Bill and Karen Itzel Homepage

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At Worlds End
w/m Bill & Karen Itzel 6/18/07

I don’t know what tomorrow holds
And I don’t know how this life unfolds
And I don’t know if I’ll be rich or poor
No, I don’t know what God has in store

Chorus
But I know where I will be…at the world’s end
I know what’s awaiting me…at the world’s end
And I know who I will see…at the world’s end
Yes, I know where I will be…at the world’s end

I don’t know if I will find success
And I don’t know if I will impress
I don’t know when I’ll be satisfied
With who I am on the inside

Chorus

I don’t know the number of my days
For I don’t know Jehovah’s sovereign ways
I don’t know my final legacy
Or what men will say when they speak of me

Chorus

Create In Me A Clean Heart
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/18/07

Lord, the things I’ve done
And the things I’ve seen
Have all made this heart of mine
Feel like it’s so unclean
The choices that I’ve made
And voices that I’ve listened to
Have led me in directions
But so few have led to You

* I’m so sorry…when I look away
But You have promised…to forgive me when I stray

Chorus
Create in me a clean heart, o God
Take all my thoughts and make them new
Create in me a clean heart, o God
So my life can bring glory to You
So my life can bring glory to You

Lord, there are no secrets
That from You, I can hide
For You know all my hands have done
And thoughts I hold inside
And when temptation comes my way
And I give into its lure
When I confess my sin to You
You make me clean and pure

Jesus Is Enough
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/18/07

Chorus
Jesus is enough…when your world falls down around you
Jesus is enough…When you don’t know how you’ll get through
Jesus is enough
Jesus is enough
Jesus is enough
He is enough

He is all I need
He knows everything
When I’m all alone and there’s no where left to go
He is all I need

Chorus

Bridge: Why go looking for somethin’
That you’ll never find
When only Jesus can offer you peace of mind

An Inconvenient Truth
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/18/07

If there was no God
Then there would be no rules
There would be no difference
Between geniuses and fools
If there was no God
There’d be no wrong or right
And you could do whatever
Was pleasing in your sight

* It sure would be convenient
If truth did not exist
And there was no Creator
And He wasn’t even missed

Chorus
But there’s an inconvenient truth
This is God’s creation
He’s in complete control
And deserves our adoration
There’s an inconvenient truth
God has given us a warning
He will judge the world with fire
Now, there’s your global warming

If there was no God
There’d be no consequence
You’d live your life of your own terms
Sitting on the fence
If there was no God
There’d be no judgment day
You could live the way you wanted
With no one to obey

Save Me From Myself
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/18/07

She looked into the mirror
And said “What have I done”
Back in the beginning
It had only seemed like fun
But now she’s trapped in emptiness
Longing to break free
Knowing that this life could never
Give her what she’d need

Then she saw a light from a little church
So in sheer desperation
She walked toward her last resort
With a hope to find salvation

Then the choir sang Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
And the pastor spoke of the blessed hope
That he had found
And he told of faith that leads to perfect peace
And freedom to all who would believe…and she cried

Chorus
Save me…save me from myself
Save me…from this empty shell
I’m lost in sin without a doubt
And I can’t find my way out
So Jesus save me
Save me from myself

He sings in the choir
As the service begins
This morning he’s decked out in white
But inside he’s black with sin
He’s worked so hard to clean his heart
But all to no avail
He just can’t seem to understand
Why all his work has failed

But God has plans to move today
In a way he’s never seen
Through repentance and forgiveness
His heart finally will be clean…for he cried

Pray
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/19/07

He couldn’t do the things that he used to do
He dodn’t have a lot from the world’s point of view
But in the Army of the Lord he was a soldier through and through
When he’d get down on his knees and pray

Chorus
He could pray…He could pray
He could win a battle for the Lord today
When all those around him would say “All is lost”
He could pray…he could pray

She couldn’t see the answer, it was out of her hands
For nothing had happened the way that she had planned
But there was someone that she knew she could trust to understand
She could get down on her knees and pray

Have you reached the point when you can’t even cope
And you’ve fallen so low that you’ve run out of hope
God has reached down to you and thrown you a rope
You can get down on your knees and pray

One Of Those Days
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/19/07

There are days in my life when everything goes right
And it’s easy to walk by faith and not by sight
There are times on the mountain when we’re walking hand in hand
And the view is just divine and I can see Your plan

Chorus
But this is not…
One of those days…I’m having trouble seeing
One of those days…It’s difficult believing
I can’t even see your hand in front of my face
Lord, carry me for I cannot run this race
It’s just one of those days

There are days in my life when people can see
Just how Your hand is working through me
And there are times in my walk when my feet seem so light
And I can run like the wind and my faith takes flight

Chorus

But on days like this you won’t find me complaining
For it’s times like these, Your grace is sustaining

Chorus 2
So this is…
One of these days…Your grace is sufficient
One of these days…You show that You’re omniscient
Though I don’t have the strength to run the last mile
You lift me up and with joy I can smile
It’s one of those days

War Fatigue
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/19/07

We’re soldiers fighting freedom’s fight
Defending what we know is right
Side by side we march ahead
Crushing evil where we tread
But when you’re always under fire
It can feel like a quagmire
Every day set to defend
We wait so long to see an end

And I get weary in this fight
As I point the world to you
Showing the truth, the whole truth
And nothing but the truth

Chorus
So help me God to fight this war
And remember Who I’m fighting for
To stand up strong and march in league
And not succumb to War Fatigue

This war is raging across the land
And it is by His might we stand
It’s truth and honor we defend
But we must last until the end
We hear how some have said they’re done
The doom and gloomers cut and run
But I’m here to give a new report
For the battle is the Lord’s

My Burden
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/19/07

My burden weighs upon me like a stone around my neck
I try to throw him off but sin nature stacks the deck
Alone I cannot fight him and the race I cannot run
For when I trust myself to be made whole, it is then I am undone

Chorus
He follows me round every turn like a monkey on my back
He’s everything I never need, and all that I should lack
But my pain is self-inflicted, I take him everywhere I go
For you see he is my burden and I won’t leave him alone

I struggle with this burden and everyday it grows
I thought this fight was mine alone, but there’s someone else who knows
For God would take this burden, if I lay it at the cross
But I don’t think I could handle such a beneficial loss

Chorus 2
He follows me round every turn like a monkey on my back
He’s everything I never need, and all that I should lack
I know it’s self-inflicted but this time I must say no
So I’ll throw off this old burden, for it’s time for him to go

Weak
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel

Chorus
When I am weak, You are strong
When I am tired You carry me on
When I can’t face the storm around me
You show me grace and your peace surrounds me

Chorus

Your strength is made perfect in me
For I am weak, yes I am weak
When my failures outweigh my successes
You are my strength, You are my strength

Chorus

There’s a blessing in my frailty
That’s when You speak, that’s when You speak
And when I lose my direction
You rescue me, You rescue me

I’ve Got No Problem With That
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 6/20/07

I’ve always been a little different
I never quite fit in
But as I get a little older
Much to my chagrin
I see what counts as cool sail off
And leave me on the shore
And though I try my best I just can’t
Fool my self no more

Then I think of all God’s done for me
And it seems so absurd
To put so much importance
On how I’m viewed by the world
So I put things in perspective
And I make this pact today
To focus on eternal things
And that is why I say

Chorus
I’ve got no problem with that…wo-oh, wo-oh
I’ve got no problem with that…wo-oh, wo-oh
You might call me crazy
You might think that I am whack
And say that I’m fanatical, but hey
I’ve got no problem with that

The drummer that we follow
Plays a different beat
And the world just doesn’t understand
Our non-conformity

My friends all think I’m crazy
‘Cuz I choose not to date
But I’m trusting in God’s plan for me
And that is why I’ll wait

You might think my parents force me
To stand up here and sing
But I want to use my talents
In service for the King

I’m gonna trust in Jesus
And live for Him today
Cause that’s what really matters
And that is why we say

October 19th, 2007

Soldiers

THIS IS YOUR LIFE
w/m Bill Itzel 3/16/06

Why didn’t God give me everything I asked for?
Why did these problems fall in my lap?
Could it be that God is somewhat mistaken?
Or could it be He meant to put me where I’m at?

Though we don’t always understand
Trust in God, He has a plan

Chorus
This is your life
This is your place
This is your world
This is your race
This is your sphere
Of influence
Now is the time
Here is your chance
It’s up to you
To make a difference
This is your life

Why does the world keep bringing me down?
And why do these people keep hanging around?
Could it be just a lesson God’s trying to teach?
Or could it be these are the ones I’m supposed to reach?

