album: "For The Sake Of The Call" (1990)






















For The Sake Of The Call lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call

Nobody stood and applauded them
So they knew from the start
This road would not lead to fame
All they really knew for sure
Was Jesus had called to them
He said "come follow Me" and they came
With reckless abandon, they came

Empty nets lying there at the water's edge
Told a story that few could believe
And none could explain
How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus lead
With no thought to what they would gain
For Jesus had called them by name
And they answered...

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
The sake of the call

Drawn like the rivers are drawn to the sea
There's no turning back, for the water cannot help but flow
Once we hear the Savior's call, we'll follow wherever He leads
Because of the love He has shown
And because He has called us to go
We will answer...

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die

Not for the sake of a creed or a cause
Not for a dream or a promise
Simply because it is Jesus who called
And if we believe we'll obey

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
For the sake of the call
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all
We will abandon it all
No other reason at all
We will abandon it all [fade out]

What Kind Of Joy lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman


Anybody in their right mind
Would've given up their preaching and headed for home
They've been warned a hundred times
But something inside them keeps giving them hope
And just when you think they'd be crying
Instead of the tears, there's joy in their eyes

[Chorus 1]
What kind of joy is this
That counts it a blessing to suffer
What kind of joy is this
That gives the prisoner his song
What kind of joy could stare death in the face
And see it as sweet victory
This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven and free

Anybody else with his pain
Would want to shake their fist at heaven
And give up the fight
'Cause trouble had been Paul's middle name
Ever since he'd been captured by God's blinding light
But just when his hope should be dying
If you listen you'll hear him singing a song

[Chorus 1]

[Chorus 2]
What kind of joy is this
The Father has promised his children
What kind of joy is this
That Jesus has come to reveal
What kind of joy could give hope in this world
To someone just like you and me
This is the joy of a soul that's forgiven and free
I've found this joy for my soul is forgiven and free

Busy Man lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I know a man named Billy
He's got almost everything
Three stories, two cars, one swimming pool
And some broken parts of an empty heart
And I'm thinkin'...

[CHORUS 1]
Billy, Billy, Billy, you're a very busy man
But you're running with your eyes closed
You could be missing life all along the way
And you'd never even know it
You're a busy man Billy, Billy, you're a busy man
Just too busy man

You've got a lot of nice things there Billy
But they've cost you more than you know
'Cause what is it really worth can you tell me
If you're gaining the world but you're losing your soul
And I'm thinkin'...

[CHORUS 2]
Billy, Billy, Billy, you're a very busy man
But you're running with your eyes closed
Looks like you traded life for the things you have
Not the thing you really wanted
You're a busy man Billy, Billy, you're a busy man

[BRIDGE]
So when the day is over
And the lights go out
Do you ever stop and wonder
Wonder what it's all about
Wonder what it's all about
Wonder what it's all about
Hey Billy do you ever wonder
What it's all about?

[CHORUS 1]

[FADE]
Slow down busy man take a look around you
When it's all said and done tell me what's it gonna come to

Lost In The Shadows lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I wake to the sound of different voices calling my name
Two little ones who want to start another day
And one voice that's calling
Take up your cross and come follow me

[Chorus]
I want to get lost
In the shadow of the cross
To answer the call surrender it all
In the shadow
I want to live each (this) day
With a humble heart
That's ready to pay
Whatever it cost, to find myself lost
In the shadow of the cross

Living beneath the burden of this cross I carry
I'm finding more of Christ and losing more of me
So I'll hide in His shadow
Until I am nothing and He is everything

[Chorus]

The voices that call to me like my little ones are sleeping
But here in the shadow there's one whisper
I still hear

[Chorus]

Higher Ways lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

If I could only fly, I'd go up and look down from the sky
So I could see the bigger picture
And Lord if I could sit with you at your feet for an hour or two
I'm sure I'd ask too many questions 'cause there's so much going on down here
That I must confess I just don't understand, I don't understand

And I have prayed, that at your feet my whole life has been laid
So I won't worry I won't be afraid
Cause My soul is resting on your higher ways

So let the road ahead become unclear
For I am yours so what have I to fear
If my soul is resting on your higher ways

Your higher ways teach me to trust you
Your higher ways are not like mine
Your higher ways are the ways of a father hiding his children in his love

So let it rain and if my eyes grow dim with tears of pain
This hope I have will not be washed away
Because this soul of mine is resting on your higher ways

Your higher ways teach me to trust you
Your higher ways are not like mine
Your higher ways are the ways of a father hiding his children in his love

Someday I will fly and maybe then you will take me aside and show me the bigger picture
But until I'm with you I'll be here with a heart that is true and a soul that's resting on your higher ways

Your higher ways
Resting on your higher ways

Blind Lead The Blind lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

There's a teacher in a school room
Somewhere on the edge of town
Telling innocent little children what we used to be
They look and listen without a question
They see the pictures passed around
Making facts out of a theory and they all believe
As the lost lead the way
Another heart is led astray

[Chorus]
These are the days when the blind lead the blind
And there's one narrow way out of here
So pray that the light of the world will keep your eyes clear
'Cause it's a dangerous place here where the blind lead the blind

There's a preacher in a nice church
Anchored in the heart of town
People flock to hear his eloquent delivery
He talks of Jesus how he can please us
But the cross cannot be found
Makin' theory out of facts until they're all deceived
And the lost lead the way
And more hearts are led astray

