Paradox of the Presence

Why are you so Gracious

Why are we so blessed?

To have your face to shine upon us

The destination of life’s quest.

There we find abundant rest

This is the eternal essence

Of the deep desire we bear

To abide within your presence

To be ne’re  cast out from there

The answer to our very prayer.

We partake of endless mercies

Stand faultless before the throne

Clothed in robes of righteousness

Woven by wounded hands alone

Our Savior’s hands and not our own

We cannot stay secluded

Yet we ever linger long

We must live the victory in this world

To sing the victor’s song

As we live before the throne where we belong

So now lose your life to find it

Live and give your life away

Live life how the Lord designed it

Walk in victory today

Take up the cross and follow The Way.

And at the throne of blessedness

Standing there we are undone

There is no place for selfishness

For pride and lusts are done

Standing there within the Holy One

As we go  our God is with us

In this God’s likeness view

The nature of God’s glory

Has made His Image bearers new

Empty vessels made good and true!

So now lose your life to find it

Live and give your life away

Live life how the Lord designed it

Walk in victory today

Take up the cross and follow The Way.

Written during Advent 2013

The Life Of The Vine

A song from a decade ago...

The fruit of the vine must not remain forever on the vine
It must be crushed and trampled to make refreshing wine.
The grain is harvested and then is ground in  mills for wheat
To make a pure and sifted flour to bake good bread to eat.

The seed of nard is gathered and crushed to release
Its fragrance-- so to be fulfilled, it's former life must cease
The olive on the branch is plucked and in the vise is pressed
To make the oil of gladness it must become distressed.

For living we die and dying we live
All that is given is for us to give
Buried we're raised if we only believe
Because of the life of the vine
For in dying we live and in living we die
We take up our cross with the One crucified
Present ourselves a living sacrifice
Because of the life of the vine

The fig must in its season be pruned and cut away
Else it will never bear good fruit or see its fruit displayed
The tree must be cut down to make a cross of wood
Else all the world would die like it- it's death would do us good.

This is life's purpose the reason God gave
We're born to be used up so others are saved
We can nurture each other because He forgave
Part of the chain of life divine
This mysterious life on the vine.

For living we die and dying we live
All that is given is for us to give
Buried we're raised if we only believe
Because of the life of the vine
For in dying we live and in living we die
We take up our cross with the One crucified
Present ourselves a living sacrifice
Because of the life of the vine...

Anthony Foster

Very Present Help

Christ be our strength and our refuge

A Rock in a troublesome day

Our ark within the great deluge

To our tower of power we pray.

Lord of Hosts be our stronghold

Lord of Hosts, calm our fears, make us bold

Our striving must cease if we’d know sweet release

And the peace worth  more than riches untold.

Lord be  our very present help, very present help

Very present help in our time of need.

You are our very present help, very present help

Very present help in our time of need.

We who walk in darkness still need your great light

All those dead in their sins need your new life

A new glory you’ll make for you own glory’s sake

We shall be satisfied as you dawn on our sight.

From the darkness that burdens our souls we’d be freed

Meet us now, even now in the time of our need

Rise up and redeem us for your lovingkindness’ sake

Com quickly and rescue and our bondages break

Lord be our very present help, very present help

Very present help in our time of need.

You are our very present help, very present help

Very present help in our time of need.

Anthony Foster 

December 8, 2013

On my way home

On this sojourn

On this course

From the day we are born

We seek our source

On this journey

As we pray

A light we cannot see

Will light our way

For there’s wisdom we need

And the way to be freed

From distractions that pull us apart

As we fall on our face

Into rhythms of grace

We will find the true beat of our heart

For our prayers are a longing

To know we are known

And that we are belonging

To desires not our own

There's One who declares us

As righteous and just

Who renews and repairs us

So in Him we shall trust

So on this quest

On this long road

Receive what is best

Leave behind that old load

For there is a blessing

In the straight narrow path

And the heart’s that’s confessing

Shall be spared the wrath

For there’s wisdom we need

And the way to be freed

From distractions that pull us apart

As we fall on our face

Into rhythms of grace

We will find the true beat of our heart

For our prayers are a longing

To know we are known

And that we are belonging

To desires not our own

There's One who declares us

As righteous and just

Who renews and repairs us

So in Him we shall trust

Anthony Foster

December 3, 2013

Archives unpacked

I have found that in the rhythm of our new life, many things get put aside. I have just finished filling up the 2012-2013 scrapbooks with the accumulated memorabilia of the past year or so, plus uploading writings and sorting files. The fifteen or so lyrics below are a part of that divestiture. I look forward to a big housecleaning of the non-digital sort this winter.

The Blood of Love

In the inescapable darkness

Deliverance was not in view

But light has shined in darkness

The advent of the TRUE

Remember and rejoice

Watch and wait

For the fulfillment of His promise is come

Source of  our Magnificat

What great things has God done for me?