Though we don’t always understand
Trust in God, He has a plan

So when God gives opportunity
And it’s time to decide
Ask not what God can do for you
But what you can do for God

I’LL TAKE TIME FOR YOU
w/m Bill Itzel 3/16/06

Looking at my schedule I’m feeling kind of stressed
For I am simply overwhelmed by all of life’s excess
Start the day off right when I first get out of bed
I’ve got 57 seconds to whip through a daily bread

Take the kids to the park, every time they ask
But I won’t forget my lap top, cause I can multi-task
Gotta catch up on my emails, an inbox overload
Then stop to fill the tank with gas, we’re right back on the road

Get home to clean up all the mess the kids left on the floor
Catch a 30 second lunch, then it’s right back out the door
I’ve got to get a haircut and some stuff to make it soft
Some day I’ll take a razor and shave the whole thing off

The list keeps getting longer, don’t look at me and scoff
For this is just the stuff that I must do on my day off
I gotta do the budget, I gotta wash the car
I’ve got 3 weeks of shows I’ve taped on my VCR

Both the phones are ringing, there’s someone at the door
But first I’ve got to clean up what the dog did on the floor
I pass you in the hallway, your expression so alone
I’d like to stop and see what’s wrong, but now I’m in the zone

But stop, wait, my life’s under attack
It seems like every second something’s added to the stack
But maybe my priorities are slightly out of whack!

Chorus
I’ll take time for you
I will sit and listen and talk about your day
I’ll take time for you
I will look into your eyes and see into your heart
I’ll take time for you

BARBARIANS AT THE GATE
w/m Bill Itzel 3/17/06

You meet undercover in the darkness of night
Knowing death will await you if you shine forth the light
The satanic force that brought 2 towers down
Is the very same evil that indwells your whole town

You stand out as outcasts in your own foreign land
With boldness you take your own life in your hands
For loving your enemies is your daily fate
When your own families are… barbarians at the gate

Chorus
Love for a brother, love for a friend
Misguided religion is where it will end
Belief in another will seal your fate
They’re coming for you…barbarians at the gate

In a land of no conscience the massacred lives
Fuel this domain where intolerance thrives
But this culture where terror is everyday norm
Will cross over borders like a gathering storm

Political jargon spews from the west
So as not to offend this place of unrest
But you know the truth, that this culture of hate
Seeks world domination…barbarians at the gate

They fight devil’s cause with their dying breath
When they’re sowing the hate, the reaping is death

Holding out hope that God can save
Barbarians at the gate

SOLDIER
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 3/17/06

I didn’t know you
But I read about you in a magazine
You left your family
To fight in a land you’ve never seen
Each day you risk your life
But you feel it’s worth the price
To defend our nation’s freedom
and protect my family

Chorus
Thank you soldier for your sacrifice
Thank you soldier for risking your own life
I know there is no way
That I could repay
But I hope that some day
Face to face, I’ll say thanks

May we all stand and remember
That freedom isn’t free
And be thankful for the ones who paid
The price of liberty

I didn’t know You
But I read about You in a book I found
You left your Father
To be born into a world where sin abounds
You were tortured, crucified
But in victory, now alive
And Your mission was accomplished
Earth now rings with freedom’s sound

Thank you Savior for your sacrifice
Thank you Savior for giving up Your life
I know there is no way
That I could repay
But I know that some day
Face to face, I’ll say thanks

I know there is no way that I could repay
But I know that some day, face to face, I’ll say thanks

GOD IS STILL GOD
w/m Bill Itzel 3/17/06

Will God’s man win the White House?
Or the devil in disguise?
Does the news report the truth?
Or just a pack of lies?
Do the courts uphold the laws?
Or legislate their own?
In the end there will be justice
For the King is on His throne

Chorus
God is still God
And God’s still in control
And God can still be working
In hearts and minds and souls
Regardless who’s in power
And what may be their goal
God is still God
And God’s still in control

Do we protect our borders?
Or let terror walk on in?
Are perversions taught as normalcy?
Or looked upon as sin?
Whether leaders deal through strength
Or run away and cower
We must never feel defeated
For we know Who has the power

It’s God who puts the kings on their thrones
So no matter what the future brings
His power will be shown

FOLLOW ME
w/m Karen, Jessica, & Bill Itzel 3/18/06

I want to be the kind of mother you can admire
Lifting you up so you can reach higher
And if you should stumble along the way
I’ll be there to listen, won’t turn you away

Chorus
Follow me
I’ll follow you
And glorify Jesus in all that we do
You know I’ve been there
So you’ll see me through
Follow me
Yes I’ll follow you

I want to be the kind of daughter who’ll make you proud
And make right decisions, not follow the crowd
Some day when I have kids of my own
I want to replant the seeds of love that you’ve sown

When we’re together I’m always surprised
By the joy of each moment seen through your eyes – up ½ step

FORGOTTEN
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel 3/18/06

I heard of a man
Who was living in a foreign land
And he journeyed many miles
Just to hear the message of your plan
He would risk his own life
Just to carry the message back home

It was then in my mind
That I questioned if I’m measured
Would I give up
All the things that I have treasured
Then ashamed I bow my head
And I turn my affections back home

Chorus
I’m so sorry I’ve forgotten
The joy of my salvation
And I’m sorry I’ve forgotten
The price of my redemption
Lord, You brought me to this place
So I won’t forget
The wonder of Your grace
I’m forever in Your debt
I’m so thankful that You’re mine
And you took the time
To remind me that You love me

END OF YOUR HOPE
w/m Karen Itzel 4/27/06

When you look at your life
And don’t like what you see
It’s not what you hoped for
And dreamed it would be
And you know that He’s asked you
To wait patiently
But as time passes by
It’s hard to trust patiently

Chorus
When you’re at the end of your hope
If you listen, you’ll hear Him calling you home
If you’re at the end of your hope
You can trust Him to be your refuge
If you’re at the end
Just lean on Him
If you’re at the end of your hope

Trust Him, just trust Him
To do what He has promised to do
He will be faithful
To finish what He’s started in you

PLASTIC PEOPLE
W/M Bill Itzel 4/3/98

Everywhere I look, I see,
Plastic faces smiling at me
Though content in hardened shells,
Their eyes another story tells
And though they never show within,
They’re more than just the mannequin
Behind their confident facade
Lies a heart that needs the love of God

CHORUS
Jesus loves the plastic people
He can see through their disguise
Jesus died for the plastic people
He listens to their lonely cries
Yes, He listens to their lonely cries

I know a girl who tries to be different
She’s unique, like all the rest
She doesn’t know that on the inside
Is where she should strive to look her best
And there’s a man who’s made his money
He’s living life free and fast
He’s got it all, but he’s got nothing
He’s put his stock in what will not last

LIVE BY THE SWORD
w/m Bill Itzel - 1992

Choose you this day which power you will serve
The God of all creation or the man-made gods of earth?
Will you walk with Him in battle? Will you do what He says do?
Will you use the holy armor and the sword He’s given you?

But as for me…

Chorus
I will not stand down I will stand and fight
I will quench the fiery darts by the power of God’s might
I will die if I must die in the service of my Lord
But as long as I shall live, I will live by the sword

We serve the King of Kings who has given us His sword
To defend the faith and honor and life is our reward
The blade is in the pages we’ll find power when we read
And the truths will pierce the spirit and lead us to victory
For if one day I shall stand at the edge of a knife
Then I shall defend my Master and in death defend my life (shorten how long I hold this note by half!)

Someone who watches me
w/m Karen Itzel 8/05

When I go to sleep in my bed at night
There’s someone who watches me
And He’ll keep me safe ‘till the morning light
There’s someone who watches me

Chorus
And I love Him, I love Him
And Jesus loves me
And I love Him, I love Him
And Jesus loves me

September 13th, 2006

Guns Blazin’

GUNS BLAZIN’
w/m Bill Itzel 2/2/05

People lookin’ for love and affection
People lookin’ for some direction
People lookin’ for the meaning of life
People lookin’ for fancy cars
People lookin’ to movie stars
People call the psychic hotline
But I have found the way, the truth
Now I know what I’ve got to do

I’m gonna come out (come out)
Guns blazin’ (guns blazin’)
It’s the holy Word of God I’ll be raisin’
I’ve found my purpose in you
I’m gonna come out (come out)
Guns blazin’ (guns blazin’)
It’s the name of Jesus Christ I’ll be praisin’
I’ve found my purpose in you

First thing every mornin’
Right out of the gate
It’s another day to
Celebrate
I’ve found my purpose in you

People join every organization
People look to the United Nations
People send a tithe to Greenpeace
People search for inner sanctum
While their world falls down around them
And they wonder just what all of this means
But I have found the way, the truth
Now I know what I’ve got to do

HELD FOR RANSOM
WORDS/MUSIC BILL ITZEL

AS HE HUNG ON THE CROSS IT SEEMED SUCH A WASTE
FOR THE AUTHOR OF LIFE TO DIE IN DISGRACE
FROM MY POINT OF VIEW
HE COULD HAVE DONE SO MUCH MORE IF HE LIVED
BUT HE KNEW IN HIS HEART THAT I HAD A NEED
THAT COULD ONLY BE MET BY PLANTING THE SEED
THAT WOULD THREE DAYS LATER ARISE
WITH NEW LIFE TO GIVE

CHORUS
I WAS HELD FOR RANSOM (RANSOMED FROM MY SIN)
I WAS JUST A PRISONER (HAD NO PEACE WITHIN)
I TRIED TO LIVE THE BEST I COULD
BUT MY BEST COULDN’T SET ME FREE
(COULDN’T SET ME FREE)
JESUS PAID THE RANSOM (WITH HIS OWN BLOOD)
NOW I SEE THE LIGHT (IT’S THE LIGHT OF HIS LOVE)
I’M NO LONGER A SLAVE TO MY SIN
I HAVE FREEDOM WITHIN ME

