Live Fire with Chuck Holton

Make me a captive, Lord,

And then I shall be free;

Force me to render up my sword,

And I shall conqueror be.

I sink in life’s alarms

When by myself I stand;

Imprison me within Thine arms,

And strong shall be my hand.

The oboe is one of my favorite instruments in the orchestra, partly because it looks like some kind of futuristic anti-tank weapon.

Our church has an orchestra that plays special music sometimes on Sunday mornings. I sing in the choir, and usually sit behind the oboe player. On a recent Sunday the orchestra played a beautiful piece while the offering plates were being passed.
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My words like silent raindrops fell

Upon the memorial of my mistakes.

Who am I to speak or yell

When in my putrid manner I look upon the mountain of my offense?

My shadow stood there with its mouth open wide

And came my words upon me now as a mighty river rushing for its prey

“Help me” I yelled, but the raindrops fell into the pitiless tide

Then, in my despair who should I see?

My Lord! My Savior! Jesus Christ is he!

“Oh Lord! Lover of my soul! Save me once more!”

He came and embraced me,

And He nudged me aside

And then I saw my Lord and Savior crushed beneath the tide

“Lord!” I cried, “In this awful sin I can’t abide

You did no wrong, and then for me you died”

“My child” he said with loving eyes

“How can I refuse to help you when you come to me and ask?