River of Love

River of Love

God is the source of every good thing.
Out of His love for us blessings flow.
Like a raging river washing over us,
We are covered by His wondrous love.

We are not to still the raging river,
But as a channel become the river.
Out of love a blessing we become,
by sharing His love to everyone.

As raindrops fall to form a stream,
One upon another the river grows.
And as the drops now becomes a team,
it true purpose, God’s love to show.

Blessing upon blessing joins as one,
To proclaim the glory of God’s Son.
Watch as the blessing of love grows,
Changing lives as God’s love flows.

God’s gift to us, a blessing we will be;
A light in the world, so they may see.
As we swim in the river of His love,
Let us give the glory to God above.

From the throne of God flows a river,
He is our God, our source and life giver.
It is His powerful river that washes clean,
The river of love blessing to redeem.

Love creating blessings watch love grow,
As blessings spread His love the river flows.
God’s gift to us is a blessing of endless love,
Our hearts response to Him, share the love.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 23 April 2010

My Lord, My King

My Lord, My King

Sins chains had me bound,
Struggling with all my might,
Still those chains held on tight,
Forcing me to the ground.

For all the wrong I’d done,
A river of bitter tear I shed.
Who could save me from the dead?
My Lord, my king, the only one.

My Lord, my King, only He,
That could be the Sacrifice;
To pay my sins high price,
So great His love for me.

Confused, I was so lost,
My body gripped in fear.
But my Lord came near,
Saying for you I’ll pay the cost.

His loving light shown in,
My Lord, God’s own Son,
On the cross it was done
He died to free me of my sin.

My Lord, my King, only He,
That could be the Sacrifice;
To pay my sins high price,
So great His love for me.

This story does not end,
Now my life belongs to Him.
His light will not ever dim,
From the grave He rose again.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 12 April 2010

Whispers of Love

Whispers of Love

Soft and gentle a mothers kiss,
Her child sleeps in peaceful bliss.
She leans and whispers in his ear,
Sweet words of love for him to hear.

Two stand before God to become one,
A ring upon the hand; the wedding done.
The union blessed by God above,
Their hearts hear His whispers of love.

As evening fall and night begins
The couple prepares to turn in.
Arms locked in fond embrace,
Whispers of love face to face.

A father grips the hand of his son,
Wishing him well till the war be done.
A mothers tear runs down her cheek,
And whispers love hard to speak.

The roar of the battle can not dim,
The love of God that dwells within.
The soldier know deep in his heart,
Those whispers of love will never part.

When those dark clouds are rolling in
Savagely blown by the howling wind.
But God will be with us even here,
Listen close and your ears will hear,
His whispers of love.

We don’t need to scream and shout,
If it is true love we are talking about.
For truth everlasting look to God above,
And heed those sweet whispers of love.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 22 March 2010

Set Free

Set Free

Lift up my soul to you O Lord;
In you is my spirit is restored.
My enemies fall to the dust;
In you, O my God do I trust.

The wicked are put to shame,
But the wise praise your name.
Reveal and teach me your ways,
That I may follow you all my days.

Guide my life and my behavior,
For you alone are my Savior.
Remember your great mercy and love,
And stand guard from heaven above.

Remember not the sins of my youth,
But instruct this sinner with your truth.
According to your love, remember me;
For the sake of your name forgive me.

I have no fear with you by my side,
Nor will your great love will I hide.
Though lonely and far from home,
You are with me, I never walk alone.

Let your child not be put to shame,
My hope and refuge is in your name.
Your covenant you revealed to me;
It was by your blood I was set free.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 16 March 2010

My Lord I Serve

My Lord I Serve

O Lord, out of the depths of my sins I cry to you,
Hear my plea, let your ears be alert to my cry.
Beaten down and confused I know not what to do,
Come and rescue me O Lord, for I will surly die.

Head bowed low I confess, on my merit I can not stand,
Only in you is there hope; only in you is there mercy.
Receive my humble prayers and reach down your hand,
No other can save, in you alone will I ever be free.