HE SAID “IT IS FINISHED”, HIS WORK HERE WAS DONE
SO HE GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT, FOR HE KNEW HE HAD WON
AND BECAME OUR HIGH PRIEST
BREAKING DOWN EVERY WALL
HE ENTERED INTO THE HOLIEST PLACE
THROUGH THE ONE SACRIFICE THAT WOULD FOREVER ERASE
EVERY SIN THAT I’D EVER COMMIT
HIS BLOOD COVERS ALL

CHORUS

RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel 12/19/05

Jessica turned sweet 16 and the time had come to drive
For her, a taste of freedom, for her Dad, prayers to survive
She said it was a piece of cake, she even memorized the book
But she learned real quick, when she hit the street
It ain’t as easy as it looks

She learned a valuable lesson that day
That it’s a lot harder to do than to say

Chorus
When the rubber meets the road will your words turn into action?
When the rubber meets the road will your faith be gaining traction?
When it’s your time to be tested
Will you win or just be bested?
You’ll never know ‘till the rubber meets the road

Johnny had been a Christian for many many years
He knew the ideal words to say to dry the saddest tears
He thought he knew where he was goin’ but he was unaware
That one of life’s unexpected curves, would find him unprepared

He learned a valuable lesson that day
That it’s a lot harder to do than to say

Chorus

Petal to the metal makin no mistakes
But when the turns get tough do you slam on the brakes?

EVEN WHEN THE ANSWER’S NO
w/m Karen Itzel

I prayed to God down on my knees
As the tears fell from my eyes
I prayed to God to hear my pleas
And lifted my face toward the skies

I prayed to God for many years
To give me what my heart longed for
I prayed to God through many tears
But in the end He answered no

Chorus
I praise Him for His loving kindness
And the mercy He has shown
I worship Him with heart overflowing
Even when the answer’s no

That’s when His comforting did start
For He knows what the future holds
He whispered softly to my heart
“I love you that’s why I said no”

Chorus

O Father I choose to adore You
And lift up high Your Holy name
I was created for Your glory
And Your decision’s without blame

And I praise You for Your loving kindness
And the mercy You have shown
I worship You with heart overflowing
Even when the answer’s no

And I praise You for Your loving kindness
And the mercy You have shown
I worship You with heart overflowing
Even when the answer’s no

Even when the answer’s no

SUICIDE (Die to Self)
w/m Bill Itzel 2/2/05

Yesterday I killed a man
And I must kill him again today
He’s slippery and wise, often wears a disguise
But I can’t let him get away
I try to have the mind of God
But his thoughts are all I see
This killing, it was justified
For the man I killed was me

Now don’t feel sorry for this man
He’s my own worst enemy
And it’s not until I die to self
That Christ can live through me

Chorus
As long as my nature calls the shots
And my flesh is allowed to survive
I’ll never be all God’s called me to be
So I must die to self - crucified

Yesterday I killed a man
And I must kill him again today
He tempts my mind and stirs up thoughts
I’d rather keep at bay
I put him to death but he comes back to life
And haunts my very soul
And if I give him an inch, and let him live
He soon will take control

Now don’t feel sorry for this man
He’s my own worst enemy
And it’s not until I die to self
That Christ can live through me

Chorus

THE PASSION
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel 1/30/05

The story began within the heart of God
When God conceived a plan and created flesh and blood
And they walked within the garden in sweet community
Enjoying all He had created for the glory it would bring

Then the one who was created turned his back on all he’d known
He denied the One who made him and the love that he’d been shown
Man now walked alone, he’d condemned all men to die
But then God in selfless love became man, the sacrifice

The creator stood before the judge
Knowing He had done no wrong
But in the name of justice
His death became redemption’s song

Chorus
With passion, Jesus walked up Calvary’s hill
With passion, every drop of blood was spilled
What would compel Him to take on humanity?
And with great abandon secure my eternity?
I don’t understand…and I don’t deserve it
But because of His great passion, I believe

From His first cry in Bethlehem
To His last upon the cross
He poured out His life, His grace
To redeem souls who were lost
Forever bound to human form
He left His Father’s side
“I love this race that I have made”
Was the Savior’s passioned cry

JOY UNSPEAKABLE
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel 1/30/05

You may question why I love Him
What’s He done for me that is so amazing?
Well, even though I can not see Him
I feel His presence because He’s given me…

Chorus
Joy unspeakable
Peace unbelievable
Faith unshakable
Love inconceivable
Joy unspeakable
Peace unbelievable
Faith unshakable
Love inconceivable
Joy unspeakable

There’s a quiet place that I go
When the storm is blowing all around me
And in the stillness of that moment
I see clearly how much He means to me

Chorus

Hallelujah to the Savior
Hallelujah, He’s my anchor
Hallelujah to the King of Kings
Hallelujah to the one who brings

OUT OF THE ASHES
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel  2/12/05

I’ve come to the crossroads which way will I go
My trials tend to lead me ‘tward bitterness road
Forsaking His comfort, my burdens I bear
Taking 1 step, then 2 down the road of despair

But a voice deep inside urges me, “Turn around”
As the fire from my trials burns my dreams to the ground

Chorus
Out of the ashes comes perfect praise
And a passion to serve Him for all of my days
With a purity only the fire can bring
Out of the ashes praises ring
Out of the ashes praises ring

On the road to resentment the farther you walk
The darker your vision, the harder your heart
So today at the crossroads start walking in praise
And He’ll carry your burden each step of the way

Nothing compares to the joy that I’ve found
As the fire from my trials burns my dreams to the ground

Chorus

Out of the ashes comes perfect praise
And a passion to serve Him for all of my days
With a purity only the fire can bring
Out of the ashes praises ring

Chorus

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
w/m Bill Itzel  2/12/05

He had such potential   Those “In the know” would say
But he threw it all away for something better

One step away from fame  And critical acclaim
But he threw it all away for something better

He won’t fulfill his destiny
And what they thought his dreams should be
For he lives from day to day
But if you ask him he will say

Chorus
It’s a wonderful life
When you’re following God’s plan
It’s a wonderful life
I’m a truly happy man
God has given me three kids
And blessed me with my wife
And a chance to sing for Him
It’s a wonderful life

Though the path’s not always straight
There’s a treasure that awaits
When you choose to follow God to something better

Though you may pass through the fire
He’ll give you your heart’s desires
When you choose to follow God to something better

Chorus

Those who do not know will say
“I know you’ll make it big someday”
But he smiles inside and says
“It’s not worth the price you pay”

WORDS OF LOVE
w/m Bill Itzel  2/14/05

He thought he had a right to vent
He said some things he never meant
He hurt the one he loved the most
As he walked out the door
As the day went by he thought it through
He knew just what he had to do
He practiced every word he’d say
He’d make it up to her and more

Pre-chorus - But it wasn’t meant to be
For when he broke her heart that day
Those words would be the last
She would ever hear him say

Chorus
May the last words you hear me speak
Be words of love
May every single thing I say
Be one that builds you up
We don’t know how much time we have
Been given from above
So may the last words I speak
Be words of love

I love you, girl, with all my heart
I pray we’ll never be apart
But I know that one day God may call
One of us away
So until that day, I’ll make my goal
To love you with my heart and soul
And prove it with my actions
And every word I say

So may every word I speak
Be words of love

June 17th, 2006

It Takes A Family

The Glory of Your Youth
W/m Karen & Bill Itzel

Chorus
Don’t waste away the days that you hold within your hand
They will slip through your fingers like tiny grains of sand
When you look back years from now, you will understand
That the greatest gift you can give to God…
Is the glory of your youth

Some people cry for days gone past
Of wasted time on things that don’t last
But you have the chance…
To seize the day
Work for Christ while you’re still young
Make the most of what He’s begun…in you
You have the chance…
To seize the day

Chorus

The saddest words of tongue and pen
Are those that tell what might have been
But you have the chance…
To seize the day
Showing what He’s done in you
Is the greatest thing that you can do
When you have the chance…
To seize the day

Chorus
Chorus

A CLOSED MOUTH GATHERS NO FOOT
w/m Bill Itzel  5/2/01

I know a lady who made up rumors
She didn’t know what she was talking about
But she denied that she was a gossip
Till she opened her mouth and removed all the doubt

Chorus
Be slow to speak and quick to hear
Choose your words wisely and you’ll never have to fear
There’s one important thing that you shouldn’t overlook
It’s that a closed mouth gathers no foot

The tongue is like a piercing sword
It can curse your neighbor or bless the Lord
Always think before you speak
Cause nobody likes the taste of their feet

Chorus

If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all
Cause with your foot stuck in your mouth, you know you’re bound to fall

Impression of God
W/m Karen & Bill Itzel

It wasn’t always easy for the preacher and his wife
But they thanked the Lord for trusting them with the precious gift of life
They wrapped me in their love asking God on their knees
For the thing they desired most was seeing God in me

Chorus
They prayed with the faith that moves mountains
They prayed from the very start
They prayed and believed that they would see
The impression of God on my heart

