problems,
The image of unspoken castes we've put in place,
Feeding the fire eating our souls,
Forgetting that we're all in need of grace.

My sister draws these beautiful pictures
And her friends tease her about her braided hair,
My brother hugs with his whole heart
And repeats remarks that I would never dare.

And my sisters and my brothers
Are grieving loss of life and faith,
Whatever "he says, she says" happened
Can't be worth this kind of pain.

And I guess it's human nature,
We all want to be better than someone else,
So that those in power see what they want to,
Then the oppressed give back what they've been dealt.

And skin's the catalyst of deeper problems,
The image of unspoken castes we've put in place,
Feeding the fire eating our souls,
Forgetting that we're all in need of grace.

Wrestling

So the story of how this song came about is a little different,

Yet, really, very much the same.

It was a day like any other college day . . .

Any other college day approaching finals week.

I was working on a movie script as a final project for one of my classes.

The main character needed to go meet a kindergarten teacher

(So that the two could fall in love by the end of the movie, of course)

And, as the main character did not have any relatives in kindergarten,

I needed a reason for a friend to ask the main character to go pick up her daughter from school,

And not just any reason, but a quick, random text in the middle of the day type reason.

And now, the insight into the way my brain works.

(I can hear all my friends saying, "Mary, you're such a happy person.  Why do you write such depressing songs?"  Well, this is how it happens.)

I decided that the mother must have another child,

A little baby boy,

Who was dying of heart failure.

(Because that's the most obvious reason a mom would all of a sudden need a babysitter, right?)

So the main character picked up the little girl from school

(Meeting the kindergarten teacher, of course)

Then watched her for a few hours,

During which the little girl,

Who had just been singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" in school that day,

(See the corners I write myself into?)

Asked if her baby brother was really in God's hands,

If God really loved her brother.

And so I tried my best to write out a theological explanation of suffering that the main character could give to the six-year-old,

But, once I finished, I found that my heart was still trying to understand,

That, even though I might have at least a basic framework for understanding suffering theologically,

It was still painful emotionally.

I remember sitting there, staring at the computer screen, thinking, "God, don't You love them?"

(Which seems a little out of character for me.  As much as I love to think about God's Love, I'm not a "Smile, Jesus loves you" kind of person.  The way I understand the Love of God is far too deep and nuanced for those kind of cliches - and definitely nuanced enough for some theological explanation of suffering.  But that's what I was feeling.)

So I found myself wrestling with God,

Knowing that He is Good and His ways are perfect,

Yet feeling that something was wrong and life shouldn't be like this.

And it shouldn't.

Death is not natural.

It's a result of sin and, as such, is not part of what we were created to be.

And so it hurts.

And it hurts in a way that can't be just glossed over by those pat answers people like to give at funerals.

I was just thinking today that Jesus wept, too -

That there is a place for this -

That all the knowledge of and love for God we could ever have isn't necessarily going to take away our pain.

Sometimes, theology has brought emotional healing,

But, usually, emotions must be wrestled with and thought through,

Like Jacob going to meet his brother,

Terrified of what may come.

And God met him there.

And his wounds?

(I think I heard a story somewhere that he limped for the rest of his life)

They were grace.

So, a couple of days letter, I poured that brief time of wrestling into a song.

Wrestling
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

A baby's dying,
And beside him sits a mother's broken heart,
A pair of empty eyes staring at the stars,
Mindless fingers stroking his arm.

The sound of crying -
Tears rolling down her sunken cheeks,
Mouth gaping as she struggles to breathe,
Half-formed questions left hanging.

And, O, my God, don't You love the people staring straight at death?
O, my God, don't You love the babies who will never be children?
God, I know You have Your reasons,
But I'm sick of easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
And sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
So we're left wrestling like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And time may heal, but it will never remove.

A sister's reaching,
Her touch cut off by solid glass,
Her heart held out in her empty hand,
Her fingerprints marking the impasse.

The sound of yelling -
A father's head makes contact with the wall,
His angry fist asking if You care at all,
His face twisted by hope's apparent downfall.

And, O, my God, don't You love the people staring straight at death?
O, my God, don't You love the babies who will never be children?
God, I know You have Your reasons,
But I'm sick of easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
And sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
So we're left wrestling like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And time may heal, but it will never remove.

And, oh, I know some things aren't meant to be,
And, oh, I know we're not the only ones who weep,
But, sometimes, we cursed just need to grieve
Over the loss of Eden,
Result of our own conceited
Seeking to dethrone
Our one and only hope,
As though who You are isn't who You ought to be,
As though it'd be better if we defined what we believe.

And, O, my God, I know that Your Love never left.
And, O, my God, I know that You have something greater planned,
But, God, it's just so hard to understand,
So I won't take the easy answers
That pile Band-Aids on the deep wounds,
'Cause sometimes pain cannot be cured
By any magnitude of truth,
And so we'll wrestle like Jacob,
Holding on until You bless us,
And it's the scars of Grace that time cannot remove.

Victory

Do days get any better?

Does news get any more profound?

He's alive!

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

Victory
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

The word spreads like fire through the city -
Best news I've ever heard, if it is true.
When the women went to prepare the body,
All they found was an empty tomb.