[Chorus]

This is a dangerous time
And the truth is hard to find
So let His word light your way
And guard every step you take

[Chorus]

You Know Better lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I saw you staring out your window
Watchin' the people passing by
Taking some notes on what you saw out there
So you would know how hard you need to try
I heard you asking lots of questions
How in comparison you stand
Please let me warn you to be very careful
God wants our best and not our better than

[Chorus]
But you know better, better than that
You know better than, better than that
You should know better, truth is the only measure
You know better than, better than that

Now just in case I've got you thinkin'
And if you're feeling like I do
Maybe it's time we open up the Holy Bible
And see exactly what He's called us to
He said the least would be the greatest
The greatest is the one who serves
We must be living by a different standard
A life that isn't graded on a curve

[Chorus]

When You Are A Soldier lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

When you are a soldier I will be your shield
I will go with you into the battlefield
And when the arrows start to fly
Take my hand and hold on tight
I will be your shield, 'cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier

When you're tired from running
I will cheer you on
Look beside you and you'll see you're not alone
And when your strength is all but gone
I'll carry you until you're strong
And I will be your shield 'cause I know how it feels
When you're a soldier

I will be the one you can cry your songs to
My eyes will share your tears
And I'll be your friend if you win
Or if you're defeated
Whenever you need me I will be here

When you're lost in darkness I will hold the light
I will help you find your way through the night
I'll remind you of the truth
And keep the flame alive in you
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier

No Better Place lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman


I was eight years old
When I decided to follow Jesus, yeah
I started down that road
Somebody told me that this path that leads to Heaven
Will not be the easy way
Well I found that to be true
But I also found, (also found)
I found out there's

[Chorus:]
No better place on earth
Than the road that leads to heaven
No other place I'd rather be, yeheh
No better place on earth
Than the road that leads to heaven
No better place to be, yea

Well I know this road
Has a final destination, oh
But I also know
That if we're only looking for the prize that's waiting
We'll miss so much along the way
Cause Jesus came to give us life in the here and now
(here and now)
And to show us that there's

[Chorus:]
No better place on earth
Than the road that leads to heaven
No other place I'd rather be, yeheh
No better place on earth
Than the road that leads to heaven
No better place to be

I know this path we travel along
Is very straight and narrow
But I've looked down other roads along the way
And from all I've seen I can say without a doubt there's

[Chorus]

[Chorus]

[Chorus]

Show Yourselves To Be lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Sweet are the branches growing the fruit that comes from the vine
But these are just branches blown by the wind holding on to life
I want to be like them holding on to the One whose life is mine
And I know as I follow him His life will sure show in me

[Chorus]
He said you will
Show yourselves to be the ones who follow Me
By the evidence you leave along the way
They'll know that you are mine like the branches on the vine
If you show yourselves to be following me

Faith joins our heats to Him, it's not a result of anything we do
But if we are part of Him, there will be reasons to believe it's true
The fruit cannot help but grow if the branch is joined into the tree
And love cannot help but show in the one who goes where Jesus leads

[Chorus]

Planted in the fertile soil of quiet times
Watered by the rains of trouble, growing toward the sun that shines
They'll know that you are Mine like the branches on the vine
If you show yourselves to be following Me

album: "More To This Life" (1989)

More To This Life lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman



Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,
And I strained to see if there was something hidden in their eyes;
But they all looked back at me as if to say
Life just goes on.

The old familiar story told in different ways,
Make the most of your own journey from the cradle to the grave;
Dream your dreams tomorrow because today
Life must go on.

[Chorus]
But there's more to this life than living and dying,
More than just trying to make it through the day;
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,
And there's more than this life alone can be.

Tonight he lies in silence staring into space,
And looks for ways to make tomorrow better than today,
But in the morning light it looks the same;
Life just goes on.

He takes care of his family, he takes care of his work,
And every Sunday morning he takes his place at the church;
And somehow he still feels a need to search,
But life just goes on.

[Chorus]

So where do we start to find every part
Of what makes this life complete;
If we turn our eyes to Jesus we'll find
Life's true beginning is there at the cross where He died.
He died to bring us...

[Chorus]

Love You With My Life lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

There is a pressing question
My heart's been asking me:
When I say "I love You Lord",
What does it mean?

I know it's one thing to say it,
And another thing to do;
How can I show you it's true?

[Chorus]
I'm gonna love You with my life.
I wanna love You with my life.
I'm gonna listen and obey, I'm gonna live these words I say.
I'm gonna love You with my life.

Some people love with money;
Some people love with words;
Some people love because they love the returns;
Yet with all these complications,
The greatest love is always found
In the one who lays his life down.

[Chorus]

He said if we love Him,
We're gonna do the things He told us,
Walk the path He showed us;
So if you love Him, show Him it's true in how you're living.
If you mean it, say it with me.

[Chorus]

Waiting For Lightning lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Standing on the edge of the truth
Looking out at the view
Of all you used to believe
From where you are
You can see you're far away from home

Echoes of the life you once knew
Call out to you from across the divide
And you know it's time
To step back over the line
But you're...

Waiting for lightening
A sign that it's time for a change
You're listening for thunder
While He quietly whispers your name

Night falls and the curtain goes down
No one's around, it's just you and the truth
As you lie and wait
For a feeling to take you by storm

Somewhere in the depths of your heart
Where it's empty and dark
There's a flicker of light
And the Spirit calls
But do you know notice at all?
Or are you...