Now I have my own children and I hope they will see
Me follow the example that was shown to me
I pray to God for wisdom at the start of each new day
And I thank Him for those Godly ones who taught me how to pray

Chorus

Even now in dark hours, I know I can depend
On the prayers of my Mom and Dad until the trials end

Chorus
Chorus
Chorus

Little Things
W/m Karen and Bill Itzel

Chorus
God can use little things to accomplish great things
All He needs is my willing heart and my willing hands
God can use little things to accomplish great things
So I’ll do all He asks me to and follow His commands

Like David and Goliath and the boy with the loaves and fishes
God can use my life to do all that He wishes

Chorus

Have you seen a mustard seed so tiny and so round?
But faith the size of that little seed can pull a mountain down

Chorus

May these hands You have given me always bring You glory
May these eyes through which I see only bring You praise
Let my ears hear what is pleasing as I walk the path You’re leading
And may these lips only speak the words You would have me say

Sharing
W/m Karen & Bill Itzel

Chorus
Sharing is caring for people I meet
Sharing my life with the kids down the street
I may be small, but I can see
That when I am sharing, they’ll see Christ in me

There is a boy who lives down the road
He doesn’t have much and his toys are all old
He needs a friend to play for a while
I’ll be the one who will help him smile

Chorus

When kids are unkind and mean words are spoken
My friend starts to cry for his heart is broken
Though I can not fix all of his broken toys
When I am his friend his heart fills with joy

Chorus

I know when I choose to share what I have
I have chosen what’s right and made someone else glad

Chorus

Sharing is caring for people I meet
Sharing my life with the kids down the street
I may be small, but I can see
That when I am sharing, they’ll see Christ…
Lord help me share so they’ll see You in me

June 17th, 2006

Return of the King

The Return of the King
w/m Bill Itzel 1/15/03

So many casualties in this war of the souls
In many anxious hearts despair’s taken hold
For the Battle’s raging and He’s been gone for so long
In the eyes of the faithless all hope is gone
Forces of evil assault every side
The walls are crumbling there’s no where to hide
Yet we stand in darkness with our swords drawn
We are watching and waiting for the hope of the dawn

Chorus
When He cracks the sky with the arm of His might
And descends on the earth like a thief in the night
He will bring an army from His lofty tower
And conquer His foes with His awesome power
The earth will rejoice and the trumpets will ring
When we hail the return of the King

Heaven will open through the sky He’ll soar
He will come for judgment He will come for war
A united rebellion will stand in His way
But with one word of victory His foes he will slay
A one-sided battle swift and complete
He will smite the nations they will fall at His feet
From His eyes come fire from His mouth, a sword
His name is King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Chorus

Then He’ll enter the city alleluia’s we’ll sing
To the conquering Hero to the triumphant King

Chorus
Peace of God
w/m Bill Itzel 1/5/03

Little chapel down the street
Young lady sits on the front seat
She lost her husband and her son
Now she’s left the only one
Would emotions be uncontrollable?
Would the grief be inconsolable?
But instead an eerie look of calm resides upon her face
That the world cannot give and circumstances can’t erase

Chorus
It’s the peace of God
It’s the peace of God
It’s unexplainable
Yet it’s attainable
It’s the peace of God

Rumors out, there might be
Lay-offs in the company
And now he’s got the call today
But there are bills still left to pay
Now there’s a lesson that he has learned
There’s only one place that he can turn
So he takes his wife and kids and they all kneel down to pray
And as a family they thank the Lord and know all will be okay

Chorus

And those who watch are often shocked by the peace that’s in their soul
What a testimony to the fact that God is in control

THANKFUL
w - Bill, Karen, Jessica, Ryan Itzel M - Bill Itzel

I’m thankful for my family and when my husband smiles at me
Everyday I wake up thankful
For the long walks in the sand and a wife to hold my hand
Everyday I wake up thankful

Chorus
When I woke up today I knelt down so I could pray
Wo wo I woke up thankful
I thought of all the little things all the blessings each day brings
Wo wo I woke up thankful today

I’m thankful for a thrilling book and when mommy lets me cook
Everyday I wake up thankful
For my dog that I can squeeze and a sister I can tease
Everyday I wake up thankful

Chorus

Though my God does big things He also made the butterfly wings
These things may seem so small But I can see His hand in all

I’m thankful for my wedding ring and for flowers in the spring
I’m thankful for my cordless drill and for steaks out on the grill
I’m thankful for my favorite doll and for shopping in the mall
I am thankful I can run And for when my school is done

Chorus
Chorus
Chorus

When The Darkness Comes
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel 1/5/03

A burst of thunder A flash of light fills the room
I hide my head under my pillow Hope it goes away soon
Then a hand grabs my shoulder But I quickly realize
There’s no need to be afraid When I see my Father’s eyes

Chorus
When the darkness comes I won’t be afraid
For I know Your love Will light my way
Though the storms may rage I will have no fear
For I know my Father is near (He is near)
For I know my Father is near

I’m scared When my world around me falls
And I honestly don’t know If I can make it through it all
Then a voice inside me whispers You don’t have to be afraid
And as He reaches down and takes my hand The shadows ’round me fade

Chorus

And as you see the storm on the horizon
And you prepare for the trial you must face
The arms of God will hold you bringing comfort in the night
And with courage you can face the storm and say

Daddy’s Song
w/m Bill Itzel 1/5/03

When life throws all it can at me
And my problems bring me down
I often catch a glimpse of you
And your smile turns life around
I forget all about my worries
And all that’s in my way
When I see the face of my little girl
Smiling as if to say

Chorus
Daddy won’t you hold me now I’ve missed you all day long
Daddy won’t you hold me now And sing me one of your songs
La la…

Now I know you’ll grow up and have friends of your own
And you’ll be too cool to play
But if you ever need me I’ll always be here
Just waiting for you to say

Chorus2
Daddy won’t you hold me now I’ve missed you for so long
Daddy won’t you hold me now And sing me one of your songs
La la…

There are times in my life when I’ve fallen down
And hurt myself on the way
But my father in heaven patiently waits
For this little child to say

Chorus3
Daddy won’t you hold me now I’ve been away so long
Daddy won’t you hold me now And keep me from all wrong
Daddy won’t you hold me now Today I seek your face
Daddy won’t you hold me now And sing me a song of your grace

He Walked With God
w/m Bill Itzel 1/5/03

They looked at him funny They called him names
For building a boat And talkin’ ’bout rain
But Noah kept building He would not be deterred
For there was a bigger voice That Noah heard
For God had spoken Had given commands
For wickedness ruled Throughout the land
And because he obeyed He came out ahead
And when history spoke of him Here’s what they said

Chorus
He walked with God He was never alone
His best times were spent Before God’s throne
And though to some He may have seemed odd
He was not of this world #For he walked with God

Now I’ve not built a boat And I’ve not seen a flood
But my life’s been changed And cleansed by His blood
So when my days are over And my life’s history
There’s one thing I want To be said of me

Chorus

Takin’ It Back
w/m Bill Itzel 1/5/03

Seconds turn to minutes and minutes turn to days
Countdown to eternity but my eyes are often glazed
Hypnotized by images although unreal, it seems
That life cannot compare to what is on my TV screen

But one day our rewards will be based on what we’ve done
Will they have eternal value bringing glory to the Son?

Chorus
I’m takin’ it back, yes I’m takin’ it back
It may be an uphill climb, but I’m makin’ up for lost time
Yes, I’m takin’ it back, yes I’m takin’ it back
I’m gonna get back in the race, and finish, by God’s grace
I’m takin’ it back

This world is like a vacuum stealing time away
I’ve got so much to do, but there are too few hours a day
Wasted opportunities are mounting in the past
Oh, will I ever focus on eternal things that last?

And one day our rewards will be based on what we’ve done
Will they have eternal value bringing glory to the Son?