Is it really as the prophets spoke?
Has death been swallowed up in victory?
Oh, where are its plagues?
Where is its sting?

I really have to see this with my own eyes,
So I run as fast as I can go,
I lay eyes on the abandoned graveclothes
And set my hand on the rolled-away stone.
  
Is it really as the prophets spoke?
Has death been swallowed up in victory?
Oh, where are its plagues?
Where is its sting?

This Jesus, even death can't hold Him down!
This Jesus has conquered and He walks among us now!
I've heard it spoken from the lips of those who've seen,
I've been given all the evidence I need.

Because of this Jesus, His death, His Glorious Name,
Repentance and forgiveness can be proclaimed.
Never before have I felt such joy and such relief -
I'm in love and I am free!

And it's really as the prophets spoke,
Death's been swallowed up in victory!
Oh, where are its plagues?
Where are its plagues?
Where are its plagues?
Where is its sting?

And what kind of Glory has been revealed -
That God would be Just
And we'd be healed?



2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

This Wait

Holy Saturday.

How to write of the impossible wait,

Of not knowing what would come next?

Reaching high for this one,

And faltering often.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

This Wait
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

Shabbat morning and I can't even rise,
But I hear rumors of what's going on outside.
They say His disciples have locked themselves away,
All of them understandably afraid.

Soldiers stand guard where He was laid,
So His followers won't slip into His grave,
Steal His body and claim He's alive.
Word is, He promised after three days He would rise.

This Man Who healed the sick and raised the dead,
The innocent One Who was condemned -
Dare I hope and dare I pray
For such an end to this wait?

Most people just go on with their lives,
A few sit and whisper of sacrifice,
How we offer again and again.
Can we really ever pay off this debt?

They tell how the prophet speaks
Of One whose wounds can really bring us peace.
They wonder what it means to say
That this Savior will prolong His days.

This Man Who healed the sick and raised the dead,
The innocent One Who was condemned -
Is it possible the wrath that I should get
Could somehow fall on another's head?
Can such a peace really exist -
That would lift the crushing wight off my chest?
Dare I hope and dare I pray?
Dare I hope and dare I pray?
Dare I hope and dare I pray
For such an end to this wait?



2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

What Have I Done?

Oh, this one,

This song for Good Friday.

I may be telling a story,

But my heart feels the weight -

That this song's really about me.

Do songs get any harder to sing than this one?

Thank You, God, for Grace.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

What Have I Done?
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

I wake to chaos and commotion.
I dress and run to see what's going on.
A crowd has gathered before Pilate.
I spot Jesus, bound and beaten, near the front.

Pilate refuses to condemn Him.
The mob won't settle for less than their demands.
Their words resound throughout the courtyard,
"Crucify Him!"

And I find the same cry
Coming from my mouth and my heart.
This Jesus, He changes everything,
And I just want things to stay the way they are.
It hurts less.
I can't take this.

They drag Him through the streets to Golgotha.
He is so weak that He can barely stand.
I can hardly watch but feel compelled to follow,
So I go up to the place of death.

I see His agony as they hang Him,
Yet my heart sits like a stone within my chest.
The Rabbis and the soldiers all mock Him,
"If He's the Son of God, let Him save Himself from this!"
 
And I find the same cry
Coming from my mouth and my heart.
This Jesus, He changes everything,
And I just want things to stay the way they are.
It hurts less.
I can't take this.

I can barely hear that He is speaking,
But, I swear, His eyes pierce me right through.
He prays to God in heaven,
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

And my heart shatters apart,
I fall to the ground, utterly undone.
I find that it's not the government,
But it's my self that I need saving from.
What have I done?
What have I done?

I hear Jesus take His last breath,
I feel the earth tremble under me.
My tears wet the bloodstained ground.
Truly, this Man was Who He claimed to be.


2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

Seder

Thursday,

Maundy Thursday,

"Thursday of the Commandment".

Thursday, Jesus celebrates the Passover Seder with His disciples.

Beth Moore's Passion 2013 message comparing the Biblical account with the traditional ceremony has never left my mind,

Symbolism buried deeper than I would have understood.

I stayed up late Wednesday to listen.

My favorite part is where she speaks of "dayenu" - "it would have been enough" or "it would have been sufficient",

And she says it wouldn't have been sufficient.

If Jesus had just been born of a virgin, it would have been a miracle, but it would not have been sufficient.

If Jesus had just taught the Word of God, it would not have been sufficient.

If He had healed the sick,

Cast out demons,

Raised the dead,

It would not have been sufficient.

If He had been beaten and scorned and mocked, but never shed a single drop of blood, it would not have been sufficient.

That part didn't make it into the song,

But it's sure been in my heart.

Here's my (summary) retelling of the Seder.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

Seder
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

I slip into the house where they're eating.
I shouldn't be there, but I really have to know.
I sit on the stair as Jesus reads
How we were delivered long ago.

He pours the first cup of promise,
Recounts how God said, "I will bring you out."
They drink the wine and say,
"Blessed be the Lord!"

I know that it is time for the hand washing,
I inch closer, trying to peek.
I can see Jesus kneeling,
Washing their feet.