Praise the Lord, o my soul; praise His holy name,
Remember forever His wondrous love and mercy.
Today I have been cleansed because to me He came,
Forever unchained from the sin that bound me.

Glory to Him that from sins dark pit redeems,
The one who dries my tear and my pain eases.
All glory to the Lord who has heard my screams,
And came to forgive my sin and heal my diseases.

He lifts me up on wings of eagles, and satisfies my soul,
I live for Him, and His name my heart will forever praise.
His loving hand leads and guides me to my heavenly goal,
He now dwells and walks with me for the rest of my days.

Praise be to the Lord most high, all glory be to him,
Let this life I live be in worship to my Lord I serve.
My heart rejoices in Him, to the Lord I sing my hymn,
Praise His name, for He does not judge as I deserve.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 09 March 2010

The Old Ways

The Old Ways

It’s so, so hard to let go;
Of the old ways.
And change comes so slow.
Lord, hear me pray.

I’m weary down to the bone,
Of the old ways.
I can’t make it on my own;
help me today.

When am I to see a change;
Of the old ways?
Free me from these chains,
Teach me your way.

Please hear my plea and rid me;
Of the old ways.
Open my heart and let me see,
A brand new day.

Help me Lord to turn loose;
Of the old ways.
I know there is no excuse,
to stay this way.

Thank you Lord, you freed me;
Of the old ways.
With a heart as glad as can be,
I’ll follow you each day.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 08 March 2010

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer

Dear Father who reigns from heaven above,
Guide me that I may reflect your Holy love.
Let your spirit dwell boldly with me this day,
That I respect your name in what I do and say.

Reveal your will to me and help me to obey,
May you rule in my life each and every day.
Provide for me my Lord, all of my daily needs,
And remove from my life all the choking weeds.

Take from me all the wickedness of my Youth,
Fill me with your love and Holy word of truth.
For those who I think have hurt me in the past,
Teach me to forgive that I may be freed at last.

Let me not be tempted by the what I may see,
The deceptive beauty of the sin that surrounds me.
But stand guard over my heart that I am protected,
That this, your temple does not become infected.

It is only by your mighty power that I may see,
Your wondrous kingdom you have promised me.
Guide me Lord that I may live this life to your glory,
let me tell everyone who will hear your beautiful story.

Lord Jesus lead me on,
Amen

Carl A. Gooch ~ 09 March 2010

Live and Testify

Live and Testify

Sing to the Lord your praise; sing out loud in all the earth.
Sing of His glory, tell of how He gave you the new birth.
Let the story of salvation shine, proclaiming day after day,
From nation to nation, in all season in work and in play.

Let the glory of our Lord shine; let His love be known.
Let your heart reveal with your lip the love He has shown.
Great is the Lord, worthy of our praise; heed His call.
Seek out the hurting and the lost tell His story to all.

In thanksgiving, for His precious blood was shed,
Let us worship Him who was raised from the dead.
Let our hearts, lips and lives in praise to Him sing,
And in faith let us to His saving mercy and grace cling.

Praise be to the Lord He has freed us from sins chains,
Let heaven rejoice and the earth be glad; the Lord reigns.
Let all creation reflect His glory; Let every heart now see,
Robed in splendor; strength and glory His sanctuary be.

Let us sing before Him who comes to judge all the earth.
Dance with joy before Him who gives us value and worth.
Let not your tongues be silent, but lift your voices in song,
A sin-offering He was for you, and to Him you now belong.

Join with the angels as they praise and sing of His glory.
Live as with the saints testifying to His wondrous story.
Lift up your hand, lift up your hearts to Him and sing.
Live a life of prayer to our Lord God, savior and King.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 06 March 2010

Christ our Head

Christ our Head

We are blessed to be called as God’s chosen.
As His chosen children we can not be frozen.
For our Lord did not give us a spirit of fear;
But we are to proclaim that others may hear.