[Chorus]

But the sign and the word
Have already been given
And now it's by faith
That we must look, and we must listen
Instead of...

[Chorus]

He whispers your name
Don't wait, don't wait

Living For The Moment lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

He prayed the prayer one Sunday morning;
He really meant the words he said.
She prayed and gave her heart to Jesus,
One night while kneeling by her bed.

So many start on this journey,
But they never make it out of the door;
Their lives are caught in a moment in time,
But there's so much more.

[Chorus]
Than living for the moment when he's given us a lifetime,
Living for the moment letting hours pass right by;
It's gonna take forever to discover all that Jesus has in store,
So live for every moment,
And live every moment for the Lord.

There are some mountains on our pathway;
Sometimes we reach the very top,
We like the feeling of the moment.

Sometimes that's where we'd like to stop,
But we've been given these moments
To encourage us along the way.
Now Jesus wants us to move ahead growin' every day.

[Chorus]

This is the day that the Lord has created;
This is the day that He has made
To take us where our faith has never been before.

[Chorus]

I Will Be Here lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I... I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I... I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I... I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I... I will be here

I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here, hmmm

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I... I will be here
We'll be together
I will be here

Who Makes The Rules lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Well, I've been watching us very close,
And I guess the one thing that's been bothering me the most,
Is when I see us playing by the same rules that the world is using.

Well, I've been listening to the things that we say,
And I, I hear us mention words like fortune and fame,
And it makes me wonder if we're sure about the side we're choosing.
That's why I'm asking you

[Chorus]
Who makes the rules for me and you,
When it's wrong or right is it black and white?
Who makes the rules for me and you;
It's our life at stake so we better know who makes the rules.

When I see people just like you and me,
Trying to live out the pictures they see on TV;
Gotta have a new car, new clothes, new love when they get tired of trying.

Well, I've been reading 'bout a different way,
Talking 'bout dying to live and losing to gain;
Seems like somebody's telling us the truth and somebody's lying.
I wanna know who.

[Chorus]

Two voices are calling out to you;
You're serving the one you're listening to,
So, tell me who, somebody tell me who.

Treasure Island lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

The moon's waving the world goodbye;
The morning sun smiles and lights the sky.
I hear the waves crashing into shore;
The world's an ocean waiting at my door.
Before I set out for the open sea,
I'll take the word my Father's given me.

[Chorus 1]
And I'll go sailing out to Treasure Island,
The Treasure Island that God's word can be;
I'll pray and make my way to Treasure Island,
And in those quiet times I know that I will find
All the treasure I will ever need.

I raise the sail as I kneel to pray,
Check my course all along the way;
A million thoughts like the rushing wind
Are blowing this ship so I'll pray again.
Soon I have landed on the solid ground;
I take my life's concerns and lay them all down.

[Chorus 1]

And when I return to the mainland,
I'll take the treasure back with me.

[Chorus 2]
I'll go sailing out to Treasure Island,
The Treasure Island that God's word can be;
Ill go sailing out to Treasure Island,
Guided by the Spirit's gentle wind.
I'll pray and make my way to Treasure Island,
And when the new day starts, I'll take my longing heart
And sail to Treasure Island once again.

Way Beyond The Blue lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Way beyond the blue, the Father is calling;
Let Him take you to a life beyond compare.
The passion fades and your sense of adventure
Sits collecting dust on a shelf;
The new gets old and hearts get cold.

Where's the flame that burned with excitement?
Where's the hope you once knew so well?
It's lost at sea with all your dreams.
There you stand caught between an endless sky above and earth below;
Look above and beyond what you can see to find a view of all that this life can be.

[Chorus]
Way beyond the blue where the Father is calling,
Let Him take you to a life beyond compare;
His love is wider than the sky above you,
And He has plans for you that go way beyond the blue.

Like the wind carries an eagle,
Let His hand carry you now,
And show you scenes of His mighty strength.
As you rise high above all the riches that this world could give,
You will find the depth of His love,
And His grace that is lifting you up to live.

[Chorus]

God has raised us up with Christ
And seated us with Him in heavenly places,
So that He can show the riches of His grace
To the coming ages.

[Chorus]

In This Little Room lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

In this little room I put my pen to the paper,
To write what's in my heart down on a page;
With every line, a silent prayer is being lifted
That the song will somehow find its way
From this little room to your heart.

In this little room with just a microphone to hear me,
I sing what's in my heart while the music plays;
And with every line, a silent prayer is being lifted
That the song will somehow find its way
From this little room to your heart.

I close my eyes imagining your faces;
I see the smiles, the tears, the joys, the pain.
We may be strangers but I can give this song to you,
Because the One who gave me this song knows your name,
He knows your name, He knows your name.

In this little room tonight I'll be praying,
As Jesus comes to meet you where you are,
We'll hear His voice together if we listen,
And we'll find it's really not that far
From this little room, from this little room,
From this little room to your heart.

More Than Words lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Lord, I don't know what to say;
As I get down on my knees to pray,
The same old phrases come to mind,
But You've heard them all a thousand times.
It's not that it's untrue when I say "Lord, I love You",
It's just that I want it to be more.

[Chorus]
More than words, I want my prayer to be
More than words, thoughts my heart alone can speak;
As you listen to me tell of all Your power and mercy,
Lord, You know it's my desire that what You hear is more than words.