He says, "A servant is not greater than his master,"
Teaches them to do as He has done.
The disciples aren't sure what to think.
I, too, have never seen a Seder like this one.

They take the second cup of promise,
Recount how God said, "I will deliver you."
They drink the wine and say,
"Blessed be the Lord!"

Jesus takes the matzah and He breaks it,
They eat the bitter herbs until they cry,
But I think it's much more than the pain of Egypt
Flowing from His eyes.

He says that one of them will betray Him,
Gives the dipped bread to the man I saw yesterday.
Jesus tells the man to go on with his plans,
I barely have time to get out of the way.

He pours the third cup of promise,
But only into His own glass.
Is this not God's Word - 
"I will redeem you with an outstretched hand"?

He breaks the bread and says it's His body,
Tells them to take it and eat.
The cup, His blood of the covenant,
He passes around to drink.

And, Jesus, He doesn't pour the fourth cup,
God's promise, "I will take this people as my own."
They sing Hallel and leave.
I sit, too stunned to see where they go.


2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

Who He Claims to Be

Song for Spy Wednesday -

The day that seemed too quiet,

Yet so much was going on.

Oh, I know these need work,

But they've sure been working on my heart.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

Who He Claims to Be
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

He teaches in the temple this morning.
I hear the thunder echo in the sky.
He speaks of judgment and says He'll be lifted up,
Tells us to believe and become sons of light.

The others in the crowd voice my objections -
That the Law says the Christ will remain.
How then can the Messiah be lifted up?
Or is this Jesus not what He claims?

And the whispers rustle through the crowd
Like the wind blowing in the trees,
"Will He not bring prosperity?"
"Will He not bring us peace?"
"Is He a liar?"
"Is He crazy?"
"Is He Who He claims to be?"

The high priest has called a secret meeting,
Invited members of the council to his home.
From where I stand, I have seen them walking in,
But, what they speak of, God only knows.

Someone to my left says that they're praying.
Another to my right says they're afraid
Of the punishment if Jesus leads the people to rebel.
Still another says they're jealous of His fame.


And the whispers rustle through the crowd
Like the wind blowing in the trees,
"Will He not bring prosperity?"
"Will He not bring us peace?"
"Is He a liar?"
"Is He crazy?"
"Is He Who He claims to be?"

I see one more slip into the meeting -
Swift as a shadow, yet he catches my eye.
He comes out later holding a bag in his hands,
I glimpse his face and see it's one of Jesus' friends.
Something here just doesn't seem quite right.

Will He not bring prosperity?
Will He not bring us peace?
Is He a liar?
Is He crazy?
Is He Who He claims to be?


2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man

Oh, what He says on Tuesday?

Blows my mind and leaves a knife stuck in my chest.

It was hard to write into song,

But, oh, so worth it.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

Tuesday He comes again to the temple,
I stand among the crowds to hear Him teach.
"An uneducated young man,"
Those who study Torah call Him.
Funny, that isn't how He seems.

The Pharisees come up as He is teaching,
Ask of the authority by which He speaks.
He asks them the same of John,
And, for fear of reputation,
They do not answer, but rather turn to leave.

And no one ever spoke like this Man.
These leaders have never been so stumped before.
When He speaks, their eyes grow cold
As though He stares into their souls,
Yet they keep trying, sure they'll gain the upper hand,
But no one ever spoke like this Man.

The Pharisees come back a little later,
This time it seems they've really thought,
Ask if the tax is wrong or right,
He lets the image decide -
Reminds us we're made in the image of God.

Well, the Sadducees try next to trick Him,
Try to show the resurrection is absurd.
He just blows them all away,
Tells them they don't know what they say,
Don't know God's Power or what's written in His Word.

And no one ever spoke like this Man.
These leaders have never been so stumped before.
When He speaks, their eyes grow cold
As though He stares into their souls,
Yet they keep trying, sure they'll gain the upper hand,
But no one ever spoke like this Man.

Then the Pharisees send forth one lawyer,
Who wonders which command is the greatest in the Law.
And the answer Jesus gives-
How it burns within my chest! -
Shema Yisrael . . . love your God
With all your heart and soul and mind,
Love your neighbor as much as your own pride.
The lawyer hails Him as wise,
I lower my eyes.
How well have I done this in my life?

No one ever spoke like this Man,
No one's words have ever cut so deep.
When I convince my head to rise,
I see Him catch my eyes,
Wonder if it's my tears or my heart He's looking at.
No one ever spoke like this Man.


2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

House of Prayer

It's a week of passionate burning

To get these words out,

To tell this story -

Not just the story of some random observer,

But, in so many ways, my story.

Today I even had to improvise a music stand.

Monday - Jesus cleanses the temple.

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

House of Prayer
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein 

I am standing in the temple when He comes in,
I watch Him as He moves through the crowd.
He walks toward all the merchants, fire burning in His eyes,
He is determined to kick them out.

I watch Him overturn their tables and throw their chairs,
Step back as one stool lands before my feet.
The vendors start running for the exit.
He makes every last one leave.

He shouts, "You set up market in a house of prayer,
Bring in your thievery and lust,
Your wicked hearts defile what ought to be pure,
Your voices drown out those who come to worship God."

