as if we really believe

where is heart of the church
the part that heals and feels pain
and seeks to secure
the good of the poor
the stranger
the unnoticed
we pursue innovation
but we need renovation
of the inside of our soul
the content of our heart
so we can be a part
of redeeming all that fell
and all the hell in and around us as well

it is time to rebuild
to be still
to make a decision of the will
to put on the Lord Jesus
clothed in grace
we move into the world
that God so loved that he gave
and embrace the stranger
welcome the foreigner
we face our flaws
surrender our rights
and set our sights
on washing feet
extending a hand
we stand
as ambassadors of the Way
and we stay
we forgive
today we live
not for ourselves
but for those in need
for those who cry
and die alone
for those who cry
without a home

what has gone wrong
that we have become
a resounding gong
we sing all those sunday songs
and harbor hate
hold a grudge
belittle our spouse
to name just a few
and hide in the house
of our pride
we mock and scorn
an opposing view
and then we lock our soul
in the rigid soil
of i must win
and we stew in the cauldron
of our sin

Holy Spirit
enter into the dark hidden sins
for we are clanging cymbals
who serve and sing and teach
we study read and systematically
arrange our grand theology
and solve the mysteries
give knowledge increase
but we are just running
from what is the greatest of these
we are nothing
without love

renovate our mind
restore our heart
we have made such a mess
let us be people of kindness
taking our place
in rhythms of grace
walking talking and loving
as if we really believe
that he has Risen

as if we really believe

what do i see

what do i see
when i see me
let's see
i suppose i see
what i want to see
and at times i see
what i long to be
at times
i'm such a selfie

self is proud
and can be
so loud
i can push away
by the words i say
those i say i love
why am i that way
if my attitude
or my words hurt you
please forgive me
i hope you can see
a way
to forgive me

i suppose i need
to see through eyes
that are not mine
but belong to the One
who makes me whole
and sees all that makes
me
me

and when i'm known
by the One who knows
all that's inside
i can decide
that i won't hide
anymore

Lord help me see
my wife
and kids
the family
my friends
my neighbor too
and say no to self
and live to serve
Lord help me let go
of me
and be free
to love
to give
to be alive
to others
and die
to
me
and
be
free