A Christian must live among a world of lost,
But lives free because Christ paid the cost.
There are dangers, it’s not an easy life to live,
But one of faith in the promise Christ did give.

If His will we are to know we need His lead,
So in prayer to Him as His word we are to read.
How can we be strong; How are we to know,
If we do not asked, If to the source we do not go?

Our Lord knows what dangers we will face,
And He’s right there with us in that place.
Do not fear what will happen to the flesh,
He is the only one who can your soul refresh.

In His death on the cross, we also died,
By an oath of blood to Him we are tied.
And as He rose victorious from the grave,
A promise of life with Him, to us He gave.

He walks with us through this evil land,
He guides and lead with His mighty hand.
Our God is the God for every eye to see;
The one who created all and will always be.

Each day is an adventure on this path,
And the world to us will show it’s wrath.
Traps, toils and snares for us lie ahead,
But have no worries, fear nor dread,
For our salvation rests in Christ our Head.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 03 March 2010

Because of Love

Because of Love

My Lord, most gracious to us, you have richly blessed us.
You have smiled upon us, it is in you we will place our trust.
You came and made your ways are known to all the earth.
You lived, died and rose from the grave to give us new birth;

The message of your salvation has spread to the nation.
The wise will build their lives upon your firm foundation.
May your children praise your name, may we all praise you.
May our lips tell your story, may we speak your word true.

Let every nation be glad, and with a joyful heart sing,
May every mouth confess you are our Lord and King.
In you who created us all, let us seek our direction,
For in your loving rule, is our example of perfection.

In your guide, the harvest will abound in the land,
And the truth of your loving promises we understand.
May your children praise your name, may we all praise you.
May our lips tell your story, may we speak your word true.

The Lord God continues to bless us day and night,
He calls out of the darkness and into His Holy light.
He places His desires in our hearts and makes us one,
Not because of ourselves but by what He has done.

When we are troubled and filled with fear and doubt,
Remember His story and long on His love think about.
The anguish and suffering He went through on the cross,
Was because of us, but because of love He paid the cost.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 28 February 2010

You are my God

You are my God

O Lord, you are my God, I intently seek you;
My body hungers And my soul thirsts for you.
I grow weary from the attacks of the adversary;
It is in your forgiveness that I seek sanctuary.

I wander in these barren and hostile lands,
Yet I praise your name with lifted hands.
With singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Deliverance is in your loving promise true.

You are my help, my soul soars on eagles wings,
When evening falls I pray, as I rise to you I sing.
My soul clings to you; your mighty hand holds me.
You open my eyes so wondrous beauty I may see.

Your sword protects me from the jackals of night,
Your word guides me showing wrong from right.
The tongues of the serpents lay quiet and still,
The storms of life’s days bow to your mighty will.

Though I be weak and weary unable to stand,
By your strength and mercy I take your hand.
You who sat the stars, and know them by name,
You Lord, will not let your child be put to shame.

From north to south, east to west I will proclaim
Your glory; for you have given me your Holy name.
You who were before time, my wounds did mend.
O Lord, you are my God, your love will never end.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 25 February 2010

Through it All

Through it All

The mornings chill is in the air,
The birds are singing everywhere.
Sunlight glistens on the dew,
As I sit and mediate on you.

My mind is filled with this sight,
You have broken the chains of night.
Before me the blessings of the day,
Behind lays the sins you took away.

My heart beats fast within me,
Amazed at all my eyes do see.
As we sit and talk as friends do,
I plead that I may walk with you.

You grant me ease of mind,
For in your promises love I find.
I feel your presence all around,
Reading your word peace is found.

Your desires have become mine,
Because of your love so divine.
I will rise your praises and sing,
Marveling at the journey you bring.

The sun rises cloaking me in its’ glow,
Warmed in the you I’ve come to know.
I know winter, summer, spring and fall,
You are here with me through it all.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 23 February 2010

Sweet Reward

Sweet Reward

With all my heart and soul I will praise the Lord.
to sing and proclaim His praise, is sweet reward.
Forever I will praise you, my Lord God, my king,
You are the provider of my life, my everything.