The children all laugh and sing, "Hosanna",
The adults are far too shocked to speak.
Just yesterday they'd been celebrating judgment,
But they wanted judgment on their enemies.

The Pharisees are seething in the corner,
Their hateful thoughts written in their eyes.
They scan the scene, try to control what's happening,
As Jesus teaches, cutting through their lies.

He says, "You set up market in a house of prayer,
Bring in your thievery and lust,
Your wicked hearts defile what ought to be pure,
Your voices drown out those who come to worship God."

And what man ever spoke like this before?
Who, in anger, has ever been so right?
Whose words have ever cut me to the core,
And yet are so full of life?

And His face is set, as solid as a stone.
What for, I can't pretend to understand.
This Jesus, He isn't what I wanted,
But maybe God's given something better instead.



2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

Hosanna

I know it's been quiet here for far too long,

And probably will be again for a bit longer,

But this week?

This week is special.

If I could just share with you some of my meditations?

I know I'm a day late,

But I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Post by Mary Schieferstein.

Hosanna
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein

The prophets spoke of old,
Their words resound with hope
That we are almost too cut off to feel.

The rulers of this land
Are terrified we'll take a stand,
But we have neither the strength nor the zeal.

We've been watching for the One
Who was promised to come,
And You're sure closer than anything we've seen.

So, will You hear our cry,
Or will You leave us here to die?
Won't You give us what we need?

Hosanna, Jesus,
Will You not save us, Son of David?
Will You not bring forth the Kingdom,
You, most honored and most blessed?
Hosanna in the highest.

The kings of old rode off to war
With shining armor and sharpened swords,
Yet here You sit on a donkey's colt.

Has no one told You of the plan?
Please, won't You say You understand,
Please, say You've come to rescue Your own.


Hosanna, Jesus,
Will You not save us, Son of David?
Will You not bring forth the Kingdom,
You, most honored and most blessed?
Hosanna in the highest.

Oh, I did not expect
That You would come like this,
Won't You please tell me You see something that I can't.
Please tell me that there is still a plan.
Please tell me You'll save us from this mess.

Hosanna, Jesus,
Will You not save us, Son of David?
Will You not bring forth the Kingdom,
You, most honored and most blessed?
Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna, Jesus,
Will You not save us, Son of David?
Will You not bring forth the Kingdom,
You, most honored and most blessed?
Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna in the highest.

Not your typical Palm Sunday song, I know.

I wanted to catch the desperation,

To understand how the crowd felt, beneath the excitement -

Picture a lone young woman, behind the throng, catching glimpses of Jesus through the crowd.

She knows what they're all hoping for - what she's hoping for -

But is that what they're going to get?

I love the emotion of that.

Thoughts?

I always love to hear them.

Thank you so much, friends.

God bless!



2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory



 

Joy and Not Regret

She brings the ice cream cake with the unicorn because she remembers how much I liked horses growing up,

And I sit and think back on two decades,

Wondering where all the time has gone,

Thinking about who I've become.



If you'd like to share in giving me the best birthday gift of all this year?

Well, regardless, I'll share a bit of this (rough draft of a) song as my gift to you:

Joy and Not Regret
©2013 Mary Schieferstein

Where did the years all go?
Where is that little girl with puffy cheeks?
Sitting in the baby swing?

Do you know?
She was rocking in her little chair,
Now I can't find her anywhere.

All the Barbie dolls and saddle shoes
Are packaged in unlabled tombs
As pictures of what's been smile at me
And, when I look in the mirror, that's not what I see.

Why do the seasons change?
Where is that child with her big mistakes,
All the old regrets that she couldn't shake?

Why can't I contain
The memories that slip so fast
Of laughter, friends, and Christmas past?

And all the Barbie dolls and saddle shoes
Are packaged in unlabled tombs
As pictures of what's been smile at me
And, when I look in the mirror, that's not what I see.

And I see more than a sum
Yet I see hints of the years gone by
Between the ironed folds
Of grown-up's clothes,
In the sparkle of a woman's eye.

And where the years all went
May be the question at the end
Of pages tiny fingers turned,
Lessons that my young hands learn,

Evidence that I'm still trying
To figure out how time ought to be spent,
But it's a gift.

All the Barbie dolls and saddle shoes
Are packaged in unlabled tombs
As pictures of what's been smile at me
And, when I look in the mirror, that's not what I see.

. . .

And all those Barbie dolls and saddle shoes
May one day find a better use,
And the decades that have slipped on past
Are joy and not regret.




Reasons 5112-5395 today,

Because the next however many years there are of my life?