A wretched man was I.

The flood of judgment mine.

When I was dead he drew me

He gave salvation to me

Now in The blessed Love of Christ

Forever I abide

Oh deep, deep love

Precious gift from God above

Grows ever deeper still

In the living of His Will.

Oh deep deep love

This itself will be enough

This alone can satisfy

The blood of love will be our cry.

In the valley of the shadow of death

The devil wants our final breath.

Drowned in oceans of deep darkness

Or into hell’s futile abyss

To take us Down into the depths of judment’s flood

But deeper is the fountain filled with blood.

So align my heart with your heart

Remove anything that would keep us apart

Make my heart tender as I surrender

Open my heart to its innermost part

As true service I seek, forge my affections

Into a heartfelt connection

Take my motives I pray

And renew them today

Powered by your resurrection!

Ps. 42:7

Anthony Foster

September 2013

Eternal Word that Became Flesh

Eternal Word that became flesh

Condescending in the Creche

Glory limited by choice

Wrath bearer with an infant’s voice.

Our unrighteousness to overcome

Where sin’s wages devastated men

To become a holy ransom

And His righteousness would cover our sins.

The suffering you embraced

Priceless blood in the cup of grace

Poured out at the altar

Conqueror, overcomer

Raised to glory forever

Nevermore to falter.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

So stop and rejoice and remember

Reflecting purposefully

The theme of hope is on our hearts

In eager expectation to see

HE is our treasure and our greatest good

Grace is yours, grace is yours

The spirit of God in the people of Your Book

Serving you in what we preach

Things into which angels long to look.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

All the holy ways of God

Are steadfast love and faithfulness.

Anthony Foster

November 2013

Imperishable Seed

Of those who have fallen asleep

We are the firstfruits He will keep

In Christ our victory, is our Truth

Our Jesus is the point of our pursuit.

Imperishable seed

Sow your harvest inside of me

Plough our fields and penetrate

The hard soils of sin and hate

Life giving, living vine

Graft us into life divine.

The crushed son has borne the wrath

And borne it all on our behalf

A living Hope-A sure salvation

Now born again through His resurrection

Imperishable seed

Answer to our every need

Open our eyes and open our doors

Show us what you made us for

Atoning, living sacrifice

It is all of God in Christ.

Anthony Foster

July 2013

Rooted in the Resurrected One

The seed of the woman promised to Eve

The covenant promises to all who would believe

The joy of the scarlet thread woven in the word

The praise of heaven now on the earth is heard

Christ is Come

We are Rooted in the resurrected one

Christ is Come

We are Rooted in the resurrected one

Word made flesh among us dwells

Ancient of Days and God most High

Exalted one of Heaven now came to die

Holy Holy Holy Christ

Comforter, full of wonder

Came to tear death asunder

Came the serpent’s skull to crush

Came to raise children of dust.

One who has died

One who was raised

We gather around

And this glory we praise

Christ is Come

We are Rooted in the resurrected one

Christ is Come

We are Rooted in the resurrected one

Rooted in the resurrected one

Rooted in the resurrected one

Anthony Foster

July 2013

Precious Paradise

Let all of creation worship Him

Who for a little while was made

Lower than the angels

Transcendence came near to be displayed

Immanuel indwelling man

Once enemies now one, together

This is our precious paradise

Union with our Christ forever

This is our precious paradise

Union with our precious Christ

For His presence  we have longed

To abide and to reside

In the shadow of His wings we hide.

And He has become our song.

Fullness of God’s glory here

Not one of us can comprehend

Not one of us can understand

The depth of how he’d condescend.

He came down from his throne above

Set us apart, swept out the leaven

Shed glory on this work of dust

And raises us to heaven.

He is our precious paradise

Union with our precious Christ

For His presence  we have longed

To abide and to reside

In the shadow of His wings we hide.

And He has become our song.

Anthony Foster

August 2013

True adoration

His sufferings were to our doors applied

For the blood bought bride he died.

To sacrifice his life for us he came

For those who trust the power of His name

We lift our hearts in ardent celebration

We seek to tell the world of His salvation

By living lives empowered by true adoration!

True adoration, let this be our offering

True adoration, now fill up the praise we sing

True adoration, overflowing hearts of grace

As gratitude and worship fills this place.

To your will conformed

By your word we are formed

In our sacrifice our praise He is adored

If we are following our Lord

Chosen vessels now are filled

As we seek to serve His will

Redeemed of the ages

Exempted from sin’s wages

Passionate obedience remains

Exultation in our chains

Living, breathing by your Name

To you, through you

By you and for you

To your glory, we obey

So we will do the things you say.

True adoration, let this be our offering

True adoration, now indwell the praise we sing

True adoration, overflowing hearts of grace

As gratitude and worship fills this place.