Chorus

I’m in the world not of it
So why do I love it?
I gotta lay up treasures in heaven

Amazed
w/m Karen Itzel 1/11/03

You hung the moon and the stars out in space
But nothing compares to Your awesome grace
You raise up empires, put kings in their place
Still nothing compares to your awesome grace

Chorus
I’m amazed I sing praise
To the One who created all things
Your creation now sings
I’m amazed I sing praise

When all of life would have been erased
You brought salvation with awesome grace
You became man and then died in my place
You brought forgiveness with awesome grace

Chorus

Now You give me courage to run the race
When I cross the finish line, I’ll see your face

You Love Me
w/m Karen Itzel 1/11/03

There are days in my life when I see my reflection clearly
And I know that I don’t deserve all that You’ve done for me

Chorus
But You bring the sunshine that brightens my days
And the rainbow that follows the rain
And You know me, yet You love me
And You have created all that there is
You’re the reason in all that exists
And You show me that You love me

Lord of Hosts, Lord of life
Lord of all that has been and will be
You laid down Your life
And now I just want to bring you glory

Chorus

There are days in my life When I can see You clearly
And I want my life to reflect all that you’ve done for me

Chorus

Beautiful Savior
w/m Paul Adams

Jesus, Beautiful Savior
You laid down Your life
Greater love has no man
A willing sacrifice

Chorus
All who are thirsty come to me
I am the fountain of life
And if you’re hungry, I am the living bread
The table’s set
Come and dine, yeah

Jesus, Beautiful Savior
You’re the Lord of all life
I was hungry and wanting
And in You I found life

Chorus

Jesus, Beautiful Savior
You laid down Your life
Greater love has no man
A willing sacrifice

As A Child
w/m Bill Itzel 1/25/03

Lord I kneel before you now
In my heart I humbly bow
As a child I come to You
I take all my fleshly pride
And I now lay it aside
As a child I come to You

Chorus
Lord I seek Your face
Show me Your mercy and grace
I want to be reconciled
I come to You as a child

Lord, I fail You everyday
I miss the mark and go astray
As a child I come to You
I’ve run away from things above
But I can’t outrun Your love
As a child I come to You

Chorus

Lord I kneel before you now
In my heart I humbly bow
As a child I come to You
I take all my fleshly pride
And I now lay it aside
As a child I come to You

We Have Come To Worship
w/m - Bill Itzel

We have come to worship We have come to praise
We’ve come to give Him glory in many different ways
He’s worthy to be worshipped He’s worthy of our praise
Come on let’s give Him glory #For He is here with us today

You may be my brother though I may not know your name
But in the family of God We’re brothers just the same
Children of the Father and joint-heirs with the Son
It’s a family reunion So praise Him everyone

He’s on the throne in Heaven Yet He’s living in my heart
I’ve never really seen Him Though we’ve never been apart
He’s with me in the valleys and He hears me when I pray
He lifts my soul from heartache so I’ll lift His name today

Love That Won’t Let Me Go
w- Bobby Ayres, Karen Itzel m - Karen Itzel 3/4/96, 1/12/03

Chorus
Oh love, love that won’t let me go
Love, love that’s filling my soul
Oh love, love, love, sweet love
Love that won’t let me go

God gave me love that I can’t hide
He put His love down deep inside
The love He gave is calling me
To live the love that set me free

Chorus

He gave me life that I might live
He gave me joy that I might give
He took my sins and made me whole
When He put His love down in my soul

Chorus

God put His word with one desire
Down in my bones like a raging fire
To tell the world with certainty
That Christ would set all the captives free

June 17th, 2006

Dead Man Walkin’

DEAD MEN WALKING
w/m Karen & Bill Itzel - 5/1/01

Somebody’s searchin’
Can’t you see them searchin’
Lookin’ for escape from reality
We have the answer
Gotta give them the answer
That life can be lived more abundantly

Chorus
Everywhere I look I see dead men walking
They don’t know they’re in for an awful fate
Gotta get the message to the dead men walking
To put faith in Christ before it’s too late

Somebody’s cryin’
Can’t you hear them cryin’
Tryin’ to hide their guilt and pain
They need forgiveness
Gotta show them forgiveness
That can only be found in Jesus’ name

Chorus

Somebody’s watchin’
Don’t you know they’re watchin’
To see if we live what we have said
They’ll see the change
Don’t you know we changed
When we were brought to life from among the dead

PLACES
w/m Bill Itzel  4/11/01

John saw a new heaven and earth
For the old one passed away
The city had no need of the sun
For there, it’s always day
No more crying will be there
No more death, no pain
No more worries, no more sin
For God Himself will reign

Chorus
In my Father’s house are many places
For the ones He finds faithful and true
In my Father’s house are many places
He’s preparing one for me and for you

There’s a spring of living water
That’s free to all who thirst
And a tree of life for healing
To all who were under the curse
There’s a river of the water of life
Coming from the throne
It’s a place of perfect peace and rest
A place that we’ll call home

Chorus

A beautiful city with streets of gold
As far as the eye can see
But, my friend, it stirs my heart to know
That He’s made this place for me

Chorus
Chorus
JUST A LITTLE PRAYER
w/m Karen Itzel

Sometimes you feel like no one is with you
Problems to face but no one cares
You will feel the burdens get lighter
Leave it with Him in just one prayer

Chorus
Just a little prayer and you’ll feel better
just a little prayer and you’ll be surprised
You are not alone no not ever
He is closer than you realized

The world is filled with doubt and confusion
The blind often lead the blind
But He will guide you through the darkness
Depend on Him to be your sight

Chorus

WHEN HE SPEAKS
W/M Bill and Karen Itzel  6/25/01

He rushed from the side of his family
He knew he had no time to spare
He sought out the one
Who could heal his son
And surely, this Jesus would care

And when he approached the Master
On his knees the Nobleman fell
And he was told go your way
For this very day
The son that you love is now well

He arrived home to find great rejoicing
And when the time he got well was revealed
He knew of the power
For that very hour
Jesus said, “You son is now healed”

Chorus
And when He speaks the storm is over
And when He speaks my fears turn to peace
And when He speaks the mountains are cast in the sea
And I know I am loved when He speaks

SAFETY OF THE FOLD
w/m Karen Itzel  5/2/01

Chorus
We’ve got to leave the safety of the fold to reach the one that’s lost
Carrying the saving message of the cross
It’s never easy to reach out beyond what we have known
But we must go if we’re to bring them home

The ninety and nine were safely at home
When the shepherd realized that one little lamb was gone
He searched out in the dark and he searched out in the cold
Listening for the cry of one who was lost and all alone

Chorus

The Father knew the price to bring us safely home
Was the sacrifice of His only Son
He left the Father’s side to become a man like me
And as He died, the cross became the bridge to eternity

FRUIT OPTIONAL? (WHEN GOD SAVES YOU)
w/m Bill Itzel 3/15/01

I know a man selling easy redemption
If you want to go to heaven just raise your hand
Take Jesus out for a spiritual test drive
Just sign the church roll and join the band
But there was no talk of true repentance
Forsaking the old and embracing the new

Chorus
When God saves you the fruit isn’t optional
When God saves you there’ll be a change
When God saves you the world should see a difference
We will bear fruit and our fruit will remain

I’m not talkin’ ’bout a works salvation
But without works our faith is dead
It takes commitment to the living Savior
Not just lip service to a figure-head
You see, there must be true repentance
Forsaking the old and embracing the new

KING OF GLORY
W/M - Paul Adams

I was walking in darkness
Not knowing which way to go
But then You showed me Your light
Hope for the hopeless
Sight for the blind
The lame run and leap and cry

Chorus
King of glory. Lord most high
I’m gonna praise You with my life
I’m gonna follow You up to the sky
For you have given me new life

GRACE
w/m Bill Itzel  3/29/01

I see those living in worldly pleasures and I’m so quick to condemn
As though I was better and somehow owed more than these “lesser” men
Then I think of the grace that was shown to me when Jesus took my place
For if I deserved or merited favor, then surely, it wouldn’t be grace

Chorus
It wouldn’t be grace, It wouldn’t be grace
If we could save ourselves it wouldn’t be grace
But through the blood of Christ alone our sins have been erased
And if we had a part in it, then surely, it wouldn’t be grace

In pride I looked down on those I believed needed to be reconciled
For I didn’t do the things that they did, I never was that wild
Compared to the world, I really looked good, but I had become a fraud
For the truth of God’s light shined, and I saw, how far I had drifted from God

Chorus

We all must beware the pitfalls of life for none of us are immune
To losing our fire and our first love, and living our lives out of tune
So let’s daily take stock of how we walk, and humbly seek His face
For if we could make it on our own, then surely it wouldn’t be grace

Chorus

FORGIVEN
w/m Karen Itzel

A thief condemned
Unworthy to live
He hung before the crowd
And prepared himself to die
Then a voice was heard
Offering forgiveness
“Today you will be with me in paradise”

Chorus
I’m forgiven, forgiven, forgiven of my sins
He’s forgiven and forgotten the way I used to live
Jesus opened up the way to God by breaking down the wall
That had separated man from God since Adam’s fall

A slave of sin
Unworthy to live
I stand before a holy God
The righteous Judge
Then I hear His voice
Saying I’m forgiven
For the ransom’s paid
I’m covered by the blood

FOR BETTER OR WORSE
w/m Karen Itzel

We don’t always see eye to eye
But I promise to always be true
To the vows that we made
As we stood there that day
I said, “I’ll always love you”

Chorus
And for better or worse I will love you
The promise is still the same
And with each circumstance
Comes one more chance
For love to grow or just fade away
But for better or worse I will love you
And with each passing day
I will hold on to
My promise to you
And I will love you, for better or worse

The road that we face is not always easy
But I know we will make it through
The good times and bad
Some happy, some sad
When we look back we’ll see how love grew

Chorus

For better or worse

YOUR LOVE WAS WORTH THE WAIT
w/m Bill Itzel 7/7/01

Your kisses mean so much more today
For your love was treasured, not given away
We made a pact to wait in the past
Now our love has the strength to last

It wasn’t easy but we made it through to the day
Now all I can say is…

CHORUS
You were worth waiting for
It was one time when less turned out to be more
And now I can see from where I stand today
That your love was worth the wait
yes, your love was worth the wait

You earned my respect by respecting yourself
You guarded your heart, kept it on the shelf
You lived your life in a way that was wise
Now I see the purity in your eyes