I want to spend them thinking about Him:

5112. The flashes of jealousy are flashes of fire, His very flame (Song of Songs 8:6)
5113. He has reared and brought up children (Isaiah 1:2)
5114. He left survivors (Isaiah 1:9)
5115. Had He not left survivors, His people should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:9)
5116. The multitude of Sodom and Gomorrah's sacrifices is nothing to Him (Isaiah 1:10-11)
5117. He has had enough of burnt offerings of rams (Isaiah 1:11)
5118. He has had enough of the fat of well-fed beasts (Isaiah 1:11)
5119. He does not delight in the blood of bulls (Isaiah 1:11)
5120. He does not delight in the blood of lambs (Isaiah 1:11)
5121. He does not delight in the blood of goats (Isaiah 1:11)
5122. Vain offerings of incense are an abomination to Him (Isaiah 1:13)
5123. He cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly (Isaiah 1:13)
5124. His soul hates iniquity and new moons (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5125. His soul hates iniquity and solemn feasts (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5126. Iniquity and new moons have become a burden to Him (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5127. Iniquity and solemn assembly have become a burden to Him (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5128. Iniquity and new moons have become a burden to Him, He is weary of bearing them (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5129. Iniquity and solemn assembly have become a burden to Him, He is weary of bearing them (Isaiah 1:13-14)
5130. When those whose hands are full of blood spread out their hands, He will hide His eyes from them (Isaiah 1:15)
5131. Even though those whose hands are full of blood make many prayers, He will not listen (Isaiah 1:15)
5132. If His people are willing and obedient, they shall eat the good of the land, for His mouth has spoken (Isaiah 1:19-20)
5133. If His people refuse and rebel, they shall be eaten by the sword, for His mouth has spoken (Isaiah 1:19-20)
5134. He declares (Isaiah 1:24)
5135. He is the Lord of Hosts (Isaiah 1:24)
5136. He is the Mighty One of Israel (Isaiah 1:24)
5137. He will get relief from His enemies (Isaiah 1:24)
5138. He will avenge Himself on His foes (Isaiah 1:24)
5139. He will turn His hand against those who have turned against Him (Isaiah 1:25)
5140. He will smelt away the dross of those who have turned against Him as with lye (Isaiah 1:25)
5141. He will remove all the alloy of those who have turned against Him (Isaiah 1:25)
5142. He will restore the judges of those who have turned against Him as the first (Isaiah 1:26)
5143. He will restore the counselors of those who have turned against Him as the beginning (Isaiah 1:26)
5144. Those who forsake Him shall be consumed (Isaiah 1:28)
5145. The mountain of His temple will be established (Isaiah 2:2)
5146. The mountain of His temple will be established as the highest of the mountains (Isaiah 2:2)
5147. He will teach the peoples His ways (Isaiah 2:3)
5148. He will teach the peoples His ways, so that they may walk in His paths (Isaiah 2:3)
5149. He will judge between the nations (Isaiah 2:4)
5150. He will settle disputes for many nations (Isaiah 2:4)
5151. He has abandoned His people who are full of superstitions from the East (Isaiah 2:6)
5152. He has abandoned His people who practice divination like the Philistines (Isaiah 2:6)
5153. He has abandoned His people who embrace pagan customs (Isaiah 2:6)
5154. His presence is fearful (Isaiah 2:10)
5155. His majesty is splendorous (Isaiah 2:10)
5156. People go into the rocks, hide in the ground from His fearful presence (Isaiah 2:10)
5157. People go into the rocks, hide in the ground from the splendor of His majesty (Isaiah 2:10)
5158. He alone will be exalted in the day when the eyes of the arrogant will be humbled (Isaiah 2:11)
5159. He alone will be exalted in the day when human pride will be brought low (Isaiah 2:11)
5160. He has a day in store (Isaiah 2:12)
5161. He has a day in store for all the proud and lofty (Isaiah 2:12)
5162. He has a day in store for all that is exalted (Isaiah 2:12)
5163. He has a day in store for all the proud and lofty (and they will be humbled) (Isaiah 2:12)
5164. He has a day in store for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled) (Isaiah 2:12)
5165. He has a day in store for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty (Isaiah 2:12-13)
5166. He has a day in store for all the oaks of Bashan (Isaiah 2:12-13)
5167. He has a day in store for all the towering mountains (Isaiah 2:12-14)
5168. He has a day in store for all the high hills (Isaiah 2:12-14)
5169. He has a day in store for every lofty tower (Isaiah 2:12-15)
5170. He has a day in store for every fortified wall (Isaiah 2:12-15)
5171. He has a day in store for every trading ship (Isaiah 2:12-16)
5172. He has a day in store for every stately vessel (Isaiah 2:12-16)
5173. He alone will be exalted in the day when the arrogance of man will be brought low (Isaiah 2:17)
5174. He alone will be exalted in the day when human pride will be humbled (Isaiah 2:17)
5175. People will flee to caves in the rocks from His fearful presence (Isaiah 2:19)
5176. People will flee to holes in the ground from His fearful presence (Isaiah 2:19)
5177. People will flee to caves in the rocks from the splendor of His majesty (Isaiah 2:19)
5178. People will flee to holes in the ground the splendor of His majesty (Isaiah 2:19)
5179. People will flee to caves in the rocks from His fearful presence when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5180. People will flee to holes in the ground from His fearful presence when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5181. People will flee to caves in the rocks from the splendor of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5182. People will flee to holes in the ground the splendor of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5183. People will flee to caverns in the rocks from His fearful presence (Isaiah 2:19)
5184. People will flee to the overhanging crags from His fearful presence (Isaiah 2:19)
5185. People will flee to caverns in the rocks from the splendor of His majesty (Isaiah 2:19)
5186. People will flee to the overhanging crags the splendor of His majesty (Isaiah 2:19)