As I open up this Book,
And read of all the love it took
For a holy God to care for man;
Spirit, help me understand.
It's not that it's unclear, it's a letter to children,
But Lord I know it's meant to be much more.

[Chorus]
More than words, not just letters on a page;
More than words, for every line and every phrase
Was a breath of inspiration from a caring Father
Who gave the gift of His Son to prove He loved us more than words.

As I consider quietly the wonder of all Your ability,
It's more than I can comprehend, and I find myself in need again;
But if I had every word and a thousand years to use them,
What You are to me would still be more, oh, so much more, more than words.

Out In The Highways lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

There's a chapel on wheels parked at a truckstop,
Somewhere in the southern part of Florida tonight;
Many are blown in by a strong wind:
It's the wind of the Spirit.

There's a preacher with his head bowed
There at the altar,
Whispering a prayer as the people wander in,
Sayin' it's You, Lord, that they're lookin' for,
Whether they know it or not,
And that's the reason I've got to go

[Chorus]
Out in the highways, out in the highways.
Maybe this will be the day they come to meet You on their way,
Out in the highways.

There's a church down on the corner with stained glass windows,
But time has stained the windows till no light is shining through;
Those on the outside pass right by,
Lost on a dark endless highway.

There's a banner on the church wall
They put up many years ago,
Reminding them that Jesus said 'Go into all the world';
They need the Spirit wind to blow again
And fan the flame of concern,
Take the truth that they've learned and go

[Chorus]
Out in the highways, out in the highways.
Open windows, doors and hearts, take the light into the dark,
Out in the highways.

album: "Real Life Conversations" (1988)

Faithful Too lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

It's a brand new day and the sun is shining bright;
Looks like it's gonna be the very best day of my life.
So I jump out of bed into a world of opportunities;
I gotta get movin', no time to get down on my knees.
Then the telephone rings;
It's the voice of tragedy.
No I suddenly find
The time to get down on my knees.

[Chorus]
I say, "I love You",
I always look to You when trouble calls my name;
But if I'm gonna say, "I love You",
I've gotta be faithful too .
The true test of my love will be
Did I follow you consistently,
Through the good and bad;
I want to be faithful too.

Talk is cheap;
Some words come a dozen for a dime.
But a real life conversation
Will take some precious time,
And if I give my all,
Lord that's the least that I can do,
Compared to all the faithfulness
I have found in You.
So if tragedy calls,
Or if everything goes my way,
I want to be found
Faithful to you every day.

[Chorus]

Tuesday's Child lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Just when I thought I was strong
Another weak day comes along
And all my righteousness goes wrong
But I was doing so well
My dreams to be a Godly man
Seem out of reach of my own hand
But where I fall short, His grace still stands
If I have faith like a child

And if Monday's child is fair of face
And Tuesday's child is full of grace
Then you can call me Tuesday's child
Like Wednesday's child, I'm full of woe
And Thursday's child I've got far to go
But you can call me Tuesday's child

Sounds too easy some might say
There's a bigger price to pay
But when Jesus have His life away
It was once and for all
So with more of His grace filling me
I more than ever want to be
Growing up in purity
With the faith of a child

And if Monday's child is fair of face
And Tuesday's child is full of grace
Then you can call me Tuesday's child
Like Wednesday's child, I'm full of woe
And Thursday's child I've got far to go
But you can call me Tuesday's child

That's what I want to be
Full of His grace for me
Knowing He's all I need

And if Monday's child is fair of face
And Tuesday's child is full of grace
Then you can call me Tuesday's child
Like Wednesday's child, I'm full of woe
And Thursday's child I've got far to go
But you can call me Tuesday's child

Sharing the grace He gives
That's how I want to live
Free in His promises
I want to be Tuesday's child

For Who He Really Is lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

"Too many hypocrites", I heard her say
I even saw it in the headlines today
"How can I follow God
When His own people turn away?
Nobody's perfect, but I'd just like to see
Somebody living what they say they believe
They've got all this world needs, like they say
I wonder, why won't they give some away?"

[Chorus]
Can she see God
For who He really is
In what she sees in you and me?
Can she see God
For who He really is?
For who He really is
Is all she really needs to see

He steps in to church, and puts up his guard
He seems so happy, but his life's been so hard
He keeps his distance
So they won't see he has scars
It's just religion, it's all dressed up in white
And "God is love, as long as you're living right"
But does he know that Jesus also has scars?
And His love can reach him, no matter how far

Can he see God
For who He really is
In what he sees in you and me?
Can he see God
For who He really is?
For who He really is
Is all he really need to see

The skeptics are watching
To see who will fall
So maybe they could see the truth in it all
Maybe someday, we'll cross their path unaware
And they'll stop and look at us
What will be there?

Will they see God
For who He really is
In what they see in you and me?
Will they see God
For who He really is?
For who He really is
Is all they really need to see

Consider It Done lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Sometimes you wanna laugh, sometimes you wanna cry;
You're just not good enough no matter how hard you try,
So you go on, but do you know something's wrong.
You meant it when you asked Him in down on your knees;
Somehow you lost the thrill and thrills are what you need,
To let you know where you're gonna go.
You struggle on trying to earn what He's given you.
You struggle on; He died to give it, what more can you do.

[Chorus]
So consider it, consider it done;
The prize you're fighting for is already won.
So consider it, consider it done;
You'll find His work's just begun
When you consider it done.