It wasn’t easy but we made it through to the day
Now all I can say is…

CHORUS

In this world where lies abound
And people throw their love around
And hearts come crashing to the ground

Chorus
Chorus

June 17th, 2006

The Test

TESTING GROUND
Paul Adams, Bill & Karen Itzel

Working hard to pay the bills, but now we’re in a bind
Recession hit our town real hard, and jobs are hard to find
Hungry mouths are waiting, and there’s no relief in sight
But we trust the great provider, who will answer in our plight

Our lives are the testing ground of faith
God will lead us through the trial when we trust His name
There’ll be loss and sorrow as we run the race
But we will gain the victory through His overcoming grace

Daddy’s called away to a troubled foreign land
He’s gone to fight for freedom in a skirmish in the sand
But a letter from the Army says he won’t be coming home
But God, our Heavenly Father says we’ll never be alone

Parents kiss their child goodbye as she dashes off to school
A young girl full of faith and life, dreams waiting to come true
But all that changed the moment she stood up for the truth
And the innocent died at the hand of a disenchanted youth

SAVE ME
Bobby Ayres, Bill & Karen Itzel

On one stormy evening Jesus walked upon the sea
Calling His disciples “Come out and walk with me”
When Peter knew in his heart it was the Lord’s command
He stepped out on the water as though it were dry land
But his faith began to waver and the waves began to swell
And as he was going under, Peter began to yell

He said save me Jesus, my life is almost past
Death water’s all around me and Lord I’m sinking fast
If You are the Son of God I know you to be
Then surely You can still the water on the stormy sea…Save Me

There came a day when all the earth was hidden from the sun
Two thieves were dying on a cross beside the Holy One
Each man was there because of sin to pay the awful price
But only one man on the cross could be our sacrifice
One thief said to Jesus, “Lord, You’ve done nothing wrong
Remember me in paradise, it won’t be very long”

He said save me Jesus, my life is almost past
Death water’s all around me and Lord I’m sinking fast
If You can still the water out on the stormy sea
Then You can take me home with You for all eternity…Save Me

Now I was born a sinner, my life tossed upon the waves
My boat was going under to sin’s power I was a slave
My problems were an anchor that began to pull me down
The waves were crashing ’round me and I knew that I would drown
Then Jesus drew me to Him and I took Him by the hand
And through His power He raised me, and I found that I could stand

And I said save me Jesus, my life is almost past
Death water’s all around me and Lord I’m sinking fast
If You can still the water out on the stormy sea
Then surely you can still the storm that’s raging in me…Save Me

I’M GONNA FLY
Karen & Bill Itzel 3/00

For Centuries man has tried to conquer the sky
Building wings they learned how to fly
But no matter how high they rise above the ground
They know what goes up always comes down

I’m gonna fly
Fly up through the heavens
I’m gonna soar
Into the great unknown
And I’ll be free
From the weights that try to hold me down
‘Cause When I hear that trumpet sound
I’m gonna fly

Man may say I’m crazy, an optimistic fool
Their laws don’t fit with my philosophy
But my Father’s the creator of all of space and time
And He’s not bound by man or gravity

Are you ready
For the day when we’ll be called away?
Won’t you come and fly with me?

REACH THE WORLD
Karen & Bill Itzel 2/1/00

His clothes were torn, his shoes were worn
And his hair had not been combed
Still he climbed aboard the church bus
Feeling scared and all alone

But the looks he got confirmed his fears
That he just did not compare
For how could a boy who looked like him
hope to find a God who cared

And he cried
For they failed to show the love of Christ
They claimed to have inside

How can we reach the world for Jesus
When we preach only ourselves
How can we hope to make believers
Of those we’ve doomed to hell
Shouldn’t love and grace and mercy
Be our only creed
If we hope to love like Jesus
And reach a world in need

It seemed all her life, she’d been his wife
But he left her anyway
It was good while it lasted
Was all that he would say
She walked into the nearest church
Looking for a friend
But she never would have guessed that she’d
Be cast away again

And she cried
For they failed to show the love of Christ
They claimed to have inside

Show them love, show them love It’s the message from above

.
THE LAST DAYS
Bill Itzel 3/18/2000

CHORUS
The Last Days (the last days) God has a purpose, God has a plan
To bring to an end the sin of man in the last days

In this Gentile time, in this age of grace God’s calling out people from every race
To be His church, to be His bride To be forever by His side

We have His Spirit, a promise, a seal That in the clouds He’ll be revealed
And call us away in the blink of an eye To live with Him and never die (extra measure)

And we’ll be changed in a moment We’ll be changed incorruptible
We’ll be changed and be rewarded We’ll be changed, we’ll be changed

But after the departure the man of sin’s revealed
He’ll have subjects over all the earth, but we know his fate is sealed
He will win the world’s affections with wonders and with signs
They’ll think he’s their messiah, a savior of mankind
He’ll be eager to form an alliance, a treaty with Israel
That he’ll break a few years later, so history will tell
His kingdom will be Babylon, 10 nations he will lead
He’ll destroy the Holy City, those in Israel forced to flee
He’ll institute his mark, and for you to buy or sell
You must pledge your sworn allegiance, and doom your soul to hell
But there will be a remnant who will not take the mark
And though two-thirds of them will die, they will light revival’s spark
And Israel as a nation will repent and turn to God
And He will hear His people and he will spare their lives
For after all the judgments, and the world is left to burn
On the field of Armageddon, the Savior will return

And there will be peace at the end of the fight
There will be peace when wrong’s turned into right
There will be peace when the earth is made anew
There will be peace When the King comes in view
There will be peace When He wipes away the tears
There will be peace for another thousand years
There will be peace when the lion lays down with the lamb
There will be peace at the feet of the great I Am…in the last days

THIS IS JUST A TEST
Bill and Karen Itzel - 3/18/2000

You’re searching for the answer to life’s greatest mystery
How could a loving God allow such pain
But you’re not the first person down through history
To mistake the sin of man for God’s distain

Don’t think of it as punishment The trials of life are heaven sent

This is just a test I want to make it clear
There’s no real emergency There’s no need to fear
When we’re faced with circumstances that can take away our rest
We have peace in knowing that this is just a test

We glory in tribulation for it produces hope
As we work to build endurance everyday
His strength is made perfect in the weakness of our soul
For when we trust in God we exercise our faith

We must count it all joy Our Father knows what’s best
Trusting in His sovereignty is how we pass this test

FISHING FOR MEN
Karen & Bill Itzel

Throw down your nets and follow Him
Don’t wait another day, find the purpose for your life
And He’ll show you the way
Leave behind your past, and start your life again
Waste no more time on earthly things and start…
fishing for men

They were walking on the shores of Galilee
When they met a man who would change their destiny
A plain and simple life was all that they knew
But He offered them the chance to be one of the chosen few

I was searching with a sense of urgency
When I met the Savior who revealed my destiny
It was decided when the world was just brand new
That forever I would be one of the chosen few

You see a world that’s dying and you hear the Spirit’s call
Giving you direction that’s ecclesiastical
Will you follow His leading, taking up your cross
Giving your service to the one who paid the cost

LET THE RIVER FLOW
Karen Itzel - 3/17/00

Let the river flow Let the river flow
Let the river of Your love run over into my soul
Let my life be complete in purity
And let the river of Your love flow through me

Each day I face the question of how to treat my neighbor
I try so hard to show the love you give
But it’s not always easy to deny human nature
And live the life you’ve called me to live

In every situation I pray for You to lead me
And give the words you’d have me to say
‘Cause the seeds of love are growing as your Spirit moves within me
And I’m compelled to help someone today

PRESENT TENSE FAITH
Bill Itzel 2/20/00

CHORUS
I’ve got a present tense faith
I’m not looking back
Got a life worth livin’
And I know it’s gonna last
Though the devil tries to tempt
I won’t take the bait
I’m not livin’ in the past
I’ve got a present tense faith

The Devil knows all the things I’ve done before
But He doesn’t believe me when I say I’ve closed that door
Old things passed away, all things are new
I’ve changed the way I think and the things I do

The consequences of how I used to act
Have left all the scars of an ungodly past
But the guilt is gone, forgiveness now is mine
And by the grace of God I’m pressing on one day at a time

I’ll press on toward the mark I’ll press on toward the goal
I will run the race upon my knees, I will dedicate my soul
I will burn with passions fire from the very start
And even when I’m weary I’ll press on toward the mark

Unifiediversity
Bill Itzel - 1/21/00

People got the castin’ out fever
‘Till it’s in their own eye
People makin’ Big decisions
As to who to criticize and why
Takin’ aim at the enemy
Who’s sittin’ in the next pew
They won’t be content, ‘till there’s no dissent
from their point of view

I am different than you
and you are different than me
But God put us all together
It’s unifiediversity
There’s one body, but many parts
Different minds, but common hearts
It’s unifiediversity

Some people look on the outside
While God’s concerned with the heart
They see anything new as irreverent
Cause it doesn’t match up with their chart
They think their mission’s important
When really, they’re just splitting hairs
There’ll be no smile on their face, ‘till everyone’s taste
Is just the same as theirs

Just ‘cause someone is different
That doesn’t mean that they’re wrong!