5187. People will flee to caverns in the rocks from His fearful presence when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5188. People will flee to the overhanging crags from His fearful presence when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5189. People will flee to caverns in the rocks from the splendor of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5190. People will flee to the overhanging crags the splendor of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth (Isaiah 2:19)
5191. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support (Isaiah 3:1)
5192. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah all supplies of food (Isaiah 3:1)
5193. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah all supplies of water (Isaiah 3:1)
5194. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the hero (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5195. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the warrior (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5196. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the judge (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5197. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the prophet (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5198. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the diviner (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5199. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the elder (Isaiah 3:1-2)
5200. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the captain of fifty (Isaiah 3:1-3)
5201. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the man of rank (Isaiah 3:1-3)
5202. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the counselor (Isaiah 3:1-3)
5203. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the skilled craftsman (Isaiah 3:1-3)
5204. He takes from Jerusalem and Judah the clever enchanter (Isaiah 3:1-3)
5205. He makes mere youths officials (Isaiah 3:4)
5206. He makes children rule over people (Isaiah 3:4)
5207. The words of Jerusalem are against Him (Isaiah 3:8)
5208. The words of Judah are against Him (Isaiah 3:8)
5209. The deeds of Jerusalem are against Him (Isaiah 3:8)
5210. The deeds of Judah are against Him (Isaiah 3:8)
5211. The words of Jerusalem are against Him, defying His Glorious presence (Isaiah 3:8)
5212. The words of Judah are against Him, defying His Glorious presence (Isaiah 3:8)
5213. The deeds of Jerusalem are against Him, defying His Glorious presence (Isaiah 3:8)
5214. The deeds of Judah are against Him, defying His Glorious presence (Isaiah 3:8)
5215. He takes His place in court (Isaiah 3:13)
5216. He rises to judge the people (Isaiah 3:13)
5217. He enters into judgment (Isaiah 3:14)
5218. He enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of His people (Isaiah 3:14)
5219. He will bring sores on the heads of the haughty women of Zion (Isaiah 3:17)
5220. He will make the scalps of the haughty women of Zion bald (Isaiah 3:17)
5221. He will snatch away the finery of the haughty women of Zion (Isaiah 3:17-18)
5222. His branch shall be beautiful (Isaiah 4:2)
5223. His branch shall be glorious (Isaiah 4:2)
5224. He shall have washed away all the filth of the daughters of Zion (Isaiah 4:4)
5225. He shall have cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment (Isaiah 4:4)
5226. He shall have cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of burning (Isaiah 4:4)
5227. He will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day (Isaiah 4:5)
5228. He will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night (Isaiah 4:5)
5229. He will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, for over all the glory there will be a canopy (Isaiah 4:5)
5230. He will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night, for over all the glory there will be a canopy (Isaiah 4:5)
5231. His vineyard is the house of Israel (Isaiah 5:7)
5232. The men of Judah are His pleasant planting (Isaiah 5:7)
5233. He looked for justice (Isaiah 5:7)
5234. He looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed (Isaiah 5:7)
5235. He looked for righteousness (Isaiah 5:7)
5236. He looked for righteousness, but behold, an outcry (Isaiah 5:7)
5237. He has sworn that surely many houses shall be desolate (Isaiah 5:9)
5238. He has sworn that surely large and beautiful houses shall be without inhabitant (Isaiah 5:9)
5239. He has sworn that ten acres of vineyard shall yield but one bath (Isaiah 5:9-10)
5240. He has sworn that a homer of seed shall yield but an ephah (Isaiah 5:9-10)
5241. He is exalted in Justice (Isaiah 5:16)
5242. He is the Holy God (Isaiah 5:16)
5243. He shows Himself Holy (Isaiah 5:16)
5244. He shows Himself Holy in Righteousness (Isaiah 5:16)
5245. The root of the people will be as rottenness, for they have rejected His Law (Isaiah 5:24)
5246. The blossom of the people will go up like dust, for they have rejected His Law (Isaiah 5:24)
5247. The root of the people will be as rottenness, for they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24)
5248. The blossom of the people will go up like dust, for they have despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24)
5249. His anger was kindled against His people because they rejected His Law (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5250. His anger was kindled against His people because they despised His Word (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5251. He stretched out His hand against those who had rejected His Law and despised His Word (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5252. He stretched out His hand against those who had rejected His Law and despised His Word and struck them (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5253. He stretched out His hand against those who had rejected His Law and despised His Word and struck them, and the mountains quaked (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5254. He stretched out His hand against those who had rejected His Law and despised His Word and struck them, and the mountains quaked; and their corpses were as refuse in the midst o f the streets (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5255. For the rejection of His Law and despising of His Word, His anger has not turned away (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5256. For the rejection of His Law and despising of His Word, His hand is stretched out still (Isaiah 5:24-25)
5257. He will raise a signal for nations far away (Isaiah 5:26)
5258. He will raise a whistle for nations far away from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 5:26)