No one can fathom the greatness of your love.
From beginning to forever you rein from above.
The children of my children will know your mighty acts,
For the fathers of my father have spoken of those facts.

My lips will speak of what my heart knows to be,
The wondrous work and the splendor of your majesty.
They will tell of your awesome works and great deeds,
That all may know the truth of the bases of my creeds.

From hilltop to hilltop I will sing of your mighty power,
In song I will reveal the blessings on me you shower.
Your ways are right and just, your love rich and true.
All you have made praises, and your saints exalt you.

My tongue delights in praise of your Holy name.
Of your glory and might may I forever proclaim.
My Lord you meet each need with grace and mercy,
Use me My Lord so your glorious splendor all may see.

Your kingdom everlasting, your dominion endures,
I know Your mercy forever, my salvation ensures.
I am blessed upon blessing to know God’s own Son,
Joyfully I now Belong to Him for what He has done.

Wondrous and great these gifts you freely give,
the price paid that now in you we truly can live.
With all my heart and soul I will praise the Lord,
To sing and proclaim His praise, is sweet reward.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 18 February 2010

You Lord

You Lord

Lord you have searched me and know my heart.
You’ve blessed me with your love never to part.
You see my actions and know my every thought,
Before I can move my lips to speak you hear each word.
When my spirit is down you lift me up and I soar like a bird.

If I soar to the heavens, you are there.
If I lie down in the depths, you are there.
On top of the highest mountain, you are there.
In the deepest valley, you are there.
There is nowhere that your presence are not seen.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
If I rise on the wings of dawn or cross the sea,
I know you will be there to comfort and guide me.
You hold me up with your hand and will always be.

My foes come in the darkness to slay,
But with you night shines like the day.
In the face of their attack, I can sing,
For the light of truth is in my inmost being.

You have call me out and I am yours,
Your love and promises to me assures.
In my morning you did not reject me,
But held me close and comforted me.

When I come to the alter of my Lord,
You fill me and my spirit is restored.
In you my Lord is my joy and delight,
You are the one that gives me sight.

My strength is in you, and you alone.
I am powerless, helpless on my own.
You are truly my Lord God and King,
And with you I need not want for anything.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 16 February 2010

Trust in Him

Trust In Him

In times of trouble, in times of distress;
You can turn to Him, He will give you rest.
Perfect peace the Lord will give to you,
When you trust in Him, He will see you through.

Those who call on His name He will not reject,
But in His love and mercy He will protect.
So praise the Lord for being your guide,
A true and loving heart He will not deny.

In the dark night His teaching fills your mind,
In His loving promises a refuge you can find.
You can look to Him in your time of fear,
When you call on His name He will hear.

Be alert and firm in your faith, brave and strong,
When you follow Him He guards you from wrong.
Let the Lord be your guide, let Him lead you,
Let Him dwell in your heart, He is always true.

Some may trust in silver, some may trust in gold,
But they will be left out, shivering in the cold.
Some will trust in treasures, some in fame,
But you can always rest assured in His Holy name.

Trust the Lord to lead you, He is the way.
He will teach you, He gives you the words to say.
When someone attacks you, calling you odd,
Lift high your banner in the name of God.

It is the Lord that make us strong and grants us peace,
That we may know from sin’s grip we have our release.
It is the Lord whom we depend on to guard and protest.
When you cry out for His mercy, He does not reject.
Praise be to the Lord most High.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 16 February 2010

Noble Theme

Noble Theme

My heart is filled with the noble theme,
Of reciting the words of my Lord and King.
His promises are for both old and young,
They please both the ears and the tongue.

Grant O’ Lord my plea that my lips excel,
That all who hear your story of love I tell.
May I speak of your splendor and majesty,
That in these words you give, all may see.