God helps the ones who help themselves, some people say,
But are we helping out or getting in His way.
He wants our best and Hell do the rest;
It's by His grace we're saved,
Not by the things we do,
So we've got to serve Him with a thankful attitude
And let Him know where He leads we'll go.
From this day on our hope's in Jesus and His work's complete.
From this day on, He makes His experience our history.

[Chorus]

His Eyes lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Sometimes His eyes were gentle and filled with laughter
And sometimes they cried
Sometimes there was a fire of Holy anger
In Jesus' eyes

But the eyes that saw hope in the hopeless
That saw through the fault to the need
Are the same eyes that look down from heaven
Into the deepest part of you and me

And His eyes are always upon us
His eyes never close in sleep
And no matter where you go
You will always be in His eyes
In His eyes

Sometimes His voice comes calling like rolling thunder
Or like driving rain
And sometimes His voice is quiet and we start to wonder
If He knows our pain

But He who spoke peace to the water
Cares more for our hearts than the waves
And the voice that once said, "You're forgiven."
Still says, "You're forgiven", today
Today

Sometimes I look above me when stars are shining
And I feel so small
How could the God of heaven and all creation
Know I'm here at all

But then in the silence He whispers:
"My child, I created you too
and you're my most precious creation
I even gave my Son for you."

And His eyes are always upon you
His eyes never close in sleep
and no matter where you go
you will always be in His eyes
no matter where you go
you will always be in His eyes

Sometimes His eyes were gentle
and filled with laughter

The Human Race lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

In a world of winners and losers
Some are used, some are the users
It's a push and shove race
Of trying to get ahead

In the dust of all the confusion
We make a choice, truth or illusion
Will we listen to lies
Or hear what the Father says

[Chorus]
We are running in a human race
Where nobody wants to settle for second place
But we've got to run it at a different pace
'Cause the first will be last
And the last will be first
At the end of the human race

In a day when values are changing
What kind of ground are we really gaining
Who are we trying to serve by going the extra mile
We can't trade the truth for the fashion
We've got to live a life of compassion
And those we touch are the prize
That waits at the finish line

[Chorus]

We are running in the human race
We must run it at a different pace
'Cause we'll all meet the Father face to face
At the finish line of the human race

[Chorus]

Wait lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

You wonder when the Lord will renew the strength within you;
You wonder how, how can He use you as you are.
Seems like you're wasting precious time,
But then a voice comes to remind you (to wait).

[Chorus]
Wait, wait, wait on the Lord;
You will understand in time.
Why you must wait,
Wait, wait, wait on the Lord;
Yes He hears you,
But for now you must wait on the Lord.

Answers come slowly to your cries of desperation,
But time is His tool, teaching the greatest lessons learned;
So let Him do His work in you,
And watch the miracles come true as you (wait).

[Chorus]

And He wants you to know that
They that wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They will rise up with wings as eagles,
They will run, not get weary.
They will walk and not faint;
That's a promise to us when we (wait).

[Chorus]

Truth Or Consequences lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

The T.V. said just make sure you're old enough,
And let your feelings tell you when it's right.
What went wrong? She thought it was really love;
Now she wonders why she just can't sleep at night.
She knew the rules but they were too old fashioned;
Was it worth the price she has to pay.

[Chorus]
It's either truth or consequences, there's no other way;
Put truth aside, the other takes its place.
Well, you can close your eyes but that won't make it go away;
The truth or consequences must be faced.

The headlines say our world's in a lot of pain,
Hurt from all the selfishness and greed.
What went wrong? Like sheep all have gone astray;
We'll reap what we sow, don't be deceived.
His truth's been given and it's there before us,
Written on the page and in our hearts.

[Chorus]

As sure as God made the sun to shine,
He made the rules we must all live by;
He loved us too much to leave us alone
To our own devices.

[Chorus]

My Turn Now lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Well it's my turn now
My turn now
Hey, my turn to give my life away

I close the book and I shake my head
Sometimes I can't believe the things I've read
I don't deserve what He did for me
Hey, hey
He gave His love and His life away
And now He's asking me to do the same
So I'm gonna give Him all I am
And all I ever hope to be 'cause

[Chorus]
It's my turn now
Well it's my turn now
My turn to give my life away

I open up the book and look again
I read the stories of the faithful men
Who gave up all they had to follow Him
Yeah, yeah
He used the strong and He used the weak
He even gave the timid words to speak
He called whoever listened then
And now His call goes out again

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
My turn to say "I love Him"
My turn to let Him know
My life is His, so where He leads me that's where I will go

[Chorus Accapella]

His Strength Is Perfect lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me
No great success to show
No glory on my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

album: "First Hand" (1987)

First Hand lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Another Sunday morning, same old you,
Hoping that the preacher's preaching's almost through;
Not sure you need to hear this,
Seems like you've heard it all before
A hundred times or more.

All this information second hand;
Is there something more you don't understand?
It's a way of life you're missing,
Where the word becomes a part of you,
Walking everyday with Jesus,
Finding out His promises are true.

Living life first hand,
Learning the truth
Straight from the Father.
Living life first hand,
There's no middle man
When you walk with the Lord
First hand.

It's all in your mind, the world will say,
But this is something
That they can't explain away;
Not just some fancy talking,
Or just some emotion that you feel,
It's a life of first hand walking,
Finding out His promises are real.