5259. He will raise a signal for nations far away, and behold, quickly, speedily they come! (Isaiah 5:26)
5260. He will raise a whistle for nations far away from the ends of the earth, and behold, quickly, speedily they come! (Isaiah 5:26)
5261. He is high (Isaiah 6:1)
5262. He is exalted (Isaiah 6:1)
5263. He is seated on a throne (Isaiah 6:1)
5264. The train of His robe fills the temple (Isaiah 6:1)
5265. Holy, holy, holy is He (Isaiah 6:3)
5266. The whole earth is full of His Glory (Isaiah 6:3)
5267. He looks for someone to send (Isaiah 6:8)
5268. He looks for someone to go for them (Isaiah 6:8)
5269. He can send everyone far away (Isaiah 6:12)
5270. He sends people out (Isaiah 7:3)
5271. He sends people out to meet kings (Isaiah 7:3)
5272. He sends people out to meet kings with encouragement for them to invade and conquer nations (Isaiah 7:3-6)
5273. He sends people out to meet kings with encouragement for them to invade and conquer nations, yet it will not take place (Isaiah 7:3-7)
5274. He sends people out to meet kings with encouragement for them to invade and conquer nations, yet it will not happen (Isaiah 7:3-7)
5275. He invites people to ask Him for signs (Isaiah 7:10-11)
5276. He invites people to ask Him for signs, whether in the deepest depths or the highest heights (Isaiah 7:10-11)
5277. He gives signs (Isaiah 7:14)
5278. He will bring on His people a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah (Isaiah 7:17)
5279. He will bring the king of Assyria (Isaiah 7:17)
5280. He whistles for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt (Isaiah 7:18)
5281. He whistles for bees from the land of Assyria (Isaiah 7:18)
5282. The flies and bees for which He whistled will all come and settle in the steep ravines and in the crevices in the rocks, on all the thornbushes and at all the water holes (Isaiah 7:18-19)
5283. He will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River - the king of Assyria - to shave off King Ahaz's head and private parts, and to cut off his beard, also (Isaiah 7:20)
5284. He tells people to take large scrolls and write on them with ordinary pens (Isaiah 8:1)
5285. He tells people to take large scrolls and write “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” [quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil] on them with ordinary pens (Isaiah 8:1)
5286. He tells people what to name their children (Isaiah 8:3)
5287. He tells people to name their children “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” [quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil] (Isaiah 8:3)
5288. He speaks again (Isaiah 8:5)
5289. He brings against the people who have rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5290. He brings against the people who have rejoiced over Rezin the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5291. He brings against the people who have rejoiced over the son of Remaliah the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5292. He brings against the people who have rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah the king of Assyria with all his pomp (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5293. He brings against the people who have rejoiced over Rezin the king of Assyria with all his pomp (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5294. He brings against the people who have rejoiced over the son of Remaliah the king of Assyria with all his pomp (Isaiah 8:6-7)
5295. People devise their strategies, but they will be thwarted, for He is with those they are devising against (Isaiah 8:10)
5296. People propose their plan, but it will not stand, for He is with those they are planning against (Isaiah 8:10)
5297. He speaks to prophets with His strong hand upon them (Isaiah 8:11)
5298. He is the One people are to regard as Holy (Isaiah 8:13)
5299. He is the One people are to regard fear (Isaiah 8:13)
5300. He is the One people are to dread (Isaiah 8:13)
5301. He will be a Holy place (Isaiah 8:14)
5302. For both Israel and Judah He will be a stone that causes people to stumble (Isaiah 8:14)
5303. For both Israel and Judah He will be a rock that makes people fall (Isaiah 8:14)
5304. For the people of Jerusalem He will be a trap (Isaiah 8:14)
5305. For the people of Jerusalem He will be a snare (Isaiah 8:14)
5306. He hides His face from the descendants of Jacob (Isaiah 8:17)
5307. He gives people children (Isaiah 8:18)
5308. People are signs and symbols in their nations for Him, who dwells on Mount Zion (Isaiah 8:18)
5309. People should inquire of Him (Isaiah 8:19)
5310. People should consult His instruction (Isaiah 8:20)
5311. People should consult His testimony of warning (Isaiah 8:20)
5312. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun (Isaiah 9:1)
5313. In the past He humbled the land of Naphtali (Isaiah 9:1)
5314. He humbles lands (Isaiah 9:1)
5315. In the future, He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan (Isaiah 9:1)
5316. He honors lands (Isaiah 9:1)
5317. He sends a Child to be born (Isaiah 9:6)
5318. He gives a Son (Isaiah 9:6)
5319. The government will be on the shoulders of the Son He has given (Isaiah 9:6)
5320. The Son He has given will be called Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)
5321. The Son He has given will be called Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)
5322. The Son He has given will be called Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)
5323. The Son He has given will be called Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
5324. Of the greatness of the government and peace of the Son He has given there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5325. The Son He has given will reign on David's throne (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5326. The Son He has given will reign over David's kingdom (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5327. The Son He has given will reign over David's kingdom, establishing and upholding it (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5328. The Son He has given will reign over David's kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5329. The Son He has given will reign over David's kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever (Isaiah 9:6-7)
5330. His Zeal will accomplish His plans (Isaiah 9:7)
5331. He sends a message against Jacob (Isaiah 9:8)
5332. He sends a message that will fall on Israel (Isaiah 9:8)