So now the lovesong of the bride

As we are taken to His side

The chorus of the living sacrifice

The beautiful body of Christ.

True adoration, let this be our offering

True adoration, now fill up the praise we sing

True adoration, overflowing hearts of grace

As gratitude and worship fills this place.

Anthony Foster

November 2013

Anchor of our Souls

He is the harbor and the hedge

A place of abiding rest

To not forsake us is His pledge

In Him is blessedness.

Oh anchor for our souls

A secure foundation

Keeper of your fold

There is now no condemnation

Lest we should drift away

In stranger tides each day

Come hold us fast we pray

Anchor of our souls.

Our spirits’ sure defense

Rock of Righteousness

In you forever blessed

Anchor of our souls

Rule over the appetites

That with our souls wage war

Secure us in the shallows

Secure us in the storms

So come embrace us in Your arms

He will  draw us to His side

Your mighty love will anchor us

In our hearts come to abide

Oh anchor for our souls

A secure foundation

Keeper of your fold

There is now no condemnation

Lest we should drift away

In stranger tides each day

Come hold us fast we pray

Anchor of our souls.

Anthony Foster

August 2013

Awash in Blessing

Bestowing your riches you come

For our salvation and our surrender

We call on the name of the Lord

To the name of Jesus all glory render

Praise running over…

The name  above all other names

Come and trust Him now and forever

See if  He will not pour out blessings

On you pressed down, shaken together

… and running over

Awash in blessedness, awash in blessing today.

Running over

Overcome by Christ’s embrace

Overflowed by God’s good grace

Awash in blessedness, awash in blessing today.

Running over…

Running over…

Running over…

Running over…

Anthony Foster

September 2013

Tears of Glory

Tears of Glory

God of the closing and opening doors

May I disdain any other voice

God of the roadblocks and paths made straight

God of inclinations and choice

May your light flash down from heaven

May your radience upon us shine

May your voice speak loud and often

May we seek and hear and find

Baptized in the tears of your glory

We lift our eyes to You

Higher than the heavens are your ways

To you all majesty is due.

We are bound by chains of sin

Behind the bars of guilt and shame

Tears of glory, tears of glory

Of our hope and of a warning

Tears of glory tell the story

Dancing comes after the mourning

Oh I would weep and be weak

Rather than in myself be strong

Where I did not sow I would reap

I would cry out as I seek

To find solace where I belong

As we view you through the tears

You wipe them all away

And give new eyes with which to see

The unseen brighter day.

We are bound by chains of sin

Behind the bars of guilt and shame

Tears of glory, tears of glory

Of our hope and of a warning

Tears of glory tell the story

Dancing comes after the mourning

Anthony Foster

November 2013

Anthem of Orphans

 Abandoned and orphaned-Fatherless and faithless

With no inheritance or hope-With no family to bless

And no past to rely on-Pain and trauma is your part

Secure in manipulations-Survival the finest art

Now to be chosen-Now to be adopted,

Now to be beloved-Oh to be so loved!

By the Love of the Father-By the cost of His son

Grafted into a family-Where many hearts are made one

Let these words land on them-The unaccustomed to your grace

Adopted as sons and daughters-Here with your father face to face

The anthem of orphans

Once unloved and rejected

Now arms e’re enfold you

Esteemed and protected.

Sing the song of a City on a Hill

Melody of overcoming souls

Cadence of redeemed hearts

A music that rages as it rolls

But God, but God, but God has made a way

To see the Righteous One

A root of righteousness

Yielding fruit in daughters and sons

And all but one are grafted in

The begotten one made a way

We call upon your lovely name

You wash our sins away.

The anthem of orphans

Once unloved and rejected

Now arms e’re enfold you

Esteemed and protected.

Sing the song of a City on a Hill

Melody of overcoming souls

Cadence of redeemed hearts

A music that rages as it rolls

Now to be chosen

Now to be adopted,

Now to be beloved

Oh to be so loved!

By the Love of the Father

By the cost of His son

Grafted into a family

Where many hearts are made one

Anthony Foster

For Alexis

September 13, 2013

The Way of the Cross

Come by the way of the cross.

Come by the way of the cross

We receive our freedom

purchased at the cross of Christ

We receive forgiveness

In His final sacrifice

The rugged wretched cross

where his purpose was fulfilled

The rugged wretched cross

Where all our wounds are healed

God says I love you at the cross

For He is willing to forgive

Forgive and cleanse you of all your sins

So you can truly live

Atonement and remission

Through blood poured out for us that day

A price was paid on our behalf

One we could never pay

The true meaning is an offense

It confronts our hearts of stone

A confrontation all of us must face

Found at the cross alone.

The way of the cross leads home

The way of the cross leads home

The way of the cross leads home

Anthony Foster

November 2013