Weak Days lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Another rainy Monday,
Looks like I'm gonna be late again;
Why does the race I'm runnin' never seem to have an end.
A day away from Sunday,
Feels like I'm already losing ground -
Funny sometimes how quickly my emotions get turned around;
They're letting me down.

[Chorus]
I gotta keep my eyes on Jesus
Through the weak days;
In a world where we really don't belong,
I've discovered if I keep my eyes on Jesus
Through the weak days,
Then even on the weak days He'll make me strong.

The spirit is so willing
When the fellowship is so sweet;
How soon all the good intentions
Find the flesh is weak.
But there's a power waiting,
With no limits to times or space;
All of our doubts and fears disappear without a trace
When we look on His face.

[Chorus]

And when we keep our eyes on Jesus,
We'll gladly follow where He leads us.

[Chorus]

Hiding Place lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,
And I need to find a shelter before it starts to rain,
So I turn and run to you, Lord,
You're the only place to go,
Where unfailing love surrounds me,
When I need it most.

You're my hiding place,
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages,
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide,
Lord in you I'll find my hiding place.

I'm not asking you to take away my troubles, Lord,
Cause it's through the stormy weather I'll learn to trust you more,
But I thank you for the promise,
And I have come to know,
Your unfailing love surrounds me,
When I need it most.

You're my hiding place,
Safe in your embrace,
I'm protected from the storm that rages.
When the waters rise,
And I run to hide,
Lord in you I'll find my hiding place.

So, let your people seek you,
While you may be found,
Cause you're our only refuge,
When the rain comes pouring down.

You're our hiding place,
Safe in your embrace,
We're protected from the storm that rages,
When the waters rise,
And we run to hide,
Lord, in you we find our hiding place...
Lord, in you we find our hiding place.

Hiding place... hiding place... Lord, you are my hiding place...

Run Away lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Strolling past temptation avenue,
You hear so many voices calling you;
Maybe you'll step in and take a quick look around.
Try to walk through it,
And you're gonna fall down.

[Chorus]
You've gotta run away,
Turn around and run the other way;
Don't even look in the direction
of a thought you should not entertain.
You've gotta run away,
It's a prison that is calling your name;
You just can't win if you play,
So run away.

There comes a time when you must stand and fight,
When the darkness tries to overcome the light;
But sin that is dressed up in the color of gray,
Is only defeated
When we run away.

[Chorus]

Don't put yourself in that position
Where sin can make it's proposition;
And if you find that you have fallen,
You gotta get up, get ready to run
Next time sin comes calling, calling.

[Chorus]

Do They Know lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I'm one of the chosen few
God chose to carry to
A hopeless and dying world
Good News.

I'm a disciple of
A caring Father's love,
A light to the world,
To show them the way.

[Chorus]
Do they know;
Can they see;
Jesus lives in me. [2x]

A vacant house comes alive
When somebody moves inside,
A light in the window means somebody's home;
I say Jesus lives in me,
But can everybody see
The light of His love that shines in my heart.

[Chorus]

A cloud of witnesses surrounds us,
Who long to share what we've received;
Tell me where will they see Jesus,
If not in you and me.

So we must let them know,
Let them see Jesus lives in you and me.
Let them know, let them see;
He is all they need,
Jesus is all we need.

Tell Me lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Whatever happened to Johnny?
He was in church every time the doors were opened;
He gave his time and his money.
Why did he give up the fight?
He was a spiritual her.

Whatever happened to Sharon?
She was the only one
You knew you could always turn to;
How could she be so uncaring?
She turned her back on you;
Who you going to turn to now?

[Chorus]
Tell me, tell me who are you depending on;
Tell me who do you believe.
You lost your faith in so many people,
But is your faith in who it should be.
There's only One who keeps all of His promises;
He is the only solid ground.
Let Jesus be the One you are trusting
To lift you up, cause He'll never let you down.

Whatever happens He's faithful;
Those who depend on him will never be disappointed,
So trust His Word and be thankful
You found the One who's true,
Someone you can turn to now.

Who Cares lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman



Trapped in simple conversation,
Hard getting past those old familiar lines,
Guarded hearts and with good reason
Say how are you, oh I'm doin' just fine;
They've said all that they can say,
Then they turn and walk away,
And the wounded hearts must wait another day.

[Chorus]
Who cares when they're crying;
Who cares when they're all alone,
And no one knows how much they long
To find someone
Who cares that they're dying,
Who cares that the road is long,
And you could be the one to lead them
To the One who cares.

Captured by the rush of living,
So hard to hear our brothers' quiet cries,
But freedom comes when we are willing
To open up our hearts and realize
They've said all that they can say;
We can't turn and walk away,
'Cause the wounded hearts might not wait another day.

[Chorus]

The Father gave His Son
To show the world how much He cares,
And now it's up to us to let them know
He cares.

[Chorus]

Dying To Live lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman



Another case of I wish I wouldn't have;
Another promise not to let Him down again.
Fighting battles in a war I thought was over;
The old man of sin died a long time ago,
But left behind a sinful nature deep within,
So if I want to win this fight,
There's a part of me that must die,
But I'm not gonna cry.

[Chorus]
'Cause I'm dying to live,
Live for Jesus.
Dying to give myself to Him,
And the life that He gives will be mine
If I am dying to live.
Dying to live,
Live for Jesus.
I want to give myself to Him;
Gonna give up - from now on I'm dying to live.