THINGS THAT DON’T MATTER AT ALL
Bill Itzel 1/29/00

I don’t mean to take out my frustration
Or cause a big altercation
But I see a great time dedication
On things that don’t matter at all
Our minds seem fixed on the present
On fads that we find unpleasant
And we condemn them with fervor incessant
But they’re things that don’t matter at all

Why do we major on minors
When the world is full of despair
They won’t care how much we know
If they don’t know how much we care
We sermonize our customs
And deliberately withdraw
To worship our traditions
And things that don’t matter at all

Now, I need to put things in perspective
For the truth we have is objective
And the Word of God is effective
But some things don’t matter at all
So let’s reach out to mankind
With truth that can change their mind
And leave our traditions behind
For they’re things that don’t matter at all

Religiosity - won’t save a soul
Churchianity - won’t make them whole
Tearing others down will take its toll
But showing the love that Jesus showed
That should be our goal

June 17th, 2006

2 Natures

TRUTH IS THE WAY
w/m Karen and Bill Itzel

I don’t want to let the world deceive me
I want to live my life in truth
I don’t want to seek earthly wisdom
I know the answers come from you

If there’s ever gonna be a change in me
I must search your word to see
the truth

CHORUS
Truth is the way that will lead us into freedom
Truth is the way that will lead us into life
I’ve found the key to a peace that’s everlasting
You have opened my blind eyes
and given me heavenly sight

I believe that there’s an answer
To my life’s pursuit
It’s not in vain philosophy
but in Godly absolutes

As I press on to maturity
There’ll be more of You and less of me
with truth

CHORUS

Though the world may offer answers to me
I want faith that goes beyond my years
I will seek the depths of God’s own wisdom
and be found faithful when my Lord appears

CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS

I’VE GOT NOTHIN’ TO SAY TO YOU
w/m Bill Itzel

You tempted me with treasures
You said you knew the way
You gave me earthly pleasures
and there I thought I’d stay
But now, my eyes are opened
I can see your pack of lies
I’m following my Savior
There’ll be no compromise

Devil, you can’t have me
I’ve been bought with a price
I’m free now from your clutches
and I won’t heed your advice

CHORUS
I’ve got nothin’ to say to you
This heart is no longer true…to you
I’ve made up my mind
There’s no more wasting my time
I’ve got nothin’ to say to you

The happiness I felt so long
inside your world of sin
was all just an illusion
There was no joy within
Then my Savior beckoned
and drew me to Himself
He showed me what true livin’ is
and saved my soul from hell

Devil, you can’t have me
I’ve been bought with a price
I’m free now from your clutches
and I won’t heed your advice

CHORUS

Devil, you can’t have me
I’ve been bought with a price
I’m free now from your clutches
and I won’t heed your advice

.

INVINCIBLE
w/m Bill & Karen Itzel

As we face the enemy day by day
We can stop his arrows with the shield of faith
and the armor of truth and righteousness
protects us on our chosen quest

CHORUS
We’re invincible, we cannot be denied
We’re invincible, cause God is on our side
Devil, hit us with your best shot
just try and knock us down
Our power comes from Jesus
and we wear a victor’s crown
We’re invincible

It’s a spirit war, but the fight is real
and our battle plans have been revealed
We will follow orders ‘till the end
Our Lord’s honor to defend

CHORUS

Our mission’s not impossible
for we have overcome
By faith we stand on principle
and by grace the victory’s won

CHORUS
CHORUS
We’re Invincible
We’re invincible

TWO NATURES
w/m Bill Itzel

I seek to follow light of day
and hold the dark within at bay
The good I have received restricts
as Spirit from within convicts
But once again, my soul relents
and evil thoughts to me presents
The struggle ‘tween the two ensues
as mere temptation lights the fuse
exploding, now a raging fire
but is this really my desire?
So just in time I start to think
and thus, I’m rescued from the brink…

CHORUS
There is no good in side me, that is, in my flesh
For the good I wish to do, I do not do
The law of my body wages war with my mind
Oh, who will set me free? Only You
Lord, You saved me from the bondage of sin
and You gave me the power within
to resist the pull of evil
and be pleasing in Your sight
Lord, help me do what’s right
with temptation I still fight

I’ve chosen now to do what’s right
and put an end to inner fight
So good has won and evil’s ash
‘till next time when two natures clash

CHORUS
CHORUS

Lord, Help me do what’s right
I seek to follow light of day
And hold the dark within at bay
So good has won and evil’s ash
‘till next time when two natures clash

ROLL CALL OF FAITH
w/m Bill and Karen Itzel

I want to be like Daniel
With a faith that could face the lion’s den
I want to be like David
With a humble heart when I know I’ve sinned
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego
Who had faith though fire was all around
I want to sing like Paul and Silas
When God’s power rocked the jailhouse down

CHORUS
I want to stand up and be counted
with the faithful heroes of old
I want the people around me to notice
that I’m not afraid to be bold
I want the world to see there’s a difference
in the things I do and say
and when I stand before my Savior
I want to be in the roll call of faith

I want to be like Noah
Who did God’s will when others jeered
I want to be like Joshua
Who believed in God when others feared
I want to be like Abraham
and offer all I have to bear
I want to please the Lord like Enoch
and be caught up to meet Him in the air

CHORUS

I want to be like Gideon
Out numbered in the fight
but attacked the camp of Midian
and had victory that night
am I a dedicated man
so much when duty calls
that I will join the fight of faith
and I will storm the walls?

CHORUS

JESUS IS STANDING
w - Bobby Ayres, m - Karen Itzel

God’s Spirit is moving in the world among men
Bringing conviction to hearts out in sin
So if you are hurting from all that you’ve been
It’s time to hear Jesus, He’s calling you in

CHORUS
Jesus is standing, Jesus is knocking
Jesus is calling, so why do you wait
He’s been there before, won’t you open the door
and let Him come in before it’s too late

Jesus has finished His work on the cross
He wants to forgive you and save you from loss
Everyone’s waiting for you to believe
Our prayers would be answered, if you’d just receive

CHORUS

Jesus is calling, just trust Him today
Then you can know that you’re on the right way
He suffered for you, enduring the shame
So you need not worry, nor carry the blame

CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
w/m Bill & Karen Itzel

He came home from workin’
all day with his hands
His back was so weary
from workin’ the land
But a light in the window
was leading him right
to his haven of rest
and the love of his life

But the light that she placed there
would just symbolize
the truth that he found
when he looked in her eyes

CHORUS
There’s no place like home
There’s no place like home
Though there’s work to be done
till the setting of sun
It will be worth it all
‘cause there’s no place like home

The field is now ready
but the workers are few
The labor is tiring
and there’s more work to do
But the light of His Spirit
is compelling us on
to a prize that’s awaiting
when a new day will dawn

And though we believe
we just can’t visualize
the peace that we’ll find
when we look in His eyes

CHORUS 2
There’s no place like home
There’s no place like home
Though there’s work to be done
till the return of the Son
It will be worth it all
‘cause there’s no place like home

.
THE PRAYER (LIGHT OF MY LIFE)
w/m Karen Itzel

Are you there?
Is there anyone listening to my prayer?
To the prayer of one who’s searching?
Are you there?
Could You be the answer to my prayer?
The prayer of one who’s lost and alone?

I am here
I am the answer to your fears
and the problems that you face
I am the one
who can heal your heartache and give you peace
to fill the empty spaces

CHORUS
Light of my life
I gave my life just to know you (to know me?)
Light of my life
I’ll live my life just to show You
that you are the light of my life

On my knees
I wait for the answer to my pleas
then I hear Your gentle voice
Leading me
to a place of contentment and now I see
There’s a peace that my life has never known

I am here
to open your eyes to the reason
you can face another day
If you have doubts
that cloud all your thoughts and decisions
remember, I’ll show you the way

CHORUS

I gave you life that defies all of man’s explanations
Your love in my life exceeds all of my expectations
Now I believe there’s a God who sees me up in heaven
And I took the time to make a plan for your life that’s forever

THE MIRACLE
w/m Karen Itzel

There’s a miracle in all I see, in the flowers and the trees
And the birds that fly across the sky, and the colors of the leaves
But the thing that most amazes me of all the things that I can see
Is the change You’ve made within my life, You worked a miracle in me

CHORUS
Your grace is amazing, Your love is all I need
Your promises are everlasting, You worked a miracle in me

Through the seasons of my life I see the unfolding of Your plan
How each day is carefully designed by Your ever loving hand
Even when I cannot understand what the future has in store
The times of joy and the times of pain only make me love You more

CHORUS

You’re the answer to the questions that began in ages past
Why are we here? and where will this life lead?
I see the evidence of You in all the ways You touch my life
And through Your word you help me know, what You would have me grow to be

CHORUS
CHORUS just acoustic and drums
CHORUS full orchestration again

You worked a miracle in me
You worked a miracle in me

.
INTERCEDE
w/m Karen Itzel

When you’re all alone and feel that there is no one who cares
And the pressures of your life are more than you can bear
You can call on me and I will be a friend in time of need
I can’t change your situation, but I can intercede

CHORUS
I will intercede for you
When you don’t know how to pray
And you don’t know what to do
I will intercede for you
For my brother or my sister
It’s the least that I can do
I’ll pray for you

