We attended church for many, many years...walking in the very thing I am writing about...it almost cost us our lives...today...I cannot do the things I used to do...today...I can bow my heart to the Father...
I Cannot...I Can...
I cannot sit here in this pew
and do the things I used to do
of times sitting idly by
watching those around me die.
I cannot act as if everything is all right
when the fruit clearly shows in our life
spiritual famine, depression, fear and dread
never believing what God's Word says.
I cannot attend service, then go out to eat
laughing and joking, hurrying home to sleep
returning in the evening to more of the same
and doing all this, in Jesus' Name?
I cannot go to a meeting and sign my name
to perform a 'ministry' then go my way
speaking to others in gossip of all the church news
coming back on Wednesday and sit in the pews.
I cannot be in agreement with one more plan
building a bigger and better edifice for man
soft music, soft words, the goal is to please
hearts unrepentant, never bowing their knees.
I cannot be a part of a church purpose-driven
where men's will overrides the Holy Spirit given
for it's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord
oh God, have mercy, Your Spirit is ignored.
I cannot perform in cantatas, musicals and plays
in hopes that the lost will come and be saved
come in to our church, come in, watch and see
now come to the altar and be saved just like me.
I can no longer listen to a Gospel watered down
full of religion, tradition, nor of man's renown
one that makes excuses for bondage and disease
it is getting so easy to speak this with ease.
I cannot join in worship, raising my hands
singing and crying, doing everything I can
to try to reach the Father, "Please touch me I pray"
feeling better, going home, and living my own way.
I can no longer watch the endless parade
emotional altar calls that have become a charade
"God please forgive me, I keep falling into sin"
getting up, dry the tears, then giving in again.
I cannot run to meetings, to this one and that
gold dust, shaking, falling flat on my back
chasing the preacher "Oh please pray for me"
excitement, signs and wonders, come on, let's go see.
I cannot keep from grieving every time that I hear
of bondage and sickness, people walking in fear
churches full of worldliness, programs, divorce
can this be the fruit of man's own stubborn choice?
I cannot speak prophecies that man wants to hear
people holding their idols dear
gossip, rebellion, addiction to drugs
speak sweetly to me sister, just give me a hug.
I can say strongly, we need repentance and tears
Oh God, please forgive us, we have furthered the years
walking in stubbornness, religion and tradition of man
have mercy on Your church, the time is at hand.
I can speak boldly, we need revival now
repentance, holiness, and self wills that bow
for if the righteous of God barely be saved
what hope does the unbeliever have in this day?
I can refuse to keep silent, many will be annoyed
but by lack of knowledge, His people are destroyed
not gold dust, not shaking, not falling on the floor
oh God, we need Your forgiveness, instead, we want more.
I can shout from the rooftops loud and clear
the message of the Lord, so all may hear
it's about the Lord Jesus, and the Father's plan
the life of His Son, given for man.
I can bow my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ
for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life
submission and obedience, humility to learn
laying down those things that make my flesh yearn.
I can wait in His presence, not running ahead
but learning His voice, by His Spirit being led
casting down imaginations, relinquishing my plans
choosing His will over mine, He is God, I am man.
I cannot sit here in this pew
and do the things I used to do
I can be an overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb
the word of my testimony, my will in His hand.
Patti Campbell-Jensvold August 2002