Let your mighty hand touch the hearts,
To know the truth your words imparts.
Open the eyes so all may see and know,
That you are with us wherever we go.

Opens our hearts and let us songs employ,
For you have anointed us with oils of joy.
No longer the bitter tear do we need,
For we are victorious in your great deed.

No longer to stumble in sins dark night,
For now we walk with you in your holy light.
Once poor, lonely and without a place,
You made us royal members by your grace.

The righteous rejoice and the wicked flee,
As your power is displayed for all to see.
Trouble will come, then go away again,
But you paid the price for all our sin.

So let us all stand together a body of one,
And praise the name of God’s own Son.
Let us lift our voices together and say,
Jesus my Lord, the truth, the life and the way.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 12 February 2010

Serving My Lord

Serving My Lord

I sit and stare at a page as blank as my mind,
Searching here and there hoping words to find.
But even before I type one word on this day,
I get quiet and listen as a little prayer I say.

Lord, I do not need riches nor claims of fame,
But grant me the words to share your loving name.
Help me to stand firm and strong, proud and bold,
telling the world the truth of you as it should be told.

Lord you gave me a gift to use for your glory,
And your love to me is a never ending story.
Come now Lord, guide heart, steady my hand,
Grant me a way to help them, your love understand.

Lord, you stood in my place and paid the price,
And with love you gave yourself as a sacrifice.
But more than this, you rose from the grave,
So that from sin and death, I may be saved.

I, just like the farmer, can but plant the seed,
And it is on your grace and mercy we feed.
Lord, it is you that prepares the fertile field,
Your word and sacraments nourish till yield.

Lord, I come to you on my knees in prayer this day,
That those who read these word will see your way.
May they know the truth of your promise and love,
Let them know Lord, that it comes from God above.

The loving words you gave to me are strong and true,
Let me use them to show others how much I love you.
If these words be a service to you, then that is my reward,
For nothing brings me greater joy than serving my Lord.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 08 February 2010

Light of my Life

Light of my Life

(John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." )

Great joy fills my heart for the Light of Life dwells within.
I am free, walking no longer in the darkened world of sin.
My past lay dead in the past and can never more rise,
His great mercy and love paid the price and justifies.

Sin blinded eyes of old but now beauty before me I see,
My tired mind now renewed and my heart sings with glee.
His promises my fears did calm the day He set me free,
And it is His strength, His purpose that now moves me.

I know that in the deepest valley, I’ll see His high hills,
For His love protects, His laws guides and His spirit fills.
When sorrow comes and my eyes are filled with tears,
I know He is there with me and my prayers He hears.

Once I had a cold heart, locked in pride and jealousy,
Only He could open it with His wondrous love, the key.
A spark of hope became a raging fire deep within me,
When the Lord of light opened my eyes to see.

When my mind and heart believed, trust and faith showed,
And to my soul His wisdom revealed the heavenly road.
The old shall pass, the new shall come walking with the Son,
Who rules my life? Who is my King? There is but one;
Jesus Christ…..The truth, the life and the way.
He alone is the one that lights my way.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 26 January 2010

Saved and Blessed

Saved and Blessed

It is very easy to get caught up in the day
To get a little sidetracked and lose our way.
It starts out so simple with something small,
We take our eyes away then lose sight of it all.

We lose our focus just for a moment of time,
Thinking I’ll do this and then get back in line.
But our minds and hearts go farther off track,
not noticing it until we try to find the way back.

That which we started to do was good itself,
But forgot the reason, and left Him on the shelf.
We try so hard to take control that we lose sight,
And wander aimlessly into the darkest of night.

But the spirit within us calls out to bring us back,
His mercy and love restores the wisdom we lack.
He knows the trials and temptations we face,
And He comes to us with His mercy and grace.

He sees that which we can not see laying ahead,
And He waits for our return with arms wide spread.
As a forgiving Father He holds us close to His chest,
The one once lost now returned saved and blessed.

Carl A. Gooch ~ 25 January 2010