Just Believe
This is a song based on the Bible story of Jairus, his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood. It is written in a Gospel Church style, with backing vocals, and light orchestration.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Gospel)
This is an original song I wrote, using text from the well-known Christmas carol. The recording was from a live performance on Christmas Eve at Odessa Christian Faith Center, 2023. Hope you enjoy!
We Win (Drops of Blood)
Here's a song I wrote for this year's Easter services. I just now had a chance to mix it down. Hope you enjoy it!
Drops of Blood upon the ground
and with thorns, He wore the crown,
as He carried the weight of all my sin
Driving spikes into His hands,
unrecognizable as man,
He cried out and all creation saw His end.
Now that darkness had its cost,
and ev'ry hopeful day was lost,
placed into the ground,
carried to a bed of rock,
Descending in to regions only known to death,
surrounded in the lies of all unrest,
Separated from the Love
and ev'ry thing from up above,
He became the curse that I deserved.
And when the debt was paid,
the wind of Heaven came,
and burning light came blazing through the door.
For the gates of hell shall not prevail
against the love that tore the veil.
Heaven's eyes toward us
are filled with tears of grace,
and a longing to behold us face to face.
With a blazing light and burning pow'r,
radiation filled the tomb,
as a New Creation, and a brand new Nation
came forth from Heaven's womb,
He's alive in us, and we're alive in Him!
All of Heaven now proclaims,
"We win! We win!"
"We win! We win!"
He is alive, He's ruling in His power,
We are alive in Him!
Ev'ry pow'r is put now beneath Him,
We declare, "We win!"
Heaven's gates are opened wide,
All His life is now inside.
Light and life are here to stay.
Ev'ry blessing shines today.
He is alive, He's ruling in His power,
We are alive in Him!
Ev'ry pow'r is put now beneath Him,
We declare, "We win!"
Heaven's gates are opened wide,
All His life is now inside.
Light and life are here to stay.
Ev'ry blessing shines today.
We win! We win!
We live in Him!
We win! We win!
We win!
Just As I Am
Here's a string quartet arrangement I wrote using the melody from the hymn "Just As I Am".
(purchase entire string hymns album)
Many churches today have stopped doing altar calls, hoping not to offend anyone. This is a departure, however, from the past century of American churches whose congregants became familiar with the hymn “Just As I Am” as it was either sung or played during an invitation for salvation.
In 1934 famed evangelist Billy Graham came forward to become a Christian while this song was being played, and subsequently used it in his own widely renowned crusades.
I remember my own decision to step forward publicly, as I got up out of my seat to stand before a congregation. It was both a bold moment and an awkward one. I knew all too well my own insecurities, weaknesses and failures, yet when presented with the idea that I could approach the Creator of all things in a sort of ‘divine forgiveness/relationship’, it evoked desire, wonder and fear all at the same time.
As I remember back, I’m glad I decided to get up out of my chair that day, even with all the uncertainty that that moment evoked. As I continued to grow as a Christian, I remember coming across a passage in the Bible that said, “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 10:32-33)
Knowing that I was willing, and am still willing, to be identified with Jesus Christ produced a foundation upon which I could continue to build my faith and deepen my spiritual roots.
That one awkward moment grew into a strength that has extended wonderful benefits, not only to my own life, but to those of my family, friends, co-workers in ministry, and many people I may never know.
My hope is that the American Christian will continue to require passage through that narrow gate of awkwardness for the unashamed.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rom. 1:16)
Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - though toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am - of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
-O Lamb of God, I come!
Charlotte Elliot