You say you don’t know how you can face another day
And I search for some solution, but I don’t know what to say
In this crazy mixed-up world, I will find a place
Where I can intercede for you before the throne of grace

CHORUS

And as I say my prayer today, I know He’ll comfort you
But there will come a day when I will need your prayers to see me through

CHORUS

A LITTLE BIT OF SIN
w/m Bill Itzel

CHORUS
A little bit of sin can ruin your life
A little bit of sin can cause you such strife
A little bit of sin can make you fall
A little bit of sin can ruin it all

We think we’re being sneaky, we think we’re being sly
When we go and tell a little white lie
But I know that good is good and bad is bad
So think of what you’re doin’ before you’ve been had
It’s the pull of sin, don’t give in

CHORUS

A little bit of shells can ruin egg salad
and before you act, you better think about it
Like one bad apple spoils the bunch
One egg shell can ruin my lunch

A little bit of lie makes a statement false
and a little bit of death will stop your pulse
And a little bit of mud can mess up your clothes
Just take it from me…I’m someone who knows
It’s the same with sin, don’t give in

CHORUS

If we’ve sinned just a little we’ve fallen short
And we all deserve the worst
But the gift of God is eternal life
And freedom from the curse

CHORUS 2
A little bit of love can set us free
And a drop of His blood can wash us clean
And a little bit of faith like a mustard seed
Don’t seem like a lot, but it’s all we need

CHORUS 2
CHORUS 2

June 17th, 2006

Praise Soup

I WILL PRAISE AND WORSHIP
w/m Bill Itzel

CHORUS
I will praise and worship, I will praise and worship
I will praise and worship the Lord
In Spirit and in Truth

True worship comes from a heart that is pure
a soul that is humble, and a faith that endures
True worship is not a time or a place
but an awe for the Savior’s marvelous grace

CHORUS

True worship comes when you know you’ve been healed
from a sinful state that the Spirit’s revealed
True worship comes when your soul’s been renewed
and that peace has brought you joy and a heavenly mood

CHORUS

True worship comes when we lift Him up high
and humble ourselves in the presence of God
True worship comes when we serve Him each day
and live our lives transformed every step of the way

GOD KNOWS WHAT’S BEST
w/m - Bill Itzel

When your prayers are not answered how you think they should be
God knows what’s best for you
An when the trying circumstances bring you to your knees
God knows what’s best for you

And when you gaze at the horizon and there’s no land in sight
God knows what’s best for you
And when everything goes wrong, trust the one who’ll make it right
God knows what’s best for you

He knows when you’re strong and can follow on your own
He knows when to carry you through
So if you feel discouraged, lift up your heart with joy
‘Cause God knows what’s best for you

God may be teaching patience by making you endure
God knows what’s best for you
And when you see His work completed, you’ll know what the trials were for
God knows what’s best for you

He knows when you’re strong and can follow on your own
He knows when to carry you through
So if you feel discouraged, lift up your heart with joy
‘Cause God knows what’s best for you

So if your prayers are not answered how you think they should be
God knows what’s best for you
You see, the Lord is omniscient, He sees things you can not see
God knows what’s best for you

He knows when you’re strong and can follow on your own
He knows when to carry you through
So if you feel discouraged, lift up your heart with joy
‘Cause God knows what’s best for you

Where’s the Beef
w/m Bill Itzel

I was just a little boy playing with my toys
When momma said it’s time for us to eat
but I didn’t understand, there was no bottle in her hand
And she said “today, we’re gonna try some meat”

Well, at first I had my doubt, took a bite, and spit it out
I just couldn’t stand that chewy stuff
But with each bite that I tried, something happened deep inside
And from then on in, I couldn’t get enough

We’ve laid the foundation, don’t need regurgitation
No time for hesitation, where’s the beef?
Oh, we’ve gotten used to milk, cause it’s as smooth as silk
But we won’t grow until we get some beef

Well, when I was 21, I thought my learnin’ days were done
till I heard a sermon preached that changed my way
The preacher opened up the Bible and started a revival
that’s been burnin’ in me till this very day

Well, he didn’t preach on hair, or the clothing that we wear
but he talked of pressin’ on unto the goal
And he taught of Jesus’ love and the plan of God above
And how to let the Spirit take control

We’ve laid the foundation, don’t need regurgitation
No time for hesitation, where’s the beef?
Oh, we’ve gotten used to milk, cause it’s as smooth as silk
But we won’t grow until we get some beef

Now I have always heard, the only ones who knew God’s word
were the preachers and the ones who write the books
But every time I’d study, things were clear that once were muddy
and in just a little time, boy, I was hooked

Now I travel ‘cross the land telling those who’ll take a stand
it’s hard to start, I know, I sympathize
But maturity’s our goal and finding rest for our soul
just dig deeper, you’ll be “udderly” surprised

We’ve laid the foundation, don’t need regurgitation
No time for hesitation, where’s the beef?
Oh, we’ve gotten used to milk, cause it’s as smooth as silk
But we won’t grow until we get some beef

SOUL DOCTOR
w/m Bill Itzel

I know you’re hurt and your soul’s not at ease
Your emotions are crumbling and you’re searching for peace
The solutions you’ve tried have just covered the sin
And haven’t met your need from within
You thought those self-help books would cure what ills
You’ve tried therapy sessions and a bottle of pills
But if you want peace, once and for all
I’ll tell you, who you should call…just take it to the…

Soul Doctor, Jesus is the Soul Doctor
Talking about it and passing the blame
Ain’t gonna get rid of the guilt and shame
You don’t have to call a number
Just call on the name of the Soul Doctor

You have your sins and I have mine
But I know His methods work every time
He’ll give you a brand new heart, my friend
And cleanse your life from beginning to end
And if you’re worried about the doctor’s fee
He paid it all so the visits are free
So stop by, see Him anytime you’re led
And you don’t have to call ahead…just take it to the…

It Mattered To This One
w/m Bill Itzel
A man stood by the ocean tossing starfish to the sea
But ten more would wash back up for every one that he’d set free
So I walked up to the old man and said “Don’t waste your time
It really doesn’t matter”, and this was his reply

CHORUS
It mattered to this one as he cast it to the foam
It mattered to this one as he sent the creature home
It mattered to this one when it was left to die
It mattered to this one when I gave it back its life

If you’ve ever tried to witness and have just been brushed away
And you feel you make no difference, just keep pressing on today
And if you feel it doesn’t matter, remember this tale well
There’s still people out there dying and God’s still saving souls from hell

CHORUS 2
It mattered to this one when the word of God was shared
It mattered to this one when my life was spared
It mattered to this one when I was left to die
It mattered to this one when Jesus gave me life

So if you feel discouraged in your service for the Lord
Remember, we just reap the harvest, and we just plant the Word
And God will bring the increase based upon His plan
So if you feel it cannot matter, well, to someone else, it can

CHORUS 2

Trust In The Lord
w/m Bill Itzel

I know you’re weary, and the journey just goes on and on
But the calling is upward to the goal
Forget what lies behind, press on and you will see, my friend
He will give you rest for your weary soul

CHORUS
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
Keep doing what the Spirit says is right
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
Keep walking by faith, not by sight

There is a stone of stumbling that each of us must face
A testing of our faith we all must bear
But if we’re firmly planted upon the true foundation
We can cast aside our worries and our cares

CHORUS

June 15th, 2006

Play By Play

FOOTBALL GAME OF LIFE
w/m Bill Itzel

Life can be like a football game regardless of what you’ve heard
Sometimes, we’re on offence, sometimes in defense of the Word
We all can’t be the quarterback, we’re gifted in different ways
But we all have the power to move the ball and the freedom to call our plays

We’ve got to run (run out and tell the world)
We’ve got to pass (pass the faith along)
The church of God, the bride of Christ
Is healthy and we’re strong
We’ve been given our equipment
We’re ready to take the field
In the game of life, we play to win
And our victory is sealed

Our Chief is a Lion yet gentle as a lamb
He Charges up all the Patriots; He is the great I Am
And though we’re 3rd and long sometimes, I know we’ll win it still
The Saints will fly like Eagles, just take it from this Bill

If you’re standin’ on the sidelines
Wishin’ you could play
Just put your faith in Jesus
And you can be a starter today

This Is My Son
w/m Bill Itzel

What a joy it is to see my little boy’s love for me
I watched him climbing up the stairs and heard him say his first little prayers
And as he grows to be a man I’ll pass along what wisdom I can
And I know with each and every day I’ll be proud enough to say

Chorus
This is my son in whom I’m well pleased
When I look in his eyes, it’s me that I see
He follows my steps, he’s my pride and joy
This is my son, yeah, this is my boy

When Jesus grew to be a man…He began the work His Father planned
And on the banks of Jordan’s tide…Came a scene of Fatherly pride

Chorus

Now you can be God’s son too…He has the greatest love for you
And when you stand before Him on that day, you can hear Him proudly say

Chorus
This is my son in whom I’m well pleased
When I look in his eyes, it’s me that I see
He follows my steps, every mile
This is my son, yeah, this is my child

This is my son, yes, this is my child

June 15th, 2006