Giving up what I can't keep anyway,
To gain something that I know I'll never lose,
Trading in the temporary for the eternal,
And though it's settled, I'm reminded everyday;
To live or die to self - it's up to me to choose,
So if I want to win the fight there's a part of me
That must die.
Well I've said my goodbyes.

[Chorus]

Said And Done lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Making promises came easy
Back when they first fell in love.
They talked of how they'd share the years together;
Said we'll work it out whatever comes.
I guess we never know just how it happens;
Vows forgotten that were once so true.
Holding on to broken dreams and promises,
It's time to act on what they said they would do.

[Chorus]
'Cause when it's all said and done,
It's got to be all or none;
Words are no good unless they're backed with actions.
It's easier said than done;
Talk of the race and never run,
But the prize belongs to those who've said and done.

Love is one of many pages
In a story only time will tell;
It's a book of all the words we're saying,
Read by those who see us do as well.

[Chorus]

When it's all said and done,
Have you done what you said.
When it's all said and done,
Have you done what you said you would do.

[Chorus]

My Redeemer Is Faithful And True lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

As I look back on the road I've traveled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

[Chorus]
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

[Chorus]

And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

[Chorus]

other songs:

He'll Take Care Of The Rest lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

You know, it ain't no use
Banging your head
Up against a cold stone wall
'Cause no one perfect
Except for the Lord--
Even the best's bound to fall

Remember,
He is the vine
And you are the branch
He loves to get you through it if you give him a chance
You just keep doing your best
And pray that it's blessed
And Jesus takes care of the rest

[Chorus]
Yes the Lord said He'll take care of the rest
He's gonna do it!
He'll take care of the rest
He'll see you through it, yeah
He'll take care of the rest
The devil blew it!
(Old pharaoh blew it)
(His neighbors blew it)
Well He'll take care of the--
He'll take care of the rest

You just think about Moses
In front of the burning bush
Barefoot on the holy ground
You know he must've been thinking
"Hey, what's an old dude like me
Gonna tell 'em of when I go down?" (oh yeah, Moses)

But the Lord said
"Hey Mo, don't you worry about goin' down south
'Cause I'll be sayin' every word that comes out of your mouth
You just keep doing your best
And pray that it's blessed
And hey Mo, I'll take care of the rest"

[Chorus]

Just believe
And you'll receive
That comfort you need
You just think about all those lonely people you know
They've got everything they want
But they've got empty souls

But he'll take care of the--
He'll take care of the--
Care of the rest!

You just think about Noah
Shoulderin' his umbrella
When there wasn't a cloud in the sky
All his neighbors would laugh
At his pet giraffe
And they would oh-ho, snicker as he passed by

But the Lord said
"Be cool - you just keep building that boat
It's just a matter of time
'Til they see who's gonna float
You just keep doing your best
And pray that it's blessed
And hey Noah, Ill take care of the rest
I'm THE weather man

[Chorus]

He'll take care of the rest
He's gonna do it!
He'll take care of the rest
Oh, now Jesus will see you through it
He'll take care of the rest
Yes, yes, yes
He'll take care of the--
He'll take care of the--
He'll take care of the rest...

Heartbeat Of Hope lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I still remember the taste of my tears
The day I watched you drift away
And I remember before you disappeared
I started hoping for the day

When I'd see your face
And look in your eyes
Feel your embrace
And we'd never say goodbye

I can hear it in the baby's cry
In a mother's lullaby
Every time the morning sky
Begins to glow

I can feel it pounding deep inside
It's keeping faith alive
And I will not let it die
The heartbeat of hope

I am learning, I'm learning as I go
Just how thankful hope can be
The ache of yearning can never let you go
It has become a part of me

But pure are the longings
Holding on and holding out
I'll keep holding to the one thing
I know I can not live without

I can hear it in the baby's cry
In a mother's lullaby
And every time the morning sky
Begins to glow

I can feel it pounding deep inside
It's keeping faith alive
And I will not let it die because it's more
Than something I believe in

It's a song that makes me dance
When my feet refuse to move
It's the wind that bumps the water
That I can not get through

I can hear it in the baby's cry
In a mother's lullaby
And every time the morning sky
Begins to glow

I can feel it pounding deep inside
It's keeping faith alive
And I will not let it die
The heartbeat of hope

I will not let it die
The heartbeat of hope
I will not let it die
It's keeping faith alive
It's the heartbeat of hope

Keep it alive
The heartbeat of hope
I will not let it die
No, I will not let it die

Keep it alive
Keep alive
The heartbeat of hope

I See Love lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

Some see a teacher
Standing on a hill
Speaking words of wisdom
Some see a healer
Reaching out his hand
To give sight to a blind man
Some see a dreamer
Wasting his life
On what can never be
Some see a fool
Dying for his dreams

But I see love (I see love)
I see love (I see love)
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace (I see grace)
I see God's face (I See Gods face)
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love

Some see a prisoner
Alone before his judge
With no one to defend him
Some see a victim
Beaten and abused
With all the world against him
Some see a martyr
Carrying his cross
For what he believes
Some see a hero
Who set his people free

But I see love (I see love)
I see love (I see love)
Light of heaven breaking through
Well I see grace (I see grace)
I see God's face (I See Gods face)
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you

With your last breath
I see love
Through your death
I see life
I see peace in the eyes of the king
I see hope in your suffering (I see love)
I see a calm in the center of the storm
I see a Saviour

I see love
I see love
Light of heaven breaking through (heaven breaking through)
I see grace
I see God's face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
I see love
When I see you
I see heaven breaking through
See Gods face
Shining pure and perfect love
When I see you
When I see you
When I see you
I see love
I see love
When I see........you

Some see Him walking from an empty grave...

I Will Not Go Quietly lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I was born with an angel whispering in my ear
Telling me sacred secrets that God wanted me to hear
And I have lived to tell the mysteries I've been told
And even when they tell me it's my time to go

No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No, no, not go quietly no, no, not go quietly

These things I tell, they are much true
Than the heart of he who speaks
Even so, this humble servant

Cannot help but talk about his king
So I will sing 'cause I can't hold back the song
I shout and scream, until God takes me home

No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No, no, not go quietly no, no, not go quietly

So how can I keep silent?
So how can I not speak?
And tell about the Savior
Who has set this prisoner free?

No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No I will not, no I will not, not go quietly
No, no, not go quietly no, no, not go quietly

Nobody Ever (Only You) lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I thought a heart of stone would be a safe place
To hide away the brokenness and pain
And I was so sure my empty eyes would be the last place
The light of love would ever shine again

But then with a miracle You found me
You did what no one else could ever do

Nobody ever loved the way that You love me
Nobody ever saw what You brought alive in me
Nobody ever knew how lost I was without You
(Nobody else could ever save me)
Nobody ever, only You

Never have I known this kind of freedom
Like a child dancing in the rain
I didn't even know that I was locked inside a prison
And only You could break me from my chains

No one but You knew where to find me
You gave me life I never had before

Nobody ever loved me like You
Nobody ever loved me like You
Nobody ever saw me
Nobody ever knew me
Nobody ever loved me like You

No one else could ever save me
Only You

Out There lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I talk to you, you talk to me
We speak in our own language
These common truths that we believe
Are like a warm, inviting fire we gather round

But there's a danger lurking here
Inside our place of comfort
We've got to go out in the dark
Cause there's a hungry heart
That's longing just to know
That someone cares enough to go

[Chorus]
Out there
Someone needs a friend
Who'll walk against the wind
To a place that's strange and unfamiliar
Out there
Where all of us have been
Until love brings us in
So who will dare to go and be a friend
Cause someone really needs a friend
Out there

So we'll sing for you
You'll sing along
We'll let this song remind us
Poor, hungry beggars all are we
Invited to a feast
That none of us deserves
Filled to go to love and serve

[Repeat Chorus]

Somewhere out beyond the sweet sound
Of amazing grace
Someone needs to see God's love
And mercy face to face

[Repeat Chorus]

Remembering You lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

I found You in the most unlikely way
But really it was You who found me
And I found myself in the gifts that You gave
You gave me so much and I

I wish You could stay
But I'll, I'll wait for the day

[Chorus]
And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
And I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

From the first moment when I heard Your name
Something in my heart came alive
You showed me love and no words could explain
A love with the power to
Open the door
To a world I was made for

[Chorus]
And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
And I'll be remembering...

The dark night, the hard fight
The long climb up the hill knowing the cost
The brave death, the last breath
The silence whispering all hope was lost
The thunder, the wonder
A power that brings the dead back to life

I wish You could stay
But I'll wait for the day
And though You've gone away
You come back

[Chorus]
And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
And I'll be remembering You

And I'll watch as the sun fills a sky that was dark
And I'll be remembering You
And I'll think of the way that You fill up my heart
And I'll be remembering You

I'll be remembering You
I'll be remembering You
I'll be remembering You

I'll be remembering You

Soldier lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

When you are a soldier I will be your shield
I will go with you into the battlefield
And when the arrows start to fly
Take my hand and hold on tight
I will be your shield, 'cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier

When you're tired from running
I will cheer you on
Look beside you and you'll see you're not alone
And when your strength is all but gone
I'll carry you until you're strong
And I will be your shield 'cause I know how it feels
When you're a soldier

I will be the one you can cry your songs to
My eyes will share your tears
And I'll be your friend if you win
Or if you're defeated
Whenever you need me I will be here

When you're lost in darkness I will hold the light
I will help you find your way through the night
I'll remind you of the truth
And keep the flame alive in you
And I will be your shield
'Cause I know how it feels
When you are a soldier

Sometimes He Comes In The Clouds lyrics - Steven Curtis Chapman

These are the places I was so sure I'd find Him
I looked in the pages and I looked down on my knees
I lifted my eyes in expectation
To see the sun still refusing to shine

But sometimes He comes in the clouds
Sometimes His face cannot be found
Sometimes the sky is dark and gray
But some things can only be known

And sometimes are faith can only grow
When we can't see
So sometimes He comes in the clouds

Sometimes I see me a sailor out on the ocean
So brave and so sure as long as the skies are clear
But when the clouds to gather
I watch my faith turn to fear

But sometimes He comes in the clouds
Sometimes His face cannot be found
Sometimes the sky is dark and gray
But some things can only be known

And sometimes are faith can only grow
When we can't see
So sometimes He comes in the clouds

Sometimes He comes in the rain
And we question the pain
And wonder why God can seem so far away
But time will show us, He was right there with us

And sometimes He comes in the clouds
Sometimes His face cannot be found
Sometimes the sky is dark and gray
But some things can only be known

And sometimes are faith can only grow
When we can't see
So sometimes He comes in the clouds