5333. He strengthens Rezin's foes against Israel (Isaiah 9:11-12)
5334. He spurs Israel's enemies on (Isaiah 9:11-12)
5335. Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth, yet for all this His anger is not turned away (Isaiah 9:12)
5336. Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth, yet for all this His hand is still upraised (Isaiah 9:12)
5337. He strikes His people and yet they do not return to Him (Isaiah 9:13)
5338. He strikes His people and yet they do not seek Him (Isaiah 9:13)
5339. He will cut off from Israel both head and tail (Isaiah 9:14)
5340. He will cut off from Israel both palm branch and reed (Isaiah 9:14)
5341. He will cut off from Israel both palm branch and reed in a single day (Isaiah 9:14)
5342. He will cut off from Israel elders (Isaiah 9:14-15)
5343. He will cut off from Israel dignitaries (Isaiah 9:14-15)
5344. He will cut off from Israel prophets who teach lies (Isaiah 9:14-15)
5345. He will take no pleasure in the young men because those who guide the people mislead them (Isaiah 9:16-17)
5346. He will take no pleasure in the young men because those who are guided are led astray (Isaiah 9:16-17)
5347. He will not pity the fatherless and widows because those who guide the people mislead them (Isaiah 9:16-17)
5348. He will not pity the fatherless and widows because those who are guided are led astray (Isaiah 9:16-17)
5349. He will take no pleasure in the young men because everyone is ungodly and wicked (Isaiah 9:17)
5350. He will take no pleasure in the young men because every mouth speaks folly (Isaiah 9:17)
5351. He will not pity the fatherless and widows because everyone is ungodly and wicked (Isaiah 9:17)
5352. He will not pity the fatherless and widows because every mouth speaks folly (Isaiah 9:17)
5353. By His Wrath the land will be scorched (Isaiah 9:19)
5354. By His Wrath the people will be fuel for the fire (Isaiah 9:19)
5355. By His Wrath the people will not spare one another (Isaiah 9:19)
5356. By His Wrath the people will devour on the right, but still be hungry (Isaiah 9:19-20)
5357. By His Wrath the people will eat on the left, but not be satisfied (Isaiah 9:19-20)
5358. By His Wrath the people will each feed on the flesh of their own offspring (Isaiah 9:19-20)
5359. By His Wrath Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh, and together they will turn against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21)
5360. He sends the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a godless nation (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5361. He dispatches the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a people who anger Him (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5362. He sends the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a godless nation to seize loot (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5363. He dispatches the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a people who anger Him to seize loot (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5364. He sends the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a godless nation to snatch plunder (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5365. He dispatches the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a people who anger Him to snatch plunder (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5366. He sends the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a godless nation to trample them down like mud in the streets (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5367. He dispatches the Assyrian, the rod of His anger, in whose hand is the club of His wrath against a people who anger Him to trample them down like mud in the streets (Isaiah 10:5-6)
5368. When He has finished all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.” (Isaiah 10:12)
5369. He sill send a wasting disease upon the king of Assyria's sturdy warriors (Isaiah 10:12-16)
5370. He sill send a wasting disease upon the king of Assyria's sturdy warriors because the king boasts against Him who used him (Isaiah 10:12-16)
5371. He is the Light of Israel (Isaiah 10:17)
5372. He will become a fire (Isaiah 10:17)
5373. He will become a flame (Isaiah 10:17)
5374. He will become a fire, and in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and briers (Isaiah 10:17)
5375. He will become a flame, and in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and briers (Isaiah 10:17)
5376. He will become a fire, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy (Isaiah 10:17)
5377. He will become a flame, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy (Isaiah 10:17)
5378. He will become a fire, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away (Isaiah 10:17)
5379. He will become a flame, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away (Isaiah 10:17)
5380. He will become a fire, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away, and the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down (Isaiah 10:17)
5381. He will become a flame, and the splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick person wastes away, and the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down (Isaiah 10:17)
5382. The remnant of Israel will truly rely on Him (Isaiah 10:20)
5383. The survivors of Jacob will truly rely on Him (Isaiah 10:20)
5384. A remnant will return to Him (Isaiah 10:21)
5385. A remnant of Jacob will return to Him (Isaiah 10:21)
5386. He will carry out the overwhelming and righteous destruction decreed upon the whole land (Isaiah 10:22-23)
5387. His anger against His people will end (Isaiah 10:25)
5388. His wrath will be directed to the destruction of the Assyrians (Isaiah 10:24-25)
5389. He will lash the Assyrians with a whip (Isaiah 10:24-26)
5390. He will lash the Assyrians with a whip, as when He struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb (Isaiah 10:24-26)
5391. He will raise His staff over the waters (Isaiah 10:26)
5392. He will raise His staff over the waters, as He did in Egypt (Isaiah 10:26)
5393. He will lop off the boughs with Great Power (Isaiah 10:33)
5394. He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax (Isaiah 10:34)
5395. Lebanon will fall before Him (Isaiah 10:34)

Counting 10,000 Reasons to worship Him: 

(Sylvia's already made it to - past - 10,000!  So amazing to think of who He is like this!)

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Counting in community: